Perhaps the word “battles” is a little off. But the term fits with what is going on with the ASU wide receivers. In reality, it’s happening with almost every position on this team. Even the returning long-snapper is being challenged for his job.
But the wide receiver position battle is interesting for two reasons:
First, there are so many of them. (Jaelon Strong, Cameron Smith, Ronald Lewis, Fred Gammage, Ellis Jefferson, Tyler Whiley, Jalen Harvey, Eric Lauderdale–and you could even throw in Kyle Middlebrooks)
Secondly, one wide receiver position is occupied (Jaelon Strong) and unless he gets hurt, he’s not coming off the field. Another “receiver” position is occupied by the Tight Ends. (Kohl, Vear, Martinez) That is of course if a TE/H Back is called for in the formation. Coach Norvell could put in a package with four or five true receivers if he chooses to, but he typically has a TE on every play.
That leaves one wide receiver position and one “slot” receiver position that are unspoken for. For the most part, the slot and wide receivers should be interchangeable and have the same role. The only real subtle difference is that a slot receiver could potentially get handoffs and/or line up in the backfield. That’s why DJ Foster flourished at that position.
So, essentially, there are 8 players battling for two spots. Conceivably the freshmen could redshirt (Harvey and Whiley). But according to coaches, those two are in the mix right now. At the moment, this situation appears to be a good one. Coaches all agree that competition is healthy for any unit and for the entire team. But these are talented receivers who tore it up in high school. At some point, there will be some discontent. (See Rick Smith after last season).
There aren’t enough reps and balls to go around for this group. It’ll be interesting to see who rises to the top and who sticks around versus who decides to go play somewhere else. Right now, nobody is going anywhere, so this is a good problem to have.