College Football: Wide Receivers Replacing 2018 NFL Draftees

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SEATTLE, WA – NOVEMBER 04: Punt returner Dante Pettis #8 of the Washington Huskies is congratulated by teammates after returning a punt for a touchdown against the Oregon Ducks at Husky Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The return for a touchdown was the ninth in Pettis’ college career, setting an NCAA Division I record. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Washington Huskies – Marquis Spiker

Another freshman will be counted on to replace the production left by a draftee. A product of Murieta Valley High School in California, Marquis Spiker will step right into a starting role as a true freshman. The current San Francisco 49er and former Washington Husky, Dante Pettis, was the leading receiver with 761 yards last year during his senior year so that role must be succeeded by someone.

The 6’3, 190 lb Spiker will have an experienced quarterback in Jake Browning to help him get acclimated to the college game. With a young receiving corps, Spiker’s pure talent and ability to make big plays will be expected to elevate the passing game. With a top-tier offensive line and a senior-laden backfield, Spiker has the opportunity to shine.

Texas A&M Aggies – Jhamon Ausbon

Christian Kirk was a slip on the grass away from taking a punt back to the house in his first NFL touch, showing off why he was taken with the Arizona Cardinals second-round pick. He led the Aggies in receiving last year with 919 yards while the second leading receiver, Damion Ratley, was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round.

Jhamon Ausbon was the third leading receiver on the Texas A&M squad as a freshman and will be the main man in 2018. at 6’2 and 220 lbs, Ausbon hauled in 571 yards and three touchdowns last year. He is a bigger receiver who will be targeted early and often by quarterback Nick Starkel. The SEC is full of talented receivers and Ausbon belongs in the conversation with all of them.

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