By: Lorenzo J. Reyna

Redzonefrenzy.com (photo courtesy of www.fresnostate.scout.com)

    

    Fresno State needed to be in good hands during this recruiting period, and good hands they may have found with these five wide receivers who officially became Bulldogs this past Wednesday.

    For a university looking to replace four wide receivers due to graduation, the Bulldogs had no other choice but to go deep and prevent themselves from running the wrong route, just in terms of finding the perfect routes to fill the void vacated by the likes of Seyi Ajirotutu, Marlon Moore, Chastin West and Darren Newborne.

    "I think we've really given ourselves a chance to do some different things here because of personnel," head coach Pat Hill said in regards to his class of wide receivers.

    These type of receivers have seem to convince the 14-year head coach that a change could come in offensive philosophy, especially with the departure of last season’s leading rusher Ryan Mathews, who declared for the NFL Draft as a junior during the offseason.

   "Next year and the years to come, our big playmakers are on the perimeter. ... That personnel shift is due largely because of the quarterbacks that we have here. We have guys that can really throw it. We're going through a little bit of a transition right now on offense."

    Here’s a closer look at the five wideouts looking to help provide big plays on the perimeter for Fresno State‘s offense:

    HEIGHT: 6-6

    WEIGHT: 198

    CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Had 55 receptions during his senior year in 2009 for 1,491 yards and 21 touchdowns. Despite two losing efforts from his team, Dean had over 300-yards receiving on two occasions: A 14-catch, 329 yard performance against Mission Bay, then an eight catch, 310 yard performance in a 42-41 loss to Mira Mesa. Dean scored a combined seven touchdowns in both games.

    ZO’S TAKE: Victor Dean, even with two former Cal commits coming over to play at Fresno State, may turn out to be the best receiver of this class when his Bulldog career ends. He has the rare size/speed trait that most coaches and fans, especially at Fresno State, rarely gets a chance to see.

    Dean was clocked in at 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. He’s also shown an ability to make defenders pay when they bite on coverage, by getting into the open field and also by going for the jump ball. Even with two defenders on him, Dean not only has shown to come down with the ball, but also outrun them on his way to the end zone.

    His blocking ability will likely need to improve though, especially for a Bulldog offense who you know will still run the ball. That also means that his strength will need to improve, especially when dealing with press coverage off the line of scrimmage.

    HILL’S TAKE: “Because of his size, Victor is unlike any receiver we’ve had before. He’s an explosive athlete with great speed and leaping ability. He is a weapon that we haven’t had here in my time because of his size and leaping ability.”

    HEIGHT: 5-11

    WEIGHT: 180

    CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: As the starting quarterback for the unbeaten Crusaders, Burse had 27 touchdowns through the air and 26 touchdowns when he took it in himself.

    The versatile athlete accounted for 3,597 total yards of offense, including three games where he rushed for over 200 yards.

    ZO’S TAKE: Burse is the type of player that can be used in a wide variety of ways. With his speed, footwork and change of direction, he has the potential to become another Clifton Smith if the Bulldogs decide to keep him on offense. He’s expressed interest in playing the slot receiver position and lining up at quarterback in the wildcat formation. The real issue with Burse is his size or where they’ll end up putting him.

    HILL’S TAKE: “Isaiah was one of the best all-around players in the state this past season. He’s a physically gifted athlete who can dominate games. He’s the type of athlete who wants the ball in crunch time and the type we need to get the ball in his hands in a variety of ways. He’s a special young man and I believe he will make an impact on our team early in his career.”

    HEIGHT: 5-11

    WEIGHT: 175

    CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Finished the 2009 season with 1,380 combined yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. Used as a running back, wide receiver, cornerback and return man. Best game as a receiver was a four catch, 123 yard and two touchdown performance in a 42-7 rout against Scripps Ranch High.

    ZO’S TAKE: Dunn has excellent route-running skills at wideout and has an ability to break a long run after the catch. He can also make defenders look silly by making them miss with his feet.

    Dunn doesn’t exactly possess the ideal size for a receiver in this Bulldog offense. He also comes off a season where he caught just 22 balls as he was used more as a running back. But he is a very competitive young man and does have room to grow. He could also get a look at special teams too, especially with the departures of Chastin West and Marlon Moore.

    HILL’S TAKE: “He has what I like to call position flexibility. He has a great change of direction and is electrifying when he touches the football.”

    HEIGHT: 6-2

    WEIGHT: 190

    CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Former Cal Commit scored a combined 20 touchdowns for St. Mary’s, including a four touchdown performance in a 66-0 rout against McNair High School. Finished the season with two games of 100-yards receiving or more and scored nine touchdown catches.

    ZO’S TAKE: Harper has great size and can adjust well to passes thrown away from his body. Can also come down with passes where he’s double-teamed. Has the speed to attack the middle of the field and can get deep. He also uses his quick feet to fake out defenders.

    Much like Victor Dean, Dunn is also not much of a downfield blocker on the edge. He also doesn’t possess blazing speed but he does enough to gain separation from defenders. He might also get a chance to return kicks as well.

    HILL’S TAKE: “He’s got all the skills to become a big-time receiver at Fresno State. He’s explosive, a great route runner, and the complete package as a receiver. I believe this young man can become a big part of the legacy of wideouts at Fresno State.”

    HEIGHT: 5-9

    WEIGHT: 170

    CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Began the season with three straight 100-yard receiving games, but had none for the next eight games. Best performance was against Laguna Creek, where all three passes he caught went for touchdowns and 112 yards. Also used as a running back and finished the year with 22 touchdowns.

    ZO’S TAKE: The first commitment Fresno State had for 2010, Saunders is a versatile playmaker with tremendous speed. He has excellent running ability and displays good concentration when catching the ball. His size is the only drawback, but an explosive player who will be in good competition for playing time with the rest of the wide receiver class.

    HILL’S TAKE: “Jalen has the skills to be an excellent receiver in our program. He’s got the speed and toughness we like. He’s a burner with the ball in his hands. He has game-breaking speed.”