2008 Woodie Awards
Falcon receiving corps has an abundance of depth, experience
By: John Lopez
Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: Sports
Boasting the second-ranked passing offense in the Mid-American Conference is a respectable feat for any of its offenses, unless of course you're a member of the Falcons' wide receiving corps. The Falcons are returning 10 of 13 lettermen in pass catching positions, including all four starters at wide receiver.
Quarterback Tyler Sheehan is excited about having so many targets to throw to.
"It's going to be great; we have a nice mix of veterans like Corey Partridge and young guys like Ray Hutson who can all catch balls," Sheehan said.
Sheehan doesn't think there is such a thing as too many options at receiver.
"The fact that we have so many talented receivers is a big advantage for our team, we can substitute receivers every four or five plays, even as often as every two or three plays depending on the routes we run," Sheehan said.
Senior wide receiver Corey Partridge said being a wideout for the Falcons is more than just a job.
"We are a family, it is important for us older receivers take the younger receivers under our wing," he said.
Receivers coach Stephen Bird is glad to see the progress his squad is making, and how close his players are.
"This group is special," Bird said. "Not one young receiver has done so much as a minute late to a meeting. That is a testament to our older guys. It's good that none of the guys see this as just a competition, but as a group of teammates working to make each other better."
Bird was also complementary of receivers Tyrone Pronty and new addition Anthony Turner.
"Tyrone has looked really good through camp. He may be our fastest receiver," Bird said. "Hopefully he can really stretch the field for us and open it up for guys like A.T. [Turner] in the middle."
Turner, a versatile player who has lined up at multiple positions in his three years as a Falcon, has found a home as a wideout during camp.
"I found out at the start of camp that coach wanted to try me out at receiver," Turner said. "I am excited to help the team any way I can."
"A.T. is an asset wherever he is on the field," Partridge said. "When we found out he was going to be a receiver this year we welcomed the addition with open arms."
Returning Falcons caught 330 of 332 passes and 28 of 29 touchdowns last season.
Quarterback Tyler Sheehan is excited about having so many targets to throw to.
"It's going to be great; we have a nice mix of veterans like Corey Partridge and young guys like Ray Hutson who can all catch balls," Sheehan said.
Sheehan doesn't think there is such a thing as too many options at receiver.
"The fact that we have so many talented receivers is a big advantage for our team, we can substitute receivers every four or five plays, even as often as every two or three plays depending on the routes we run," Sheehan said.
Senior wide receiver Corey Partridge said being a wideout for the Falcons is more than just a job.
"We are a family, it is important for us older receivers take the younger receivers under our wing," he said.
Receivers coach Stephen Bird is glad to see the progress his squad is making, and how close his players are.
"This group is special," Bird said. "Not one young receiver has done so much as a minute late to a meeting. That is a testament to our older guys. It's good that none of the guys see this as just a competition, but as a group of teammates working to make each other better."
Bird was also complementary of receivers Tyrone Pronty and new addition Anthony Turner.
"Tyrone has looked really good through camp. He may be our fastest receiver," Bird said. "Hopefully he can really stretch the field for us and open it up for guys like A.T. [Turner] in the middle."
Turner, a versatile player who has lined up at multiple positions in his three years as a Falcon, has found a home as a wideout during camp.
"I found out at the start of camp that coach wanted to try me out at receiver," Turner said. "I am excited to help the team any way I can."
"A.T. is an asset wherever he is on the field," Partridge said. "When we found out he was going to be a receiver this year we welcomed the addition with open arms."
Returning Falcons caught 330 of 332 passes and 28 of 29 touchdowns last season.
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