College Football Predictions: 5 Wide Receivers with Heisman Hopes in 2011

As often, quarterbacks are saturating the preseason Heisman discussion, with Stanford’s Andrew Luck at the top of that list. With LaMichael James, last year’s runner-up, back at Oregon, it’s not going to be an easy year for dark-horse candidates to make their presence felt.

That said, one position that’s not getting the recognition it deserves in the early predictions is wide receiver. In a year that arguably features the most accomplished set of pass catchers in college football history, it’s time to give some love to the wideouts.

Don't believe this season's talent pool will be that deep? All five players on this list have realistic chances to set their school's records for receptions and receiving yards in a season.

Three of them have already done it.

Herein, the five wide receivers with the best chances to dominate in 2011.

5. Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M

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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Jeff Fuller #8 of the Texas A&M Aggies makes a catch over Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State University Tigers during the AT&T Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on January 7, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Chris Gra

Jeff Fuller was one of the keys to the Aggies’ surprise success in 2010, catching 72 passes for 1,066 yards (both school records) and 12 TDs. Imagine what he’ll do now that his QB has some experience.

Converted wideout Ryan Tannehill will be entering his second season as Texas A&M’s starting quarterback next year. Expect Fuller’s senior-year stats to rise accordingly.

Fuller’s biggest obstacle to a huge season might be teammate Cyrus Gray, the All-Big 12 halfback who will be a major focal point for the Aggies’ offense.

4. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Alshon Jeffery #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks against Terrance Parks #4 of the Florida State Seminoles during the 2010 Chick-fil-A Bowl at Georgia Dome on December 31, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty

In a lot of other years, Alshon Jeffery would’ve been the best wide receiver in the SEC in 2010. Now that A.J. Green and Julio Jones are gone to the NFL, Jeffrey will get his chance in the spotlight.

He’s already put up some eye-catching numbers, recording 88 catches for 1,517 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Even with QB Stephen Garcia likely gone, Jeffery should have another huge year in 2011.

Like Fuller, Jeffery faces stiff competition on his own roster, as superlative tailback Marcus Lattimore dominates Steve Spurrier’s playcalling.

3. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

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EL PASO, TX - DECEMBER 30: Wide receiver Michael Floyd #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs the ball past Jared Campbell #37 and Sean Spence #31 of the Miami Hurricanes at Sun Bowl on December 30, 2010 in El Paso, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Ge

This entry comes with a significant asterisk, because Floyd is officially on indefinite suspension from the Fighting Irish following a March DUI arrest. However, with the school’s disciplinary office not choosing to suspend Floyd, it’s a reasonable bet that coach Brian Kelly will bring him back for 2011, even if he has to serve a suspension of a few games.

Whenever he does arrive, Floyd will likely return to a starring role in the Irish offense. Even with Notre Dame’s revolving QBs last season, he caught 79 passes for 1,025 yards and 12 TDs.

Any stability under center will be good news for the 6’3” senior-to-be.

2. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

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STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 05: Wide receiver Justin Blackmon #81 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys warms up before the college football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys defe

Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen may be gone to West Virginia, but the offensive stars he nurtured are back in Stillwater. QB Brandon Weeden will still rack up yards through the air, and Justin Blackmon will still catch more than his share of passes.

Blackmon grabbed an eye-popping 111 passes in 2010, accumulating 1,782 yards and 20 TDs. All those figures set school records at a program that’s no stranger to talented wideouts.

If Blackmon can somehow surpass those totals next season, he’ll force himself into Heisman consideration regardless of the Cowboys’ won-lost record.

1. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Ryan Broyles #85 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs after a catch against the Connecticut Huskies during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Pet

If Ryan Broyles were to duplicate his 2009 season next year, he would break every major career receiving record in the Big 12. And 2009 was his second-best season.

Broyles shattered school records with 131 catches for 1,622 yards in 2010 while scoring 14 TDs.

With QB Landry Jones back for another year in Norman, Broyles will be in good shape to rewrite a few more school and conference records. Both he and Jones could wind up as Heisman finalists in 2011.