 |
 |
|
|
||||
|
With the addition of Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth, while retaining the services of wily veteran Derrick Mason, the buzz around Westminster about the upcoming 2010 receiving corps has never been higher. Though the fever has been heated up by the recent drafting of receiving threats Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta, and David Reed, respectively, it becomes an easy habit to ignore the talent that was already developing on deck. Though progress has been slow, 2008 draft picks Marcus Smith and Justin Harper have definitely shown promise during the past two preseasons, with the upcoming one being a potential breakout for all the hard work both have put in. Smith seemed to surpass Harper in his quest to be a regular member of the rotation last season before a torn ACL sidelined him for the year.  As many who have ventured out to training camp this year, Smith's determination is apparent. With the level of talent on the roster this year, a solid special teams spot is most likely in Smith's future, as opposed to Harper, who possesses the size, speed, and overall athletic ability to blossom into a Brandon Marshall-like dominant threat.  Harper showed flashes of brilliance throughout training camp last year and pulled in an impressive red zone 19-yard touchdown pass to close out the half against the Washington Redskins in the preseason. While his ability is unquestioned, his hands have been, until this year. Harper has noticeably worked extremely hard on his catching ability in the offseason, as shown by leaping catches this year in training camp, sometimes over two and three defenders. If he can stay consistent during training camp, and into the pre-season, Harper could not only find his place on the 53-man roster, but see significant time as a potential red zone threat. -Darien Watkins Writer for Blackbirdnation.com |
|
||||
