By CAYDEN SANDERS
The wide receivers on the Fort Hays State University football team are coming into the season expecting to perform well, with upperclassmen leading the charge.
Al McCray, assistant head coach and receivers coach, is excited about this year’s talent.
“We have a lot of talent that could see some time on the field this season,” said McCray, now in his 15th year with the Tigers. “What we have to do in the position we are in is to find the most consistent in practice leading into the season.”
Senior Trevor Watts is one of the players who will headline the position. The former De Soto High School standout transferred from Washburn University before the 2022 season. Last year, he played in five games, finishing with 14 receptions for 107 yards. In the season opener, Watts had 10 catches for 88 yards and returned three kicks for 64 yards against Northwest Missouri State University. He finished the season with 151 all-purpose yards.
This season, the senior will have to lead the 10 redshirt freshmen and true freshmen.
“Stepping into a leadership role is weird because I used to be the guy that looked up to the older players (and) now I am one,” Watts said
McCray and the Tigers will also rely on Ryan Allen this fall. Coming into his sophomore season, Allen is ready for the challenge.
“Last year, I did not get on the field a lot last season, but I have been working really hard in the weight room, and I can’t wait for the season,” Allen said.
In his freshman campaign, the Highlands Ranch, Colo., native saw the field 10 times and had three catches for 32 yards. In the season finale against Pitt State, Allen had two of those receptions for 24 yards.
This year he looks to increase his production.
“I had an excellent game finish to the season, which became a springboard for me to be ready for the offseason,” he said.
Another receiver the Tigers look to see production from is junior transfer Jayden Horace. He makes the change from Allen University and is excited to play for Fort Hays and in the MIAA.
“When I got recruited, I heard that the MIAA is one of the best leagues in Division II. So when I was offered to come here, I had to commit and see the hype,” Horace said.
Horace, from Tampa, Fla., had 83 receptions for 1,268 yards in his two seasons at DII Allen University, located in Columbia, S.C.
He said his connection with McCray is what brought him to Fort Hays.
“McCray … is my coach. I love playing for him so far,” Horace said. “He has been nothing but a great coach ever since he recruited me to come here and play. Since then, it has carried on the field.”
The Tigers are getting set to finalize the last week of fall camp with a scrimmage at 9 a.m. Saturday at Lewis Field Stadium. The scrimmage is open for fans. FHSU starts the season Aug. 31 on the road against Northeastern State.
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