Tuesday, August 9, 2011

2011 Wide Receiver Preview

(Editor’s Note: The following is the second of a week-long series of stories taking a look at the Warhawks – position by position – as the team enters training camp this weekend)

Former UW-Whitewater wide receiver Mitch Moore returns to campus to serve as the Warhawks wide reciever's coach.

The 2011 wide receiver corps will be talented and deep. Luke Menzel (sophomore) and Tyler Huber (junior) spent last year in the “regular” rotation of wide outs used. Huber averaged 14.5 yards per catch. Menzel 13.4 yards per catch.

David Leaf was off to a sensation start in 2010 prior to suffering a foot injury that effectively ended the Winona, Minnesota native’s season.

Talk about a start to his senior season. In the three games, Leaf had 10 receptions at 17.1 yards per catch and one touchdown. Leaf recieved a medical redshirt exemption which allows him to return this year as a "fifth-year" senior.

This year's wide receivers roster will feature speed and impressive athleticism.

Aaron Samplawski was moved from cornerback to wide receiver during the season last year. Samplawski is also one of the top kick-return specialists in the WIAC. The senior from Horicon has averaged 24.4 yards per kick return. Heading into his senior season, Samplawski is already the UWW career leader in kickoff returns (64), kickoff return yards (1,611), and the previously mentioned kickoff return average.

This season, the wide recieving corps will include a starter on defense last year.

Zach Howard (sophomore) will return after missing all of last year due to injury.

Cory Robinson (senior), who was in the regular wide receiver rotation in 2009, is also expected to return after choosing not to play in 2010.

Among 2011 wide receiver recruits is a player from Hoover, Alabama and another from Colorado.

Notably missing will be the tandem of Aaron Rusch and Adam Brandes, who ended their careers ranked No. 1 in Warhawk football history in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

As is the case every season – it is time to turn the page.

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