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College Football: Top 10 wide receivers to watch during 2017 spring ball

By Jerran Anderson

Sep 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies receiver Christian Kirk (3) runs after a reception in the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies receiver Christian Kirk (3) runs after a reception in the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 24, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders wide receiver Richie James (3) makes a first quarter touchdown against the Hawaii Warriors at Hawaiian Tel Federal Credit Union Field at Al. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders wide receiver Richie James (3) makes a first quarter touchdown against the Hawaii Warriors at Hawaiian Tel Federal Credit Union Field at Al. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports /

Middle Tennessee State wide receiver Richie James had a strong sophomore showing for the 8-5 Blue Raiders. He ranks second all-time in school history in receptions and receiving yards.

James was a first team All-Conference USA selection after catching 105 passes for 1,625 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns. He also had 38 carries for 339 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.

James was third in the FBS last season in receptions and fourth in receiving yards. He averaged 125.0 receiving yards per game which was also third in the FBS. He caught 16 passes for 223 receiving yards and a touchdown in the team’s 44-43 loss to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.

James was even better in the team’s 77-56 victory over the Florida Atlantic Owls. He had four catches for 120 receiving yards and touchdown and 22 carries for 207 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. James was even voted MVP of the Hawai’i Bowl even though the Blue Raiders lost 52-35. He caught eight passes for 162 receiving yards and a touchdown.

James enters the spring as one of the best playmakers outside of the Power 5 Conferences. He had over 100 receiving yards in 9 of the 13 games in 2016, looking for even more production next season.

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