When you throw the ball as much as Dino Babers and his staff does in the offense that has been implemented, you need receivers to catch the ball. Last year, that was buoyed by a grad transfer, in Amba Etta-Tawo. This year, there is no grad transfer at the position but there are plenty of options of guys who can step up and replace the production of Amba.

Steve Ishmael is back for his senior year, and while he has put up good numbers each year, including 48 catches for 559 yards last season. But he can be better, and he has to be better. Ishmael has shown raw talent. He has shown a nose for the end zone, going for 7 scores in his sophomore year. This year he has to “break out.” He has shown the ability to be better than a 48 catch, 559 yard receiver, and this has to be the year he does it.

Erv Philips is back in the slot after finally finding a position after being a bit of a nomad on the field his first two year playing running back and H-Back, I’m still not sure what that position really was. But last year, full time in the slot, Erv went for more than 800 yards on 90 catches. In talking to him earlier this spring, Erv said 1000 yards is a goal. That seems attainable, as does 100 catches, and if Erv can reach those numbers he will fill in some of the lost production of Etta-Tawo and Brisly Estime who gave the Orange good production out of the slot.

While a bump in production from Ishmael and Philips would help fill the void left by Etta-Tawo, the Orange needs more. Where does it come from? Jamal Custis? The 6 foot-5 inch receiver is entering his redshirt junior year and has caught a total of 5 passes for 22 yards. If he can at least be a red zone threat that would be a huge addition to the offense. Nykeim Johnson? He looks to be the replacement for Estime in the slot opposite Philips. Devin C Butler? He caught 2 passes in his freshman year last year, and seems to be locked in a battle with Custis for the starting outside receiver spot opposite Ishmael. Transfer tight end Ravian Pierce looks like he could be a receiving threat too, but because the Yankees didn’t have a tight end receiving threat last year, it is hard to know how the position will be utilized in this offense.

There are a lot of yards to be had this year with both Amba Etta-Tawo and Brisly Estime leaving, and it will take a team effort to fill that production. But something to remember, the Orange will still throw for somewhere around 4,000-4,300 yards. So somebody has to catch those passes and gain those yards. Last year it was a lot of Amba, this year it might be 3 guys splitting that production.