WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Aug. 19, 2015)—William & Mary head football coach Jimmye Laycock recently sat down with TribeAthletics.com and discussed the team's wide receivers in the video feature available above or by clicking here.
Be sure to check back this afternoon for a video feature with wide receivers coach Winston October.
Additionally, a written preview discussing the team's wide receivers is available below.
Fans can continue to follow the team as it prepares for the season opener at Lafayette on Sept. 5 by visiting the preseason camp headquarters page.
Season ticket information is available by clicking here, or by calling the Tribe Ticket office at 757-221-3340.
WIDE RECEIVERS After boasting one of the league's top receiving corps last fall, position coach
Winston October enters his second season at W&M seeking to build upon the standard established by last year's group. Although the graduation of two starters – All-American
Tre McBride, a seventh round draft pick by the Tennessee Titans, and
Sean Ballard – poses a challenge, October is confident his group is comprised of multiple players with the talent and drive necessary to keep the unit among the conference's best.
Sophomore standout DeVonte Dedmon (5-10, 185) highlights the group and is poised for a breakout season after a successful rookie campaign that saw him become W&M's first true freshman to start at wideout since Terry Hammons in 1991. A dynamic playmaker, Dedmon averaged 12.5 yards per catch, 13.9 yards per carry and 30.0 yards per kickoff return in 2014. Equipped with all-conference talent, the Williamsburg, Va., native boasts exceptional speed, elusiveness, agility and toughness. A successful spring practice season only served to heighten expectations that Dedmon will be one of the Tribe's top offensive weapons this season.
Lining up opposite of Dedmon will be senior Christian Reeves. A former Virginia Tech transfer and one of the nation's most highly regarded prep players coming out of Eagles Landing Christian Academy in McDonough, Ga., Reeves will look to maximize his abilities this fall. Having appeared in 22 games during the past two seasons, Reeves provides a veteran presence and will be a counted on for his leadership. One of the team's biggest receivers, Reeves (6-4, 215) uses his body well to outmaneuver defenders and demonstrated improved route running and blocking ability during the spring. His hard work during the offseason was apparent during the spring and that commitment should pay dividends during the 2015 season.
Junior Kevin Hart and sophomore Daniel Kuzjak enter preseason camp as the Tribe's top reserves at wideout and could both make a significant impact this season. Although Hart (5-11, 195) was limited by injury last season, he is a versatile receiver who has shown flashes of playmaking ability. In addition to having starting experience, he possesses exceptional hands and has a good understanding of the system. Like Hart, Kuzjak is returning from injury but is expected to make a healthy recovery prior to the start of preseason practice. The Charlottesville, Va., native appeared in six games last season and earned a start in the overtime win at Stony Brook. In addition to being a good route runner, Kuzjak (6-2, 192) has good size and ball skills, which was evident during the 2015 spring game when he totaled three receptions for 101 yards with a 37-yard touchdown catch.
Among a sizable contingent who will add depth to the position are junior Flynn Heald and redshirt freshman Jack Armstrong. Heald (5-11, 180) is an experienced returner who saw action in seven games last season and was a solid contributor on special teams. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa native maximized his opportunities during the spring and improved his blocking and route running. Both physically and mentally tough, he is a high-effort player who knows his assignments. After being a member of the scout team last fall, Armstrong (6-0, 180) took advantage of his increased reps during the spring and emerged as one of the team's top young receivers. The former all-state standout from University High School (Morgantown, W.Va.) boasts good size and ball skills.
