BOCA RATON — In hindsight, few could have seen Florida Atlantic’s well-documented issues at wide receiver coming when the Owls’ season ended in November.

Leading receiver Jovon Durante had a year of eligibility remaining. Auburn transfer Kyle Davis had two years left after sitting out last season, while junior college transfer DeSean Holmes would benefit from a full offseason in Boca Raton. FAU also still had John Mitchell, Tavaris Harrison and Willie Wright, all of whom had previously played well when healthy.

How things quickly changed.

Durante declared for the NFL Draft but wasn't selected. Davis entered the NCAA transfer portal in January and signed with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders a month later (he was cut before the season started). Holmes and Adrian Bryant, another JUCO transfer who arrived in January, also entered the portal and both were gone by March.

The problems continued into spring camp. Multiple walk-ons joined the starting lineup as Harrison and Mitchell battled injuries. Only two of FAU's active receivers had double-digit catches for the Owls last year.

• WR1

Tavaris “Pico” Harrison — R-Sr. (6-foot-3, 187 pounds): Harrison looked to be on pace for a breakout season when he recorded 11 catches for 195 yards in the Owls’ first two games last year. Injuries limited him in the middle of Conference USA play and he finished the year with 21 catches and 375 yards. Harrison was limited throughout the spring but is expected to be a full participant in fall camp.

James Brunson — R-Sr. (6-0, 180): Brunson’s online bio mentions he’s related to Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins. FAU coach Lane Kiffin will be thrilled if Brunson can give the Owls even a fraction of what Watkins once did for Clemson. Brunson has three receptions for 11 yards in his FAU career.

• WR2

John Mitchell — R-Jr. (6-4, 220): The time is now for Mitchell, a talented receiver who battled various ailments the past two years. Mitchell had six catches for 66 yards last season and could emerge as a reliable target if he stays healthy.

Brandon Robinson — R-So. (6-4, 200): Size is on Robinson’s side and he was named one of the team’s top walk-ons this spring. The third-year sophomore could open camp with the second-string offense.

OR

Jordan Merrell — R-So. (5-9, 193): Merrell has mostly played slot for the Owls but can alternate between the inside and outside. Merrell was FAU’s most consistent receiver in spring camp and has put himself in position to make his first career catch this season.

• SLOT RECEIVER



Willie Wright — Jr. (5-8, 160): Wright dazzled as a true freshman and led the 2017 Owls in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Defenses kept Wright quiet for most of last year before he was concussed on an illegal hit against rival FIU in November. Wright finished his sophomore season with 46 catches for 474 yards and two touchdowns.

Dante Cousart — R-Sr. (5-10, 170): Cousart was limited in the spring in his return from a broken leg. A former Dwyer High standout, Cousart had two catches in seven games last year and served as the Owls’ starting punt returner.

The big question: Can Wright be a game-changer again? Wright's yards per reception dropped from 11.7 as a freshman to 10.3 last season. Opposing defenses honed in on Wright and learned to stop the repeated flip plays and shovel passes that previously made him so dangerous. Wright returning to form would provide the Owls’ offense with a much-needed jolt, especially if questions about the outside receivers linger throughout the season.

Names to know: Freshman Eyin Cole of Niceville is 6-2, 200 pounds and possess dangerous speed. Cole ran track in high school and finished fourth at the Class 2A state meet in the 110-meter hurdles his junior year. His athleticism and the Owls’ need for playmaking receivers makes him a possible breakout candidate.

Pahokee alum Deante Nelson officially is listed as an athlete, but he played wide receiver for the Blue Devils last year. Glover Cook, who could join the Owls before camp starts, is another freshman who could fight for receiver snaps.

UCF slot receiver Rahsaan Lewis, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis, transferred to FAU in June. FAU also added USF’s Deangelo Antoine as a graduate transfer. Even JUCO walk-on Terique Owens, son of NFL legend Terrell Owens, is a threat to crack the field.

The pressure is on: Harrison and Mitchell. Injuries kept Harrison out of every scrimmage this spring. Mitchell was named co-Spring Game MVP with tight end Harrison Bryant but missed the final scrimmage with an undisclosed injury. FAU needs a breakthrough — and healthy — year from both receivers.

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