Justin Blackmon vs. Ryan Broyles

by: Dylan Young

There are three schools in the 2011 college football season who are superb at wide receiver: Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Arkansas.

Meet the spectacular wideout corps of the Arkansas Razorbacks. Joe Adams and Cobi Hamilton have blazing speed. Jarius Wright is "Mr. Reliable," with great hands. Then, of course, you've got a physical, precise route-runner, in Greg Childs. The Arkansas Razorbacks just might have the best overall group of receivers. But, the best wideout probably plays for Oklahoma State... or Oklahoma.

If you were watching the 2010 college football awards show on ESPN, you heard,"The winner of the 2010 Fred Belitnikoff Award, for the nation's best receiver is..." followed by, "Justin Blackmon." The 6-1, 215 pound, Ardmore, Okla. native is a beast on the gridiron. All he did during the 2010 season was haul in 111 receptions for 1,782 yards and 20 touchdowns. Through six games this season, he has 53 grabs for 608 yards and 7 touchdowns. He's a nightmare for defensive back – and the boy is fast. He is a better version of Adarius Bowman, but not quite Dez Bryant (...but who is Dez Bryant?). He returns punts as well, and is one of the leaders and faces of the high-octane Oklahoma State offense. Blackmon is just one of those players; you know what he's going to do, but there's nothing you can do about it.

Standing at 5-10, 188 pounds from Norman, Oklahoma is one, Ryan Broyles. The ink that makes his name in the college football record book just got a little darker after last week's performance against the Kansas Jayhawks. Not because of what he did in that single game, but because of what number he passed during that game.  Six games into his senior season, Broyles' career reception total stands at 326. Nobody in NCAA history has caught that many passes, making Broyles the all-time leader in receptions.  That's a very beautiful feather to put in your hat. While his height does not exactly make pro scouts drool, Ryan has other weapons that will.  His heart, speed, agility and the "Tim Tebow-factor" make Broyles a down-right gamer. Last year, he caught 131 balls for 1,622 yards and 14 touchdowns. Nearing the mid-way point of the 2011 campaign, he's hauled in 60 passes for 815 yards and nine touchdowns.  He – like Blackmon – also returns punts, and he – like Blackmon – is on the short list of Biletnikoff Award candidates once again. But, I predict that Broyles will be the one hoisting the award this time around.

Putting Blackmon and Broyles side by side, comparing their bodies, skill–sets and pro potential, they are similar in many ways, and different by a similar measure. With Blackmon, you get that prototypical NFL wideout who is big and physical, and will go up and get you balls and make plays. With Broyles, he could be a slightly bigger version of Wes Welker, whom also happens to make plays. Depending on said team's offensive schemes, and what a franchise may or may not already have, either one could be a great addition.

Don't be surprised when, come April, both Blackmon and Broyles go in the early–to–mid first round.