Juaquin Iglesias led the team in receptions and receiving yards in 2007

To call Sam Bradford’s freshman campaign phenomenal would be an understatement. If Bradford is going to produce like numbers in 2008 he’ll have to continue to get consistent play from his receivers. Malcolm Kelly is gone so Juaquin Iglesias now becomes the go to guy. That sounds crazy to say because Iglesias led the team in receptions and receiving yards (68/907) last season but still played in the shadow of Kelly. Here are the other guys who should be playmakers from the receiver spot this season.

Manny Johnson – Seriously, when did his name change from Manuel? Johnson had a career year from the slot position last season catching 31 passes for 448 yards and 4 touchdowns. The talk is that Johnson will move from the slot to the outside where he does have the ability to make plays but the Sooners wouldn’t have a starting receiver over six foot tall. Both Johnson and Iglesias stand at an even 6-0.

Quentin Chaney – Chaney hasn’t yet shown the consistency to be a go to guy yet. Now a senior his shining moment to this point has been heroic performances in back-to-back Fiesta Bowl losses. At 6-5 he is one of the tallest receivers on the team and now he faces his final opportunity to live up to his potential.

Adron Tennell – At 6-4 he provides Bradford with another tall target and he is possibly the best blocking receiver of the group. However, there are rumors that he may redshirt in 2008.

Ryan Broyles – He’ll most definitely play the slot position and was the most impressive player in the spring before suffering an injury.

Brandon Caleb – A medical redshirt allows him to remain a sophomore. His best chance to make an impact this year is from the slot.

Behind these six players is a stable of youngsters including highly touted freshmen Jameel Owens and Dejuan Miller along with redshirt freshmen Cory Wilson and Tyler Stradford. All four of them have the potential to see the field this season but I wouldn’t count on it to happen with any consistency. With Iglesias, Johnson and Cheney all being seniors this year these guys are the future for the Sooners and it does look bright.