Meet the Leathernecks receivers

By: Joe Lanane

Posted: 8/27/04

While Western Illinois University football players have come and gone in recent years, one position has continued to hold a level of depth unmatched anywhere else on the field.

The wide receivers and tight ends return at nearly full strength this season with the exception of Terrence Hall, a split end who graduated last year. Despite that, junior flanker Reggie Gray said he expects an even more productive season from himself and his fellow receivers.

"I think we might be even more potent - every year you've got to expect bigger and better things," Gray said. "Whatever it takes."

Leading the cast of returners will be All-American candidates Gray and senior James Norris. Gray and Norris made for an explosive duo a season ago, compiling 1,393 yards and nine touchdowns.

Gray, who recorded eight of the nine trips across the goal line, hopes to reach his goal this season of reaching the 1,000-yard milestone. However, the junior offensive team captain said he hopes for a combined effort from teammates.

"As long as the receiving core can do well and help earn a national championship, I don't care if I get 999 yards," Gray said.

Both he and Norris have also combined to be a force on special teams, the latter specializing in punt returns with his 95-yard return against Eastern Michigan University and Gray delivering a 99-yard kickoff touchdown against the University of Northern Iowa a season ago.

Despite their strong play on kick offs and punts, Gray said his and Norris' concentration lie primarily on catching the football.

"I never really distinguished between the two, both contribute a lot to the team," Gray said, "(We) probably pride ourselves on receiving more because as long as (we) are catching the ball and do what (we're) supposed to do then the offense can hopefully stride."

The depth continues beyond the starting lineup for Western's talented receiving corps with red-shirt freshman Derek Rademaker and sophomore Marco Thomas backing up at their respective positions.

"(Thomas) had a very good first week (at practice) and we think he's continued making excellent progress," Patterson said. "I'm sure he feels that he is good enough to be one of our top three receivers."

Both Rademaker and senior Kendall Gant are expected to see playing time in the reserve role at flanker, with Rademaker showing promise after his IHSA record-breaking performance in high school with 217 catches.

"I'm sure (Rademaker) wants to make a statement as a young player and show how effective he can be in our offense," Patterson said. "And (Gant) has different motivations, any player who has been in a program for a long time would want to finish the right way and give a great effort all the way through."

Senior Jermaine High and sophomore Boomer Moore will share tight end duties, with High being the favorite after starting 10 of his 11 contests last season.

High has been noted as a solid blocker while Moore's receiving numbers as a back- up leaves Patterson with a difficult decision at tight end.