By Southern Pigskin Staff
SouthernPigskin.com

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Southern Pigskin’s ranking of the top five Sun Belt pass catching groups for 2019.

1. Arkansas State — Great talent on the perimeter will help the transition of new quarterback Logan Bonner. Athletic phenom Kirk Merritt returns as the Sun Belt’s lone 1,000-yard receiver from a year ago and is a bonafide number one option. Veteran Omar Bayless has 84 career catches and finished last season with 129 yards against Nevada in the Arizona Bowl. There is also proven production at tight end, where Javonis Isaac scored four touchdowns last fall.

2. Appalachian State — Playmaking wideout Corey Sutton tied for the league lead with ten touchdown catches in 2018, including two in a New Orleans victory over Middle Tennessee. He, Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb are the only players in the nation back after a season with at least 17.5 yards per catch and ten scores. There is impressive depth at both wide receiver and tight end.

3. Louisiana — One of three Sun Belt receivers to reach double figures in touchdown catches, Ja’Marcus Bradley brings balance to the Ragin’ Cajuns’ physical offensive style. He had three scores in Louisiana’s win over South Alabama. Bradley, for his career, already has 100 total receptions. Additionally, Jarrod Jackson showed the ability to stretch the field this past year at 17.1 yards per grab.

4. Troy — Though plenty of talent must be replaced, junior Tray Eafford, 41 career receptions for 604 yards and six touchdowns, appears ready for a go-to role. He should be the new number one. Luke Whittemore had a 100-yard game in a win at Georgia Southern as a true freshman last fall. Expectations are high for 6’3” junior college transfer Khalil McClain, among other newcomers.

5. South Alabama — The versatile Kawaan Baker is one of the most exciting players in the game. Used a variety of different ways and lined up all over the field, Baker averaged nearly 15 yards per catch in 2018, in addition to rushing for nine touchdowns. He, simply put, needs the football in his hands. Minus Jamarius Way, Baker will become even more of a focal point out wide.