ASU Football: Wide Receiver Depth Paying Dividends

ASU football has found major success in the passing game, and it’s due in large part to the depth at the wide receiver position.

Seven wide receivers had at least two catches for the Sun Devils in their upset victory over then-No. 15 Michigan State in Week 2. It wasn’t a fluke.

ASU wide receivers coach Charlie Fisher explained that it all starts in practice. He is responsible in getting his guys ready each week, and it is up to the group to be prepared for any situation.

“When I took the job here, the first thing I recognized was the fact that we got an All-American receiver (N’Keal Harry), but we’ve got a lot of other really good receivers,” Fisher said.

Fisher was one of several coaches to join ASU’s staff this offseason. He took the job after Rob Likens was promoted to offensive coordinator.

“We’ve got a lot of depth,” Fisher said. “We’ve got great tradition in this program at the wide receiver position, and it’s our job to uphold that.”

Each week, opponents are zeroed in on Harry. It’s hard to argue why considering how his collegiate career has trended upward and he is projected to be a top draft pick among wideouts in next year’s NFL Draft.

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“We’re moving our guys around and putting them in different spots,” Fisher said. “We gotta keep N’Keal where they can’t find him. It makes it more difficult, and we continue to make our other options available if it’s going to make him more available.”

With this being the case, Harry isn’t going to be available to catch the ball on every single passing play. That is where ASU’s experienced depth has proven to be a huge catalyst.

“It’s extremely important, especially if teams come in with the mindset they’re gonna take me away,” Harry said. “When stuff like that happens, other guys have to be able to step up, and we have enough depth for guys to do that.”

Kyle Williams had an almost quiet 100 yard game against MSU. The junior reeled in seven grabs for 104 yards, impacting the outcome of the game heavily.

“He had a great game,” Fisher said. “Kyle’s just the neatest kid to coach. He’s always focused, always into practice, always ready to go. And we knew we needed to have him involved.”

According to Fisher, the type of defense Michigan State plays led to a great match-up on their safety, and Williams was able to win the battle most of the time.

“I like to be a security blanket and be a dependable guy,” Williams said.

But it isn’t all about the stats. The group of receivers has become intertwined with trust in each other’s ability to make plays when called upon.

“When you got a lot of receivers, they don’t always all get five, six, seven catches, that’s just part of it,” Fisher said. “They know their role. Some of them are going to get a lot more than others. But we always tell them ‘you gotta be trustworthy’.”

Fisher also reminds his group not to get selfish. He expects them all to do their job, and if they do it well, the opportunities will come.

The Sun Devil offense has also picked up the pace this season with Likens at the helm. It creates situations where depth is absolutely necessary throughout the duration of games.

“Guys get tired, guys get gassed, and it’s almost impossible to go every play with Coach Likens’ offense,” ASU wide receiver Ryan Newsome said. “So, you need guys to be ready to go.”

In the end, ASU quarterback Manny Wilkins is the glue for the receiving corps. He must have chemistry with all of his wideouts to move the offense efficiently and effectively.

“It’s just good to be able to have guys like Manny that can trust us,” Newsome said. “Throw us the ball and know we’re gonna go up and get the ball. I’m excited about the depth that we have, and we’re gonna continue to keep the ball rolling.”

Next. ASU Football: No. 23 Sun Devils head to San Diego State. dark

In addition, Brandon Aiyuk, Frank Darby, Ryan Jenkins and Terrell Chatman have all been dependable players for the Sun Devils so far this season. The sky is the limit for an offense with a veteran quarterback and a lot of weapons.

All quotes in this article were obtained firsthand by Devils in Detail unless otherwise noted.

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