The receiver position has faced a lot of adversity since last season.
D’Juan Woods graduated.
Anthony Parks transferred.
Artrell Woods broke his back in a freak weightlifting accident.
Ricky Price moved to safety.
It seemed as though the Cowboy receiver group would lose some steam from last season. The players, however, seem to think differently.
“I feel like our guys have been real disciplined,” senior wide receiver Adarius Bowman said. “Our leaders stepped up and kept everybody on track. They brought those freshmen in and let them know what we’re trying to do this season. I can say I feel confident with our team, and we’re ready to play.”
“Those freshman” are Dez Bryant, a highly recruited player out of Lufkin, Texas; Hubert Anyiam; Damien Davis; and Josh Cooper. With the loss of four receivers this offseason, the door is open for anyone to step up and play opposite Bowman.
“It was almost like we had to start all over from the receiving position,” Bowman said. “Dez, Hubert … they’re starting to learn. Jeremy Broadway has stepped up big time. Tommy Devereaux came along. Seth Newton’s showing up. I’m confident with what we got.”
Broadway, a sophomore, has made significant strides in the offseason after sitting out last year with a broken arm. He and Devereaux are expected to get the most playing time other than Bowman in the early part of the year.
Devereaux, a senior from Duncanville, Texas, has struggled with consistency throughout his career but is ready for a breakout year.
Bryant and Anyiam could play early if they can learn the offense. Bryant has continued to impress players and coaches in practice.
“He makes plays every day,” sophomore quarterback Zac Robinson said. “We definitely need that guy on the field.”
Although most of the receivers are new and inexperienced, Bowman returns as a leader and the star of the team. He said his main motivation for this offseason has been to become a better leader.
Last season, he caught 60 passes for 1,181 yards and 12 touchdowns. Bowman is considered a Heisman candidate and could put up even better numbers this year because of a deeper understanding of the offense and better vision as a result of corrective eye surgery.
“This eye surgery has helped me tremendously,” Bowman said. “It’s probably one of the best things I could have done.”
What the Cowboy receivers lack in experience they make up for in talent; and with Bowman leading, anything is possible.
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