By Regan Hunsaker, SUU Athletics
CEDAR CITY, Utah – The Southern Utah Thunderbirds football team is gearing up for kickoff next week, and the wide receiver corps is set to be a significant part of their offense. With a mix of seasoned transfers and promising young talent, the Thunderbird wideouts have the potential to make a strong impact on the field.
Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said
“I am excited about the depth of our wide receiver position group. I believe that we have six receivers who are all capable of making game-winning plays.”
Mark Bails, a senior transfer from Seton Hill University, is a significant addition to the Thunderbirds’ offense this season. Bails brings with him an impressive resume, having recorded 47 receptions for around 927 yards and eight touchdowns last season. His standout performance earned him first-team All-PSAC honors and a spot on the NFL Draft Diamonds small school prospect watchlist. Bails has also been named to the Phil Steele Preseason All-UAC second team, making him a player to watch as he looks to continue his success at Southern Utah.
Shane Carr, from South High School in Bakersfield, California, demonstrated remarkable versatility in his high school career by excelling as a receiver, rusher, and defensive player. He racked up 773 rushing yards with six touchdowns, caught 23 passes for 410 yards and four touchdowns, and even threw for 674 yards and ten touchdowns. His all-around skill set could make him a dynamic playmaker for Southern Utah.
Devin Downing, a redshirt freshman who recently transferred from BYU to Southern Utah University, is set to make an impact with full eligibility this season. Though he did not see action during his time at BYU, Downing brings an impressive high school pedigree from American Fork High School. A three-star recruit by 247Sports, he demonstrated his exceptional talent by recording 103 receptions for 1,787 yards and 23 touchdowns in his senior year, earning a spot on the 2019 Deseret News All-State First Team. Downing was instrumental in leading the Cavemen to the 2019 state championship, following an outstanding junior season where he posted 79 receptions, 1,298 yards, and 15 touchdowns. Averaging 17.0 yards per reception over two varsity seasons, Downing consistently showcased his ability to be a deep threat, recording 106.4 receiving yards per game and totaling 38 touchdowns in two seasons. Now, with his sights set on contributing to the Thunderbirds’ offense, Downing is poised to bring his high school success to the college level.
Zach Mitchell returns to the Thunderbirds after a promising fall 2023 season, where he appeared in nine games, racking up 460 receiving yards and four touchdowns. His consistent performance earned him a nod on the Phil Steele FCS Freshman All-American team. With another year under his belt, Mitchell is expected to take on an even more significant role in the offense, providing reliability and explosiveness as a potential primary target.
Gabe Nunez returns after a fall 2023 season where he appeared in six games, recording 186 receiving yards on ten catches with one touchdown. Nunez showed flashes of his potential and will look to build on that in the upcoming season, aiming to become a more prominent figure in the passing game.
Anson Kraut rounds out the group as another returning player who appeared in eight games last season. He recorded 120 yards and one touchdown on eight catches. With another year of experience, Kraut will look to increase his production and contribute more significantly to the Thunderbirds’ aerial attack.
Potential Targets
Two potential new faces are making waves in the wide receiver room as they fight for a spot in the rotation. After a year in Cedar City, Kieran Fry, a junior from Monument, Colorado, is transitioning to the wide receiver position. Despite the challenges of switching positions, Fry has been making significant strides and is pushing hard to earn a spot in the receiver rotation. His dedication and effort could make him a valuable contributor to the Thunderbirds’ passing game this season. Meanwhile, Tyler Feldkamp, a redshirt junior, brings experience and special teams expertise to Southern Utah after transferring from Campbell University. Before his time at Campbell, Feldkamp played for South Dakota State University (SDSU), where he contributed to the FCS National Champion Jackrabbits as a return specialist and receiver. His high-stakes game experience adds valuable depth to the Thunderbirds’ roster.
Freshman
Incoming freshman Jayden Robertson is bringing impressive high school credentials to the Thunderbirds, setting the stage for exciting potential in his college career. Robertson, a standout from Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada, earned 1st Team All-Southern Nevada honors after an electrifying senior season, recording 51 receptions for 994 yards and 13 touchdowns. Robertson’s knack for making big plays could translate well at the college level, positioning him as a potential breakout star for the Thunderbirds this season.
A Dynamic Group
The Southern Utah Thunderbirds’ wide receiver unit is a well-rounded group that may not be as experienced as it was last year but has the potential to be just as explosive. With leaders like Mark Bails and emerging talents like Zach Mitchell, the Thunderbirds’ passing game is expected to be a crucial part of their offensive strategy. As the season unfolds, this group can potentially be one of the most dynamic receiving corps in the conference.
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