Mar 20, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Frank Bartley IV (24) shoots a jump shot over Oregon Ducks forward Mike Moser (0) during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
The offseason of college football gives us as fans a chance to be idealistic and think big picture before the season kicks in.
We don’t have actual football to dissect, and so we ask ourselves and other fans questions to keep us entertained.
What is the unknown this year on offense? Our receiving core. The group has high hopes at best, and is unproven at worst.
Why not throw in another incredible athlete to the picture – one who had 800+ yards receiving his senior year of high school? Yes, Frank “The Tank” Bartley IV.
Why not throw in another incredible athlete to the picture – one who had 800+ yards receiving his senior year of high school?
This isn’t unprecedented. Ask Anson Winder about his prep school pal Johnathan Loyd and what he’s doing at Oregon this year.
The four-year starter is using a loophole in NCAA rules that permits players a fifth year of eligibility in a different sport, and joined the Ducks as a slot receiver this Spring.
Coaches and teammates of Loyd have been impressed with his skills and believe he will help the team this fall in Eugene.
Now Loyd is a smaller guy, and will be playing the slot. Bartley is not small. In fact, he comes in with about the same size and measurables as senior Ross Apo (Bartley listed at 6’3”, 200 and Apo at 6’3”, 207).
Oh, and he’s an athletic freak who jumped over Eric Mika in a dunk contest (see this video).
Why not get him out there for fall camp, get the ball in his hands, and see what he can do in space? Worst-case scenario, he provides depth to a group that was plagued by injury last year.
Geoff Martzen, I know you can make this happen. Who agrees with me?