Believe it or not, there are actually other receivers on BG’s football team.
With all the records and national recognition senior Freddie Barnes has received this season, it’s easy to overlook the other targets the Falcons have on offense.
But over the past three games, sophomore Adrian Hodges and senior Chris Wright have caught 32 passes for 408 yards.
‘We try to find ways to get [Barnes] the ball regardless of double-coverage,’ said quarterback Tyler Sheehan. ‘But obviously some of those young guys have to step up.’
That duo did just that last Saturday as they had more receptions (13) and yards (172) than Barnes did (10 and 160, respectively) against Ball State in a 31-17 win. And that stat was just fine with Barnes.
‘That’s our offense,’ Barnes said. ‘At any given point, anybody can be open, depending on coverage. Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of attention so that gives our other receivers and tight ends opportunities to make plays.’
On the fourth play of the game, quarterback Tyler Sheehan faked a screen pass to Barnes, which allowed Wright to break open for an 11-yard gain and a first down. The Falcons would later score on the drive.
In the second quarter, Wright grabbed a pass and ran with it for 43 yards – which would be the longest play of the day for BG – helping set up a Jerry Phillips field goal to give the Falcons a 17-0 lead.
It’s the little things like these that make the secondary receivers important, and while they may be overshadowed by Barnes, Wright said that’s the way things have to be sometimes.
‘I do what I do,’ Wright said. ‘Whenever my number is called, I just try to make the play. [Barnes has] earned everything he’s doing.’
Their success is something first-year coach Dave Clawson credited to senior quarterback Tyler Sheehan.
The third-year starter is having a career year, and many of his big numbers have come from players like Wright getting open when Sheehan’s top target is covered.
‘If Freddie’s going to get doubled, we’re not going to force-feed him,’ Clawson said. ‘[Spreading the ball around is] a credit to, No. 1, Tyler that he’s seeing the field.’
‘That’s being a good, experienced quarterback,’ Clawson continued later. ‘And it’s a credit to Adrian and Chris and the other guys to step up and make plays.’
Those two will have to continue making plays this Saturday as Central Michigan comes to town. With the No. 1 defense in the Mid-American Conference, the Chippewas are allowing just 198.7 passing yards and 15.9 points per game.
‘They have a very good defense,’ Wright said. ‘The secondary is pretty good.’
While Wright said he has ultimate respect for everything Barnes has done this season, it was Barnes who paid the better compliment to his fellow receivers.
‘They’re capable of doing just as well I am,’ Barnes said.’
