UTSA 2023 Wide Receivers Preview

In UTSA’s last year in Conference USA, the extraordinary quarterback Frank Harris threw for 4,059 yards with 32 touchdowns. With an amazing group of wide receivers to lead UTSA from crazy catch to crazy catch and back-to-back conference championships, the wide receiving core for UTSA was unstoppable and made scenarios that looked impossible possible. While it was unfortunate for UTSA to lose Zakhari Franklin to Ole Miss, it showed that UTSA is producing some Power 5 wide receivers. No words could possibly describe the electricity that was in the air after a fantastic drive from last year’s offense. 

There is just this unexplainable connection between Frank Harris and these veteran receivers. The play style of these receivers is like when people go into the old NCAA football games and make a create-a-player with 99 overall skill rating in all receiving skills. This group shows the ability to snag the ball on a player or two, break defenders’ ankles and leave them in the dust on miraculous plays for the score.

With the 2023 college football season looming, UTSA once again has an elite group of receivers to terrify all secondaries in the newly joined American Athletic Conference. Get ready to see an indescribable efficient passing game this season. 

Veterans

De’Corian Clark

In the 2022 season, De’Corian Clark’s season came to an abrupt end with a major injury. Harris scrambled out of the pocket for a pass to Clark, who planted his foot to turn up field and pick up a first down. But on the comeback route, a play ran hundreds of times during a season, Clark tore his ACL when running into the sideline during the UAB game, thus ending Clark’s season early. But as soon as Clark could, he started rehab, and has made tremendous strides to try and be able to participate in the first game of the season against the Houston Cougars. But if not cleared for the first game, Clark has made it clear he’ll be there for the rest of the season. Last season he managed to have 51 catches for 741 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns before his injury. 

With the 2023 season approaching, De’Corian Clark has received mass media attention with his big potential coming into this season. He has been named all preseason AAC 1st team, and even has been put onto the watch list for the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. Even some NFL draft buzz has come along with the media attention of Clark being a possible NFL draft pick in the 3rd or 4th round.

This 6 ‘2″ 210 pound receiver isn’t afraid to just put people on a poster when catching the ball among the other ways he can be a big problem for secondaries. With Zahkari Franklin transferring out, it looks like Clark will be the designated #1 receiver for the offense. So there is a bright future for this veteran receiver coming into the 2023 season.

Joshua Cephus 

Josh Cephus is a veteran receiver who means business on the field. This 6 ‘3 receiver who weighs 185 pounds is no joke when he gets his hands on the football. This man will beat a secondary with his speed and his size. In the 2022 season Cephus had 87 catches for 985 receiving yards with 6 touchdowns. Cephus is looking to take on an even bigger role in the offense this season. With Cephus making the All AAC preseason 1st team with De’Corian Clark there is no telling what will happen! 

Tykee Ogle-Kellogg

Tykee Ogle-Kellogg is a criminally underrated receiver in this veteran receiving core UTSA has this upcoming season. In the 2022 season last year he only had 13 catches for 220 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Now that doesn’t sound like a lot, but Tykee is a 6 ‘5 receiver who weighs 210 pounds, and has proven time and time again he has no problem snagging the ball over defensive players and making a play. Look for him to return this season with more of a vengeance on the field and have more of a noted role in this year’s offense.

Rising Talents

Chris Carpenter

Chris Carpenter is a returning receiver from last year’s offensive squad. A very fast and speedy 5’11 receiver who transferred from the University of Colorado to UTSA after the 2021 season. Carpenter ended his 2022 season with only 10 catches for 71 yards, however Carpenter did set a record of having the first ever return TD for 97 yards on special teams on punt return against Texas Southern in all of UTSA history. And having 8 catches for 56 yards in the bowl game against Troy University. Carpenter also has been named Preseason all AAC 3rd Team as special teams returner. There is a lot of potential coming from him into this 2023 season.

New Faces

Willie McCoy

This 6’0 receiver out of Houston, Texas is a speed menace. An incoming JUCO transfer, Willie McCoy has a lot of good qualities coming with him to UTSA, all the while having offers from both Group of 5 and some Power 5 schools. His Kilgore J.C. highlights look like he just punishes any corner or safety that dares to guard him. He will either burn you with his feet or go up on you and snag the ball out of the air. McCoy’s one on one highlights are truly a sight to see. His JUCO highlights bring an interesting question to the table. Like how much will he play? We may have to wait to find that answer come week 1 of the season or just as the season progresses, only time will tell.

Devin McCuin

From the small town of Jacksonville, Texas, this athlete Devin McCuin is an absolute stud. He seems to be an incoming freshman who can do it all! Offense and defense! His film shows him shredding defensive secondaries with his speed and quick agility. Having no problem climbing the ladder to get the ball out the air! McCuin has also taken part in playing a lot of special teams returner. He can play safety like no one’s business. McCuin is the true definition of an athlete coming out of high school football. Would be some great experience he could possibly get by getting some experience on the field as a freshman. It’ll be very interesting to see where he makes more of an impact this 2023 season!

David Amador

Amador stands a bit slighter than most recent wide receiver recruits at UTSA, but his play-making ability outsizes his stature. After his starting quarterback went down with a season-ending injury, Amador moved to quarterback in week one of his senior season and led his team to the state finals. While snaps may be hard to find in UTSA’s crowded wide receiver room, Amador’s ability to get open may prove difficult to keep off the field.

Looking for more UTSA content? Consider supporting us on Patreon to immediately gain access to hundreds of exclusive podcasts, videos, and articles. Click the banner below to view our membership options and associated benefits.