UB Football Two a Days Previews: Pass Catchers

While casual fans may see the losses of Joe Licata and three offensive linemen as big blows to the offense, UB also lost their top two receiving threats from last season. Coach Leipold has tried to abate this by infusing JUCO and transfer talent with the existing receivers to form a nice blend of experience and youth.

Projected Starters

WR - Marcus McGill, Sr., 6-1, 230 - It seems like McGill has been around UB forever and last year he made a step forward and contributed in a big way last season (even if Nevada got in a cheap shot). McGill was 3rd on the team in receiving with 50 receptions for 581 yards, behind the departed Matt Weiser and Rob Willoughby. McGill is a between the numbers possession receiver that can absorb a hit (again, looking at you Nevada) and gain solid ground across the middle. With his ability McGill will likely see most of his action from the slot and work on crossing patterns and plays in-between the numbers rather than stretching the sideline. McGill will likely be the top option in the offense this year as the top returning target and will likely be a go-to for Grant Rohach.

WR - Malcolm Robinson, Sr., 6-1, 205 - Robinson will step into McGill’s vacated role as the #2 option in the wide receiver corps and will look to finally break out in his senior season. Robinson only has 10 catches to his name across his last three seasons as a reserve so there isn’t much tape to look at, but what Robinson does have is the speed to take the top end off of a defense. Robinson has also had injury issues throughout his career which has limited his time on the field and is something worth watching as the season progresses. Robinson will likely be one of the outside starters and hopefully develop into a deep threat option along the outside.

WR - Kamathi Holsey, Jr., 6-4, 215 - Holsey is the surprise starter from a crop of incoming JUCO recruits - and he is an exciting prospect. Holsey comes to UB from Independence Community College where he over 1,200 yards receiving in his two years in Kansas. Holsey brings a unique blend of size and speed to stretch the field. One of his standout plays from camp was adjusting to snag a 50-yard bomb from Tyree Jackson over the head of a defender. If Holsey can make an early impact he’ll likely cement his role as a starter throughout the season.

TE - Mason Schreck, Sr., 6-4, 258 - Schreck returns for his senior season and will step into the starting spot left by the recently graduated Matt Weiser. Schreck was named to the Mackey Award watch list for the nation’s top tight end and it’s not hard to see why. He brings great size to the position and it was clear last season the the tight end would play a much bigger role in the passing offense under the Leipold regime than it did under the Quinn regime. Schreck has started 8 games throughout his career but has made appearances in nearly every game available. He also led the Bulls’ tight ends in receiving during his redshirt freshman season. Schreck has had issues with dropping balls in the past and if he is over those look for him to potentially put up numbers better than Matt Weiser did last season as a safety blanket for the Bulls’ new starting QB.

Key Reserves/Names to Watch

Jamarl Eiland, Jr., 5-11, 192 - Like Malcolm Robinson, Eiland is a burner that has the speed to take the top off of defenses. The past few seasons the receiver depth prevented him from seeing much action on the offensive side but was a regular contributor on the Bulls’ special teams unit. Look for Eiland to potentially be a dark horse breakout candidate this season.

KJ Osborn, R-Fr., 6-0, 205 - Another reciever who, according to reports, has been having an outstanding camp is Osborn. Osborn came to UB from the IMG Academy in Florida last season and Coach Leipold has praised his work ethic and the dedication he has to the sport publicly, which is a good sign. Osborn will compete for the third receiver spot with Eiland and Holsey and if his impressions in camp are any indication - he will be seeing plenty of time on the field this season.

Jacob Martinez, Jr., 6-0, 195 - A name that was penciled in as the 3rd starter before an injury has sidelined him indefinitely. It will be a big loss for the receiving corps and special teams if he is lost for the season.

Anthony Johnson, Jr., 6-2, 196 - Another JUCO transfer that has turned heads throughout camp, Johnson has been praised by Mark Gaughan as a “high-end MAC talent”. Johnson is quick and has the size to go over the top of opposing defensive backs to reach the ball in the air. He will also be in the mix for playing time throughout the season.

Mikel DeMonte, Sr., 5-10, 182 - A former walk on that transferred to UB from HVCC DeMonte will likely see reserve duty this season and struggle to make the field unless he contributes on special teams.

Jerin Scroggins, So., 6-0, 185 - Scroggins is the final JUCO transfer that was brought in this season in the wide receiving corps by Coach Leipold. Scroggins comes to UB from Long Beach City College after only 1 season and will compete for a role in the slot behind Marcus McGill.

Chris Spell, Jr., 5-11, 180 - Spell is a walk on that will serve as depth on the scout team this season.

Tyler Mabry, R-Fr., 6-3, 255 - An IMG Academy teammate of fellow redshirt freshman KJ Osborn, Mabry has been pushing for time throughout camp behind Mason Schreck. Mabry has a solid frame and soft hands that can make catches in traffic and bust through would-be tacklers. Mabry has seen time with the 2nd team offense throughout camp and will compete for the 2nd tight end spot.

Kevin Rogers, 6-3, 248 - Rogers will be competing with Mabry for the 2nd tight end role behind Schreck. Rogers played primarily on special teams and as a blocking tight end for the Bulls offense so he is the most experienced on the roster behind Schreck in terms of in-game experience. Look for Rogers to have in an increased role in the pass offense, but he will also be used in blocking situations as well.

Andrew Gray, So., 6-3, 231 - Gray is a transfer from Maryland and a former 3-star recruit he will sit out the season due to NCAA transfer rules

Incoming Freshmen

Antonio Nunn, Fr., 5-11, 190 - A speedy recruit from Florida, Nunn will likely redshirt this season and form a dynamic tandem for the future with Tito Overton.

Tito Overton, Fr., 5-10, 185 - Arguably the most versatile recruit this season, Overton was a 3-star recruit out of Ohio. Overton played as a receiver, ran the ball and returned kicks. Overton will likely redshirt and be a big part of the offense moving forward.

Tyler Ringwood, Fr., 6-2, 211 - A local walk on with good size, Ringwood will likely redshirt this season.

Zac Lefebvre, Fr., 6-6, 245 - Lefebvre is a local product from Victor and looks to be the future at the tight end position. Lefebvre already has the size of Matt Weiser and will be a dangerous target moving forward. He’ll be redshirted.

Jake Molinich, Fr., 6-0, 240 - The brother of current Bull Glynn Molinich, Jake is a walk on that will redshirt this season.