Fresno State Athletics
2022 Position Spotlight: Wide Receivers
8/23/2022 5:44:00 PM | Football
WIDE RECEIVERS OUTLOOK
Fresno State has been praised for having one of the most explosive wide receiver corps in the nation.Â
The Bulldogs were already loaded with talent, returning nine, but bolstered the wideout room with four newcomers including a division I transfer. The room is also full of experience with three fifth-years, three seniors and two juniors for a total of eight upperclassmen. Â
After Kirby Moore was promoted to offensive coordinator, Pat McCann was brought in to lead the wide receivers and serve as the pass game coordinator. McCann joins the Bulldogs. following three seasons at Eastern Washington. He served as the Eagles' wide receivers coach and pass game coordinator. He also served as the interim offensive coordinator to finish the 2021 season.
Who's back: The group has an arsenal of weapons, headlined by the dynamic duo of Jalen Cropper and Josh Kelly.Â
Â
Cropper has collected a lot of preseason recognition going into the 2022 season. He was named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list, Shrine Bowl 1000, earned Preseason All-Mountain West honors and was tabbed a fourth team preseason All-American by Athlon Sports.
Â
He finished the 2021 season as the Bulldogs' leading receiver with 85 receptions for 899 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also added 76 yards rushing and two additional touchdowns on 19 carries. In 2021, Cropper ranked No. 16 in receiving touchdowns, No. 18 in receptions per game, No. 37 in total touchdowns, No. 50 in receiving yards and No. 56 in receiving yards per game in the FBS. He was named an All-MW second team honoree.Â
Â
Kelly was a 2021 All-MW honorable mention selection. He led the team with three 100-yard receiving performances with three. Kelly was the team's second-leading receiver with 52 catches for 778 yards, had three touchdowns and averaged 59.8 yards receiving per game. The Central Valley native has become known for his highlight-reel grabs and ability to win jump balls for his quarterback.Â
Â
The star-studded list continues with Erik Brooks, Zane Pope and Ty Jones who saw action in all 13 games last season.Â
Â
Mac Dalena, Jordan Brown and Emoryie Edwards, who are prominent and impactful members of the special teams unit, also return as targets for the 'Dogs.Â
Â
Isaiah Batton is the final returnee for the group, coming off a redshirt season in 2021.Â
Â
Who's new: Nikko Remigio is an exciting addition to the wideout room after spending the past four years at Cal. He earned third team PAC-12 honors last season as a kick returner. He ranked second in the condrence and 12th nationally in kickoff return. He averaged 29.7 yards per return for the Golden Bears.Â
Â
Remigio looks like he'll be the spark that the Bulldogs' special teams needs as the primary kickoff and punt returner.Â
Â
The 'Dogs add three true freshmen in Jalen Moss, Nathan Acevedo and Joshua Johnson.Â
Â
Moss is the highest-rated recruit in the Class of 2022 and the highest-ranked wide receiver the program has snagged since Jalen Cropper in 2019. Moss chose Fresno State over offers from Oregon, Arizona State and Nebraska. The newcomer has turned heads at fall camp and could be on pace to make an immediate impact.Â
Â
Acevedo was another big grab for the Bulldogs. He was a California Top 100 recruit and declined multiple offers from multiple Mountain West schools to play in Fresno. He looks to have a bright future at Fresno State.Â
Â
Johnson rounds out the young talent in the room. The Gardenia, Calif. native led Warren High School to a San Gabriel League title in 2021.
Â
What to watch: With a room full of talent, keep an eye on the depth chart.Â
"Fresno State Athletics - For The V: The Central Valley" - Bulldog student-athletes, coaches, and staff proudly wear the "Green V" to show their pride in representing the Central Valley. Stories of why the Bulldogs play for the "Green V" will be shared throughout the next year with #ForTheV. To become a Bulldog Foundation member or join "The Green V Society," please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
Â
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateFB
Instagram:Â Fresno_State_Football
Facebook:Â FresnoStateFootball
Â
