With the likes of Josh Reed and Michael Clayton gracing the field at Tiger Stadium, the wide receiver position at LSU is storied. Following in those huge footsteps is a daunting task not many men have lived up to over the years. Our core of receivers this year may not equally match those guys individually but collectively they provide nice targets for JaMarcus Russell.

The “ringleader” for this year’s receivers is senior Dwayne Bowe. In 2003, Bowe served as the fourth string receiver behind some guys named Michael Clayton, Devery Henderson, and Skyler Green on the National Championship team. I hope those names rang a few bells to LSU fans. That year of experienced may have helped Bowe become the player he is today. In his sophomore he started in ten games and ranked in the top ten in the Southeastern Conference in receiving touchdowns with five. Last year the Miami native led the Tigers with 41 receptions, 710 yards, and 9 touchdowns. His 9 touchdowns ranked sixth highest in school history and set a school record with a touchdown catch in 7 straight games. To round out his career, Bowe comes into this season 89 catches and over 1,400 yards receiving. His 14 career touchdown catches ranks him ninth on the all-time receivers list. With his 6-3 and 217 pound frame, he shows ideal size and speed to be a receiver at the NFL level.

Next in command for the receivers, with these next two being in no particular order, is junior Early Doucet. After Doucet’s freshman year, he was named to Freshmen All-SEC team by the league’s coaches. It seems since then Doucet has leveled out not really doing too much for the Tigers. He is somewhat out shadowed by Dwayne Bowe but is definitely a contributor to the offense. Last year he started in five games for LSU and finished out with close to 400 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns. He caught a pass in 11 of the 12 games showing he is capable of getting to the ball. This season his role has increased as well as his touches on the ball. He has been used as a flanker by Jimbo Fisher to give him the opportunity to make plays with the ball. He does not have the speed like Skyler Green of last year but he is solid going across the middle to catch the ball. Doucet may be better at the vertical, up the field game but until the coaches choose to explore that option Doucet’s number will be stagnate not showing his true big play capability.

In no order with Early comes Craig Davis. This senior has quietly been a force for the past three years for the Tigers and leads the Tigers this year in catches. Statistically he has not been the most prolific Tiger to play for LSU but his feats have not gone unnoticed. His sophomore year he led the Tigers with 43 catches for 659 yards ranking him eighth in the SEC in catches per game and yards per game. Davis has flown under the radar during his career but would be a steal in the draft. At 6-2, 207 pounds, Davis provides the possibility to bulk up and become a great receiver at the next level. He is a possession receiver, meaning he will make the tough short yardage catches. However, that does not mean he does not have the ability to be vertical for the Tigers even though they are known for their short game.

Other receivers are contributing this year for the Tigers such as freshmen receivers Brandon Lafell, Jared Mitchell, and Chris Mitchell. Tight end Keith Zinger has not been a main target but he also shows the ability to catch the ball for the Tigers. If JaMarcus Russell can get the opportunity to “air-it-out” and go vertical to these receivers, LSU will flourish.

Contact Jonathan @ sportseditor@b-now.com