Rivals C-USA Rankings: Wide Receivers

We continue our take on breaking down the Conference-USA rankings that were provided by the Rivals publishers, as we now head in the receiving game. We take a look at the wide receivers and tight ends in the league, ranking the top five teams this coming season at the position.

Check out the rankings below, based on the voting.

1. Western Kentucky: It is hard to deny Western Kentucky based on what they have returning. Taywan Taylor leads the way heading into the season with 1,467 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. They also have Nicholas Norris, who averaged close to 70 yards per game as well. Those will be the top two targets for the Hilltoppers but in a pass-happy offense, several others can step up in the offense and make a name for themselves.

2. Middle Tennessee State: The Blue Raiders weren’t far behind WKU, as they return several targets as well and with an experienced quarterback, they certainly could find themselves near the top of the league once again. MTSU is led by Richie James, who recorded 1,346 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, while Terry Pettis also had over 600 yards receiving last season. They did lose Ed Batties, their second 1,000 yard receiver last season but with an experience group, players should step up.

3. Louisiana Tech: Trent Taylor was the story for the Bulldogs last season with over 1,200 yards receiving and 99 receptions. The second most receptions came from Paul Turner, who is now gone. Junior wide receiver Carlos Henderson is an explosive playmaker, as he averaged 21.5 yards per catch last year. Other sophomores and freshmen should step up as well in an offense that averaged 323 ypg through the air last season.

4. Southern Miss: Nick Mullens should be one of the top quarterbacks in the conference, but he will have to find some new leaders on the outside. Southern Miss lost their top two receivers from last season, but return players like DJ Thompson and Marquise Ricard. They also welcome in Isaiah Jones, who is a 6-foot-4 big-time target.

5. Old Dominion: ODU should be interesting to watch, especially at the receiver position. The Monarchs return their top five receivers from last season, including Zach Pascal, who is a 6-foot-2 prospect that had big games last season. In an offense that only averaged 220ypg through the air last season, they should have more opportunities if they can stay healthy at the quarterback position.