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Temple position analysis: Wide receiver/tight end

The receiver position is among the deepest on the Owls, and tight end Kenny Yeboah has big-play potential.

Top wide receiver Ventell Bryant (1) is back for the Owls.
Top wide receiver Ventell Bryant (1) is back for the Owls.Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer

The receivers group has as much depth as any position on the Temple football team. Coach Geoff Collins has referred to the wideouts as one of the best groups in the country

This might not be hyperbole.

Four of the Owls' top five receivers return from last season, and some young players are ready to compete for snaps.

The veterans

Redshirt junior Ventell Bryant is the Owls' leading returning receiver. He had 54 receptions for 895 yards and four touchdowns last year. Bryant is listed at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, but he said he has added muscle and weighs 208. He is known more as a possession receiver, but insists that he can be a deep threat.

A key will be staying healthy. He missed three games last year because of a shoulder injury and has missed some practice time this preseason, but he vows to be ready for the Sept. 2 opener at Notre Dame.

Redshirt senior Keith Kirkwood (6-3, 200) and senior Adonis Jennings (6-3, 205) are big targets who made several clutch catches last season, none bigger than Kirkwood's 8-yard TD with one second left to give the Owls a 26-25 win over Central Florida. Kirkwood finished with 42 receptions for 648 yards and four touchdowns. Jennings came on strong late in the season, going over the 100-yard receiving mark in two of his final three games.

Redshirt junior Brodrick Yancy was fifth on the team with 24 receptions despite suffering a season-ending injury in the 11th game. Junior Marshall Ellick also provides veteran depth. He had the best statistical performance of the spring game with five receptions for 105 yards and a score.

The young guns

Last season, Isaiah Wright got time at receiver, running back and Wildcat quarterback. He could line up anywhere and figures to get several touches a game. Plus, he is the potential kick returner.

Redshirt freshman Freddie Johnson and sophomore Randle Jones are speedsters, and redshirt freshman Branden Mack (6-5, 180) adds quality depth.

Freshman Jadan Blue has opened some eyes during preseason camp.

Big-play tight end

Redshirt freshman Kenny Yeboah is among the best athletes on the team. Through spring and in training-camp workouts, he has constantly made big plays, although he was slowed by an ankle injury. At 6-foot-5 and 238 pounds, he has the ability to beat teams over the middle or deep.

Yeboah played just one game last season, against Charlotte, before it was decided he would redshirt. The coaches have been most excited about his continued improvement as a blocker, which would get him on the field even more.

Redshirt junior Chris Myarick (Cheltenham) earned a scholarship in the spring and provides plenty of energy, not to mention leadership.. Redshirt sophomore Jake Robinson (Haddonfield) appeared in all 14 games last season, mostly on special teams. Redshirt freshman Steve Petrick is also in the mix.