Defying Expectations: Miles Coleman's Impact on the Field
Unconventional Depth Chart Placement: Coleman & Young Lead the Receiving Corps
An intriguing aspect of Oklahoma State's depth chart for the Y receiver position is the shared top spot between Miles Coleman and Wyatt Young. Both junior receivers, along with quarterback Drew Mestemaker, made the move from North Texas this offseason. Last season, Young was a standout performer for UNT, leading the team with impressive statistics: 70 receptions for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning him a place on The Biletnikoff Award preseason watch list. Coleman, while not as statistically dominant, still contributed significantly with 47 catches for 550 yards and two touchdowns. Given Young's accolades, many anticipated him to be the undisputed top receiver, making the co-listing a notable surprise.
The Narrative Behind the Ranking: A Coach's Perspective
Coach Eric Morris commented on the depth chart, hinting at a deeper story behind the equal billing of Coleman and Young. He acknowledged that while Young’s exceptional performance warranted recognition, Coleman's journey also played a crucial role. Last year, Coleman began the season as a starter for UNT, with Young as his backup. However, an injury forced Coleman to miss two games, during which Young seized the opportunity to shine, amassing 292 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Morris emphasized that there's no animosity between the two friends, and with quarterback Mestemaker's impressive 4,379 passing yards last season, there will be ample opportunities for both receivers to make significant contributions to the team's offense.
Coleman's Unique Skill Set: Leveraging Size to His Advantage
Miles Coleman presents a distinct receiving style compared to Wyatt Young, who has a significant advantage in both height (6 inches taller) and weight (41 pounds heavier). Despite his smaller frame, Coleman has consistently used his stature to his benefit throughout his career. Coach Morris, a former smaller slot receiver in the Big 12, has provided valuable guidance to Coleman, who showed promise in OSU's spring game with five catches for 57 yards. Coleman articulates his strategy, stating that he compensates for his size with superior speed and quickness. He excels at maneuvering past taller defensive backs, utilizing his agility to find open spaces and make crucial plays.
Strategic Rotation and Offensive Firepower: Maximizing Player Potential
With an anticipated near 100-degree temperature at the upcoming Saturday game against Tulsa, Coach Morris highlighted the importance of rotating receivers to maintain an up-tempo offensive pace. He expressed complete trust in both Coleman and Young, emphasizing that their strong personal relationship ensures positive team dynamics. The strategic rotation aims to keep both players fresh and operating at their peak performance. The Cowboys are favored by 13.5 points against Tulsa, with an implied point total of 36, a significant increase from last season's high of 27 points per game. Coleman, exuding confidence, believes the team's offense is boundless, crediting the nation's best quarterback, an elite running back, and a deep, talented receiving corps for their potential success.
