Jaguars rookie WR Cecil Shorts could push to start
by Alfie Crow on Aug 25, 2011 1:01 PM EDT
in Jacksonville Jaguars Camp Battles
Email
Print
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts was one of the stars of training camp. The "Boys of Summer" as some of us used to refer to the wide receivers who looked great in OTA's and mini-camp. With the lockout this year however, there of course was no OTA's or mini-camp, just training camp. There have been many "Boys of Summer" in the past, too many names to count that flamed out once the pads went on and contact was allowed. Not Shorts though, he's looked great when he's been on the field, even in his first preseason game.
Against the Atlanta Falcons, Shorts notched five receptions for 52 yards playing primarily with the first team offense. I wrote earlier in the week and tweeted during the Jaguars game against the Falcons that Shorts very well could be the team's best wide receiver.
Jaguars.com senior writer John Oesher seems to believe that Shorts could be a starter by mid-season. "That he'll be starting by mid-season and by the end of the season, he could be the best receiver on the roster," Oesher wrote in his daily Q&A the O-Zone when asked about his expectations for Shorts. Shorts has been hyped by fans, media, and the front office and has lived up to the billing so far.
If Shorts continues to look as good as his has through the next two preseason games, he very well could start on opening day. Which wide receiver would he supplant is the question, however. Mike Thomas, who's supposed to be the teams number one receiver, to me is still best fit in the slot as opposed to the outside. Jason Hill is a boundary receiver, but he hasn't shown a whole lot in camp or the preseason either. While Shorts looks like he can play on the outside or in the slot, it might behoove the Jaguars offense to start Shorts and Hill outside, with Thomas in the slot.
Shorts will need to continue to shine through the rest of the preseason, however.
92 comments
|
2 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Thats good to hear,
I want to see him get 100 yards in a game, and see what the world says about D3 players now. A D3 rookie starting, he’d probably be in the runfor Offensive rookie of the year.
"thanks for hating"
Agree. Where he’s from means nothing. Hell Jerry Rice came out of Mississippi Valley State and he’s just a hall of famer and holds nearly every receiving record in the NFL.
"Don't worry, don't be afraid, ever, because This is Just a Ride."
"I don't mean to sound bitter, cold or cynical, but I am. So that's how it comes out."
-Bill Hicks
by montanajagsfan on Aug 25, 2011 11:26 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
I am glad to hear about Shorts....
but I did not think Hill was doing that bad. I have not been to any practices, but he seems to be contributing in games. What am I missing that I can look for tonight?
Hill has made some nice catches
Not that many but a lot happens on 3rd downs and 2nd and long.
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Real fans don’t need a reason.
Is it finally time to draft a QB?
by TheTealDeal on Aug 25, 2011 3:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
FALSE CALL
You had me double checkin my tv schedule man! I was like… I thought we played Saturday, got me all excited. DAMNIT MAN!
lol
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
When I got home.....
I broke the news to the wife. She had brats ready to grill and cold beer on ice. we decided we needed a bit more tailgate practice, so we went ahead and ate brats, drank beer, and watched the Skins-Ravens game. I am sure we will be in better shape for Saturday night, and the rest of the season. I expect you to keep practicing too old buddy! We have to have a good effort out of 435 this year!
Totally agree about Shorts and Thomas switching spots.
Well done, Gene.
I like to watch.
by MoveThoseChains on Aug 25, 2011 1:23 PM EDT reply actions
I think Shorts and Hill are the two best WRs on the team.
Mike Thomas is a close third. He should play slot.
??
Right now, Mike Thomas is clearly the best. You’ve got to be kidding yourself
by SexonvilleShaguars on Aug 25, 2011 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Please Stop D riding!!!
Okay fellas, wait. Did i miss anythiing hear. I like Shorts, seen him in 1 preseason game. Read good training camp reports, but too say that the guy is better than Thomas. Stop riding this guys nuts. I agree that Thomas plays better in the slot, but lets not get to over ourselves and think that Shorts is the best reciever on the team. Thomas could very well get 100 balls this year if Garrad can get him the damn ball.
B.MILLS
right now m80 has been the most proven, u cant say shorts and hill are better yet, they havent proved squat in a regular season game,
do they have more potential ? Yes they do, and we will have to wait and see week 1
I disagree to them having more potential too.
Why is Mike Thomas being looked at this way after having an 60+ reception 800 yd first season on a team that is run-first run-second?
And last season we all we’re amped on Mike Thomas who destroyed training camp.. and he didn’t dissapoint.. but now we’re saying he’s garbage with no potential? wtf?
by SexonvilleShaguars on Aug 25, 2011 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
He doesn't have to be garbage
for the other 2 to be better. Maybe they’re both just playing REALLY REALLY Well ?
Come on Jaguars. Make this your year!
I don't really care who starts
As long as they can catch the ball, i’m all in
If he starts
Could he have a legit shot at OROTY? It’s a little early for talk like this, but it would be exciting to have the first guy taking outside round 2 since 2000 get the honors. Not so sure I see any of the QBs getting winning and if we get the production out of him that we hope, he could at least be nominated.
It seems like just yesterday
everyone was saying how Jason Hill wasn’t going to do much…now he and Shorts are better than Mike Thomas. Well, maybe it was two weeks ago, and not yesterday.
How about we let this thing play out and see who the top three or four are.
I think Dillard will have his time in the slot
But Cecil will over-take him by end of season like Oesher says.
They are both very similar guys, and would both do well in the slot.
Cecil is 6’0" and would also do well on the outside, and he could also surpass J Hill if J Hill doesn’t live up to expectations this season.
Mike Thomas going into his 3rd season and 2nd starting season as a receiver, and now he will be our true #1, we should expect big things. He is going to be our Steve Smith (carolina). I think he will be that good as long as our QB can get him the ball.
by SexonvilleShaguars on Aug 25, 2011 1:36 PM EDT reply actions
going into the season
there is no way Dillard has played better than Shorts, Why would he not be the 3rd WR right off the bat?
Can't stand the truth?
are you sure about that?
Jaguars WR Jarett Dillard has regained his speed and explosiveness after two seasons cut short by lower-leg injuries.
“I think he’s faster than ever,” said coordinator Dirk Koetter. “He looks real explosive.”
Dillard has skill. He’s just not a hot topic right now and missed a lot of time in the first two seasons. There is nothing saying Shorts is better, especially after he fumbled that reverse in game 2.
by SexonvilleShaguars on Aug 25, 2011 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Nothing?
Training camp, practice, and preseason must be nothing. And that fumble has nothing to do with his receiving ability
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Aug 25, 2011 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
No way Dillard gets the slot over Shorts....
Dillard will be out there for 4-5 wide sets, and occasionally 3 wide sets. Shorts will get significantly more time on the field than Dillard….
by Gabbert2Shorts on Aug 25, 2011 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
If he did you'd have to get a new Username.
David2Dillard or something like that. :-)
Come on Jaguars. Make this your year!
I think we should wait and see for the first few games before we start moving guys around. But yeah it’s a definite possibility that Hill and Shorts could end up outside with Thomas and Dillard in the slot.
"Don't worry, don't be afraid, ever, because This is Just a Ride."
"I don't mean to sound bitter, cold or cynical, but I am. So that's how it comes out."
-Bill Hicks
by montanajagsfan on Aug 25, 2011 11:28 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Interesting.
So would this be an example of someone who has be declared a non-starter (immediately speaking) at this point earning the spot despite what those in the organization were saying?
"...I'm not trying to act giddy but the guy is a stud.'' - Terry McDonough, Director of Player Personnel, Jacksonville Jaguars
hypothetically speaking
of course
"...I'm not trying to act giddy but the guy is a stud.'' - Terry McDonough, Director of Player Personnel, Jacksonville Jaguars
Seriously ?
I don’t remember the #1 WR being declared by anyone.
Come on Jaguars. Make this your year!
But he has no "experience"!!!!!!
Shouldn’t he sit a year and learn the offense??? If a rookie starts we might only win 4 games!
Fidelis Ad Mortem
by JPQ! on Aug 25, 2011 1:47 PM EDT reply actions 8 recs
If we had more than 1 receiver who has played a full season on our team
Yeah, he might be looked at that way, but we have no veteran receivers.
by SexonvilleShaguars on Aug 25, 2011 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice lol
But there are a bunch of other guys that can catch the ball. Only one guy who throws it. crosses fingers in hopes this doesn’t start another vet vs. rookie debate
I'll bite
Nobody has ever said (well, maybe Brian has) but most of us aren’t saying sit anyone because they’re a rookie. We’re saying sit them until they’re better than the veteran. As opposed to playing them to gain experience even though it could hurt the team.
Come on Jaguars. Make this your year!
I just hope
that David does what he can to end the discussion when he’s playing on Saturday and then Gabbert does what he can to start it back up.
I’m ready for him as soon as he’s ready for the job.
Come on Jaguars. Make this your year!
I actually want
both of them to step up and play lights out. Actually, all 3 of them!
Come on Jaguars. Make this your year!
All Four
Bouman’s not back on the tractor yet!
by Slothful_Lifestyle on Aug 25, 2011 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions
We want him to play badly
if he plays too well, he may not be available the next time we need him. Hopefully we never do.
I feel bad about my joke above now. :-(
Come on Jaguars. Make this your year!
(rolls eyes)
Well, at least it’s not about the QB situation…
Twitter: BLByline Youtube: BLByline
I'm willing to drink the Kool-ade, but I'm hungry for the truth.
(rolls eyes)
Maybe Alfie should put you back on the site roster as Official Troll.
I like to watch.
by MoveThoseChains on Aug 25, 2011 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Suprising.
It’s almost as if Alfie is a media source, reporting a story or something. Rather than spouting opinions as gospel.
"...I'm not trying to act giddy but the guy is a stud.'' - Terry McDonough, Director of Player Personnel, Jacksonville Jaguars
nothing is a lock
but at this point, I think things point toward Hill and Shorts wide and Thomas in the slot. I like.
Section 442, RIP
"You think you know, but you don't know."
if he gets into a fight
Boxer shorts
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Real fans don’t need a reason.
Is it finally time to draft a QB?
by TheTealDeal on Aug 25, 2011 6:47 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
This guy has too things that I love
Great route running and great hands. I could see him starting, he strikes me as the type of player thats gonna rack up yards consistently because he can create space. I think what he is actually able to do comes down to who is the QB.
And Idk what everyone is talking about, I think Hill has looked pretty good in the games… practice is another story.
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Aug 25, 2011 3:12 PM EDT reply actions
Hill is just a guy....
Shorts will start, just a question of when…
by Gabbert2Shorts on Aug 25, 2011 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
"Hill is just a guy"
Jimmy Smith was just a guy when he came to Jacksonville, his first season, showed some flashes, but thats it, then blew up after that and every year after besides 1, he put 1,000 yards(9 seasons), Hill may do the same thing, and blow up huge.
"thanks for hating"
by rhettchrystal on Aug 25, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
or he may...
idk where everyone is down on hill. he’s looked like our best WR
Somehow
they took the leap that if Shorts and Hill became the starters out wide, and Thomas moved to the slot, it must be because he must sucks.
Come on Jaguars. Make this your year!
Yeah, I didn't get it either.
Come on Jaguars. Make this your year!
Yep
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Real fans don’t need a reason.
Is it finally time to draft a QB?
by TheTealDeal on Aug 25, 2011 6:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He dropped a third down pass against NE
That means he stinks right?
Reading my “Football for Idiots” book, I’m pretty sure it’s in Chapter 6
by Atl- Jags Fan on Aug 25, 2011 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Everyone wants an “explosive” offense, right? The Jags have an M-80, C-3, and HBH (Hydrogen Bomb Hill).
C3 is Hungry!!!!
Great hands and Great speed, Great route running….its early but he looks to be very talented…..hopefully he turns into that WR we’ve been waitn on….But Garrard isn’t the QB to feed him or any of our other WRs….Garrad is only good for TEs and Backs not route running WRs…..simple slants and flats to RBs…all day…..he doesnt have the confidence for comeback routes thats y we cant beat anybody deep on DOUBLE MOVES….I Believe Garrard cant see well down field…jus guessing, he does…..
Looking at the bright side
Gene has drafted us (seemingly) two very solid receivers with 4th rounds in the last few drafts. Thomas and Shorts look to have great potential and their very young which is always a good thing to have with a young QB who will taking over the franchise (whenever that is)
"I’m going to punish him. If he hits me, fine, but if I catch him, believe me, I’m going to get the better shot." - Fred Taylor
WR
It’s all about M80 baby ………. And now we got another young phenom in Shorts ……..Sky is the limit now baby ! Go Jags
L F J
As long as Garrard is the starter
I say we keep Mike Thomas outside with Shorts in the slot. With a shorter QB like Garrard it’s hard to throw short passes to shorter receivers over a tall O/D line. Besides, Thomas is a vet with experience outside and he’s faster than Shorts. And Thomas is pretty good running those end-arounds and etc.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Big Cat Country
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley arrested again; now has more NFL arrests than NFL sacks
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
