New receivers coach Jay Norvell must get green group up to speed fast

Published May. 31, 2015 5:02 p.m. ET

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Whether the Texas Longhorns start Tyrone Swoopes or Jerrod Heard at quarterback, they'll need reliable targets.

Texas has talent at wide receiver, it's just that few have earned any notches on their playing belts. It's a green group that is now under the leadership of former Oklahoma receivers coach Jay Norvell. When OU coach Bob Stoops made changes to his staff after last season, including letting go of Norvell, Texas coach Charlie Strong quickly scooped him up.

Norvell has a solid track record, although success eluded him last season at Oklahoma once star receiver Sterling Shepard was lost to injury.

Texas' two most experienced receivers are Daje Johnson and Marcus Johnson. Marcus had a poor 2014 season, and to illustrate just how inexperienced the Horns are at the position, Marcus, with 11 career starts, might be the lone receiver guaranteed of a starting spot, according to ESPN, which has identified the wide receiver position as Texas' weak link.

If Texas is going to improve offensively as it transitions to a more up-tempo, spread attack, two or more of these players are going to need to become household names: Armanti Foreman, Jacorey Warrick, Dorian Leonard and Lorenzo Joe. Then there's also a crop of newcomers led by former Aledo High School star Ryan Newsome.

(h/t ESPN)

Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports