Nebraska is banking on big jumps from key returning wide receivers

It’s no secret that Nebraska needs more from its wide receivers this season than what it got in a disappointing 2023.

The Huskers added some big names from the transfer portal this offseason in Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor. But the key to the unit could be the development of some familiar returners.

NU wideouts coach Garret McGuire had plenty of praise for his group while on the Huskers Radio Network on Tuesday night. For the receiving corps to make a jump this season, he said Jaylen Lloyd, Malachi Coleman, Alex Bullock, and Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda would be critical components.

McGuire started with Lloyd, the sophomore from Omaha who burst onto the scene with three touchdown catches of 50 yards or more. While the speedster showcased himself as a deep threat, McGuire wants Lloyd to become more than just “a package guy.”

“He’s really dove into the playbook, and I can’t say enough things about how well he’s done with that,” McGuire said. “But then also, he’s tracking the ball at a super-high level right now; he’s making contested catches. He’s got a confidence about him that’s exciting to see.”

Coleman also flashed in his opportunities last year as a true freshman. The former Lincoln East standout missed some time this spring with a shoulder injury. Still, McGuire is already pushing Coleman to separate himself with his unique combo of size, speed, and physicality.

“I want him to carry over the physical presence he had late in the season on that six-game stretch that he finished for us,” McGuire said. “I think that can really take our room to the next step because once you get one guy doing it, then it becomes really, really contagious, and now it’s the culture of your room.”

Bullock might not get the same attention, but he was Nebraska’s most consistent receiver last season. The fourth-year junior led NU’s wideouts in snaps (599) and was second in catches (15) and yards (221). His understanding of the offense has been critical in helping bring his younger teammates along.

“He knows this offense at such a high level, he could practically go run the meeting for me because of how much he’s heard me repeatedly over the last few years,” McGuire said.

Then there’s Garcia-Castaneda, whose season ended before it barely even started due to a knee injury in the opener at Minnesota. McGuire said the fifth-year senior had “attacked his rehab like no other” this offseason and was now back to full speed.

In fact, McGuire said Garcia-Castaneda was up to 198 pounds and clocked running as fast as 22 mph on the team’s GPS testing system.

“He looks great,” McGuire said. “He’s moving really, really well. Another guy we’re going to be able to move all around the field with just how well he knows the offense and the dynamic player he is.”

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More from McGuire on Nebraska’s receivers

***Another returning WR who could be a factor is Janiran Bonner. After playing primarily fullback last season, the former high school wideout is back “home” at receiver.

McGuire said the 6-foot-2, 218-pound sophomore could “dominate in the slot” with his “unbelievably strong hands” and “physical demeanor.” Bonner will still be a hybrid player in NU’s offense.

“With him … we always talk about we’re a positionless offense,” McGuire said. “So you could see him in the backfield, you could see him at 2, you could see him at 1, you could see him in a wide Y wing. He can do a lot of stuff for us in the pass game as well as the run game.”

***Banks has impressed since he arrived on campus as a decorated transfer out of Wake Forest. McGuire said the senior’s talent and leadership would be critical, especially early and late in the season.

“He really is a quarterback’s best friend because of just his frame,” McGuire said. “Then also, where he usually wins is at the top of the route and at the catch point. I think that’s what’s so crucial with him.”

***As for Neyor, McGuire said the physical attributes were obvious for the Texas transfer. But the 6-3, 215-pound senior has also been a relentless student of the game.

“He’s an avatar out there,” McGuire said. “Sometimes you watch him and he’s just so big and so fast, and like Jahmal, has a huge catch frame.”

***McGuire said he was very excited about the potential of his freshman receiver class. In particular, playmaking Florida native Jacory Barney.

“The biggest thing he brings is just the swagger and confidence and mentality that he has,” McGuire said. “He doesn’t care who lines up in front of him; he wants the ball every chance he can get it. He loves football. He’s just got something to him.”

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