By Jack Follman, SuperWest Sports
June 17, 2022
This is a group where one program stands out well above the rest of the pack.
Outside of USC’s transfer-rich fleet of pass-catchers—well, also throw in Utah’s tight ends—it’s a weak year for Pac-12 wide receivers and tight ends.
Let’s start trying to make sense of this rebuilding group.
1. USC
The Trojans lost Drake London and a lot at receiver and still have one of the best units in the nation because of the transfer portal and the young, blue-chip talent they have waiting in the wings.Returning Biletnikoff winner and Pitt transfer, Jordan Addison is the highlight here, but the depth is breathtaking and Gary Bryant Jr. is probably the second-best returning WR.
2. Utah
This is all about Utah’s tight end combo. Brant Kuithe and Dalton Kincaid are the nation’s best 1-2 at tight end.They could be one of the best tight end duos in Pac-12 history. The receiver group is a complete unknown though.
3. Stanford
This group is headlined by tight end Benjamin Yurosek who is closer to Kuithe and Kincaid than many might realize since Stanford was so bad last year.They have an underrated group of really big receivers who have been productive in their careers, such as Elijah Higgins and John Humphrey.
4. Washington
The Huskies have a young, but talented group, led by sophomore receivers Jalen McMillan and Rome Odunze, who look like they could break out, and talented tight end Devin Culp who flashed in 2021.
5. Oregon
The Ducks have stacked this group with good recruits, it’s just a matter of them breaking out.Blue-chip recruit Troy Franklin is the top candidate and consistent playmaker Kris Hutson adds proven depth. The tight end group is super young and super skilled, showing what they could do well in 2021.
6. UCLA
Experience and proven Duke transfer Jake Bobo leads a rebuilding group for the Bruins. Veterans Kazmeir Allen and Kam Brown also look like they could be really solid targets.
7. Washington State
De’Zhaun Stribling quietly has become one of the most-productive returning receivers in the conference and could be a consistent, go-to guy for the Cougars.Getting Renard Bell back for another year is huge for them.
8. Arizona
Ihere’s young talent here not to be slept on. UTEP transfer Jacob Cowing had more than 1,000 yards last year in the Mountain West and Jamarye Joiner flashed really well in 2021.
9. Colorado
Baylor grad transfer RJ Snead is the big piece here and they have some nice experience at WR, and tight end Brady Russell is one of the better returning TEs in the conference.
10. Oregon State
The Beavers lack star power here but have veterans such as Tre’shaun Harrison and Tyjon Lindsay who have flashed, and a really good tight end in Luke Musgrave. A solid unit.
11. Arizona State
Graduation and the transfer portal has really changed this group. It’s a complete rebuild, really, in Tempe.
12. Cal
The Bears also lost a ton at receiver and tight end to graduation and new faces will have to step up in 2022.
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