July 22, 2006

The following feature on the wide receivers is the fourth installment of position by position on the Wayne State football program.

Three seniors (Nick Body, Adam Carter and Jake Weingartz) will lead the Wayne State receiving corps in 2006. Body had 67 receptions (second-highest mark in school history) for 809 yards and three touchdowns in 2005 and enters his senior season needing just 37 receptions to equal the school's all-time mark. Joining Body at split end will be senior Adam Carter along with redshirt freshmen Matt Verley and Aaron Higginbottom. Providing depth will be newcomers Travis Campbell and Ed Sanders.

The flanker position is also deep with senior Jake Weingartz, junior college transfer Chris Alsina, Wes Brown and freshman Adrian Dawkins.

"We will get more production out of the position in 2006," stated head coach Paul Winters. "The experience playing in this offense will make a difference for all of our receivers. Nick Body gives us a returning two-time all-conference performer. We need some of the new players to step up and compete with the veterans for playing time. We know that we can count on senior Jake Weingartz's with his toughness and Adam Carter with his versatility to lead this unit."

Wide receiver coach E.J. Henderson gave us his thoughts on each of his players (alphabetically) for the upcoming campaign:

Chris Alsina (Jr., Beaumont, Calif./Beaumont) transferred to Wayne State in January 2006. "Chris is probably our best route runner. He has been working hard in the weight room to get stronger. He was able to pick up our systems in the spring very quickly and we expect him to contribute this fall. Chris is a coachable kid who should be able to help us this fall."

Nick Body (r-Sr., Ortonville, Mich./Our Lady of the Lakes) has 140 career catches for 1,919 yards and 10 touchdowns. "Nick is a very determined player who is exciting to watch. He has the drive to become good from his internal motivation. Nick has a great understanding of the game and competes at all costs."

Wes Brown (Jr., Cincinnati, Ohio/Sycamore) had a career-high four receptions at Grand Valley last year. "Wes has had an unbelievable summer working out. Hopefully this will be a turning point for him in our program. Wes has a lot of potential and we are looking forward to seeing it on the field this year."

Travis Campbell (Fr., Gahanna, Ohio/Westerville North) signed with WSU last February. "Travis is a really great athlete who can play offense or defense at this level. He is a very smart football player and has a great chance to help us this season."

Adam Carter (r-Sr., Southfield, Mich./St. Martin de Porres) has 24 receptions the last two years. "Adam brings leadership to the receiving corps. He knows our offense the best of all the receivers. We are looking for Adam to have a breakout senior season. He also had over a 3.00 the last two semesters."

Adrian Dawkins (Fr., Detroit, Mich./Renaissance) signed with WSU last February. "Adrian is probably the quickest receiver on the squad. He can make you miss in a two-by-two area. A local Detroit player who we expect great things from in the future. He could see action on special teams as a returner."

Aaron Higginbottom (r-Fr., Flint, Mich./Beecher) was redshirted in 2005. "Aaron is the fastest of the receivers on the team. He is working very hard this summer. He is committed to our program and we are looking for great things from him this season. He has the potential to make big plays."

Ed Sanders (Fr., Detroit, Mich./Renaissance) signed with WSU last February. "Ed has flat-out speed which we have lacked here the last few years."

Matt Verley (r-Fr., Grand Rapids, Mich./Ottawa Hills) was redshirted in 2005. "Matt is the strongest receiver we have plus he has good speed. With Matt in our offense it gives us more versatility and options. We are looking for big things from Matt this year."

Jake Weingartz (Sr., Lapeer, Mich./Lapeer East) has 40 career receptions. "Jake, pound-for-pound, is the toughest guy on the team. He has the best hands on the team and is the ultimate team player. Jake will run through a brick wall if we asked him to. He has been named to the GLIAC All-Academic team the last two years in addition to improving his on field performance."