Countdown to Kickoff 29 Days, Wide Receiver Preview

POCATELLO, Idaho- The name Rodrick Rumble became a name everyone knew around the nation last year as he set a school and Big Sky Conference record in receptions with 112. He was named to four different All-American teams as he had nine touchdowns and 1,348 receiving yards.

“Rodrick Rumble carries the flag,” Idaho State coach Mike Kramer said. “He is an every down, every series, every game performer. He is one of the finer players not only in Idaho State history but in the Big Sky Conference and FCS History. He has great size, speed and presence with an ability to elevate. He is an every down threat all the time.”

Quarterback Kevin Yost will also have a handful of receivers who contributed heavily in the 2011 season.  Senior Derek Graves caught 43 passes for 403 yards and two touchdowns last year while junior Luke Austin caught 35 passes for 439 yards. Also expected to vie for a starting position is redshirt junior Cam Richmond. Richmond was injured in the season-opener at Washington State.

“Luke Austin's performance down the stretch last year is an indication that he can be a dominant player in this conference,” Kramer said. “Cam Richmond and Derek Graves are two junior college players who have made the full transition after a year in our program to being a varsity level performer.”

Kramer also added that the wide receiver position is one spot where two or three incoming freshmen could see time on the field.  

“A host of freshmen will play,” Kramer said. We have six full scholarship freshman receivers on deck and at least two or three of those guys will figure into the game plan.”

The incoming freshmen expected to compete for playing are Marcus Reaves, Kai Campbell, Devin Benjamin, Broc Malcolm, Kameron Taylor, Darius Williams and Chase Place.