#7 Devon Wylie (Junior)
Career Stats
2007 - 1 reception for 44 yards, no touchdowns
2008 - 22 receptions for 269 yards, 2 toucdowns
Totals - 23 receptions for 313 yards, two touchdowns
In 2008 Devon Wylie was never able to take off like many had hoped he would. Wylie missed three games towards the middle of the season due to a concussion he received against Wisconsin. Unfortunately the affects from the concussion seemed to hinder Wylie for the remainder of the season. For Bulldog fans the timing of the concussion could not have been worse as Wylie looked ready to take off as a receiving threat. Against Wisconsin Wylie was able to show his tremendous speed when he took a short pass over the middle 47 yards for a touchdown. In that same game Wylie also took a handoff 25 yards downfield. In other words Wylie was beginning to become the type of receiver Fresno State had hoped he would when they recruited him three years ago.
Just as it does for every other receiver on the Bulldogs, 2009 offers a new beginning for Wylie. From what BB.C has seen this summer Wylie looks more than ready to take the field and become a difference make this season. Not only does Wylie continue to burn down the field but he has also added some much needed size to his frame. Hopefully that will allow Wylie to endure the punishing hits that receivers tend to receive from linebackers when traveling across the middle of the field. Wylie will need to step his game up as well in order for this team to be successful. Fresno State has a handful of returning receivers with the type of experience that generally leads to a strong offensive season. Of course that will depend on how the new QB plays for the Dogs and how well the receivers adapt to the new QB.
Devon Wylie is one of the more talented receivers on the Fresno State roster. There is no doubt that if Wylie were a few inches taller many BCS schools would have shown much more interest. With that being said Wylie will be a big part of the offense this season. Wylie’s hands and speed are too good to ignore.
BB.C Player Prediction
Look for Wylie to play a major role in the passing game this season. There is also a chance that we will see Wylie either returning kickoffs or punts. Bulldog fans already know that Wylie has been an integral part of the kickoff coverage team in the past. Hopefully in 2009 the coaching staff will keep Wylie on offense and returning kicks. Regardless BB.C feels Wylie will be a difference maker on offense.
#10 Isaiah Green (Sophomore)
Career Stats
2008 2 total tackles, no sacks, no interceptions
Isaiah Green is a relative unknown to many Barkboard fans. This is predominantly due to the fact that Green has not been on the field often in his short career. In 2008 Green recorded one tackle each against La. Tech and Colorado State. In Spring practices Green took second team reps on defense meaning that there is a good chance that Bulldog fans will get to know Green much better in 2009.
Green came to the Bulldogs as a track athlete who also played football. With excellent speed Green has little trouble accelerating down field. However, defensive route running is much different than sprinting in a straight line down the track. Green has been in the Bulldog football program for two years now. As he enters his third season it is safe to say that Green today knows the game of football much better than he did when he arrived just over two seasons ago. At the same time it never hurts to have someone on defense that has as much speed as Green possesses. With a new corners coach in place Green will have the opportunity to fight for playing time on defense. He will have his work cut out for him as three solid corners sit ahead of him on the depth chart: Damion Owens, A.J. Jefferson, and Desia Dunn.
2009 will be an opportunity for a player such as Green. In 2008 the defense would have had a tough time being any worse. In 2009 improvements will have to be made by the starters. If the corners do not learn to knock the ball down and cover better we will see Green on the field showing what he can do for the team. Of course as Bulldog fans we have to remember that injuries always leave second teamers one play away from starting.
BB.C. Player Prediction
Green will have a chance to play this season. Whether it will be due to bad defense or injury remains to be seen. With Green receiving second team reps in Spring there is a very good chance that we will have the opportunity to see what this former track star has to offer the Bulldogs this season.