Breaking down the class: WR room
As spring practice continues for the Central Michigan football program this month, the team has to be pleased with the returning production from the wide receiver position.
The Chippewas will return their top three wideouts from this past season with Kalil Pimpleton and Dallas Dixon both back for their senior campaigns, while Jacorey Sullivan returns with an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic.
You already know what Pimpleton brings to the table. He's an all-purpose player who can run, catch and even pass the ball on occasion. He's a staple of the offense and getting the ball in his hands is a must. Dixon, a former Northern Michigan transfer from Phoenix, Arizona had a breakout season last year in his first season with CMU. The 6-foot-1 senior had 13 catches for 263 yards and a touchdown, ranking second on the team in receiving. He showed ability to stretch the field and make the tough plays when it mattered most.
Four-year player Jacorey Sullivan will be back this year with the extra season of eligibility, and he will be expected to be a voice of leadership in the locker room. Sullivan had 16 catches for 176 yards last season during the shortened year, and continued to be that strong possession receiver on the outside. His presence should really help this group excel once again.
Drayton Law will also be back with the group this year for his senior season. Law, a 6'4" target from Mobile, Alabama has not had much consistency during his career but has made some really big plays including catching his first career touchdown last season against Western Michigan. He should see the field plenty again this fall.
Freshman class
As for the rookies coming to the program, the Chippewas will add three wide receivers to the bunch, and possibly more with position changes pending.
Tyson Davis, Chris Parker and Clinton Roberson, all from the state of Michigan, will be a part of the wide receiver room this fall.
Davis, a speedster out of Goodrich, is a very underrated recruit coming out of high school. Likely because of his size (5'9", 170) which he more than makes up for in playmaking ability. Davis can play all over the field, and having the chance to learn from Pimpleton will be crucial.
Parker, a 6'3" 190-pound wideout out of Saginaw, is a complete player. He can stretch the field and also make the tough catches over the middle. What makes Parker so good is his vision and ability to settle into holes in the defense.
Roberson, a 6'2" 180-pound athlete from Macomb Dakota will take a greyshirt this season. He is a strong athlete that has helped his team win a lot of games in his high school career. He should get the chance to compete in the coming years and can make an impact on the room.
Other wideouts returning from last year that could make an impact include Mark Patritto, Ben Maleszyk, Alec Ward, Adam Jones, Alec Muck, Kenny Brewer and Javon Gantt.
With the quarterback position in a state of flux, having this type of wide receiver group can really help the offense grow as it finishes up spring practice heading into summer workouts. This group will need to be consistent this fall if the Chippewas want to be successful. Expect big things from this room, and plenty of leadership on and off the field.