There is quite a bit or receiver turnover this season, especially in some of the offenses that like to spread it out and attack through the air. Those offenses aren't going to change, so they'll need to find fresh bodies that can catch the ball this spring and summer. Here is a look at how some of the top passing offenses plan to replace their departed seniors and NFL early entries.
Top Five
Hawaii - Between Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares the Warriors lose 207 catches. Rodney Bradley and Dustin Blount are also gone leaving gapping holes in the depth chart. Royce Pollard is the team's leading returning receiver with 64 catches for 901 yards and seven scores. Pollard is expected to man the right wideout position this fall. Based on experience, he obviously becomes the odds on favorite to lead the Warriors in receiving in 2011. But there are others that could challenge for the spot as well. Namely Darius Bright. Bright garnered a considerable amount of buzz last fall before redshirting. He's a frontrunner to take over the left wideout spot. Billy Ray Stutzmann is one of the few players with game experience and will play both inside and out. Jeremiah Ostrowski -- currently with the basketball team -- is expected to start at right slotback, while Terrence Bell and Allen Sampson will compete for the left slotback spot. Got all that? If not, check out Stephen Tsai's latest column to help sort it out.
Boise State - Titus Young and Austin Pettis formed a nearly unstoppable 1-2 punch for the Broncos the last two seasons and will be tough to replace. Tyler Shoemaker is the favorite to be the Bronco's leading receiver this fall. Kirby Moore -- borther of quarterback Kellen Moore -- redshirted last season, but figures to play a prominent role in 2011. He's the sleeper of the group and based on the comments from offensive coordinator Brent Peasse, he's a name to remember. Geraldo Hiwat is likely the third starter of the group, with Chris Potter a wildcard.
SMU - Aldrick Robinson led the Mustangs in receiving in 2008 and in 2010. Now it will be up to Darius Johnson or Cole Beasley to become the leaders of the receiving unit. Both had over 70 catches and 800 yards receiving last season. Look for those numbers to inflate in 2011.
Texas Tech - Tech's two top receivers in Lyle Leong and Detron Lewis depart. Both had the ability to put up big numbers, but were maddeningly inconsistent. Tech recently released a spring depth chart with Eric Ward (X), Alex Torres (Z), Tramain Swindall (H) and Austin Zouzalik (Y) as the starters. There is no shortage of experience in this group. The question is, is there star power? Torres suffered through nagging injuries last fall and couldn't match his numbers from 2009. Assuming he stays healthy, he should see more balls thrown his way this season. Ward is the least experienced of the group but has the most upside, he was a highly rated recruit in 2009.
East Carolina - Dwayne Harris led the Pirates wide open offense in receptions and receiving yards, but Lance Lewis edged him out in fantasy production with 14 touchdowns. Lewis will obviously still be a focal point. Michael Bowman, Justin Jones and Andrew Bodenheimer round out an experienced receiving crew.
A Few Others
Houston - Half of the Cougars starting receiving corps departs, in James Cleveland and Kierrie Johnson. While Patrick Edwards and Tyron Carrier are the best bets to lead the Cougars in receiving, there are several other candidates that could emerge as well.
Cincinnati - Heading into last season, I thought D.J. Woods was undervalued with most of the attention on Armon Binns. With Binns graduating look for Woods to build on his 57 catch and 898 yard campaign from last year.
USC - USC is loaded with talent at receiver which will ease pain of losing Ronald Johnson. Robert Woods returns after catching 64 passes as a true freshman and is expected to lead the group. If he can get healthy, Kyle Prater will join Woods in the starting rotation. If not they also have youngsters Markeith Ambles, true frosh George Farmer and true frosh Marquise Lee to lean on. This group is young, but full of potential.
Indiana -With Kevin Wilson taking over the controls, the Hoosiers will continue to chuck it. One problem. The Hoosiers lose their starting quarterback along with two of their top receivers in Tandon Doss and Terrance Turner. On the bright side leading receiver Damarlo Belcher returns. I have to imagine that Wilson will be able to find a way to get his 6-foot-5 receiver more than four touchdowns this upcoming season.
Georgia - Quarterback Aaron Murray is a budding star and finding a go-to guy to replace A.J. Green will be a key to his development. Tavarres King is starting to become a hot name again as he grows more comfortable in the Bulldogs' offense. He's poised for a break out year. Marlon Brown was a top recruit from the 2009 class that will also see an expanded role. And don't forget about tight end Orson Charles, he could turn into Murray's favorite target.
Tennessee - Like the Builldogs, the Vols don't have a wide open attack, but they do have a young star in the making at quarterback with Tyler Bray. If he continues to develop Justin Hunter, Da'Rick Rogers and incoming freshman DeAnthony Arnett all have potential for big seasons.
San Diego State - Quarterback Ryan Lindley may have a tough time matching his 3800 yards passing in 2011 with DeMarco Sampson and Vincent Brown no longer around to throw to. The Aztecs may have to lean even more on rising sophomore tailback Ronnie Hillman. Someone still needs to catch passes and Dominique Sandifer and Dylan Denso are two likely starters.