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Can Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk avoid sophomore slump?
By John Brasier
Published:
Making a major impact in the SEC as a freshman is fantastic feat.
Receivers Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk had spectacular freshman seasons. But as history shows, following up with a stronger sophomore season is tougher.
Ridley caught 89 passes for 1,045 yards and seven touchdowns for Alabama despite picking up only 14 yards on six passes against Clemson in the national title game.
Kirk grabbed 80 passes for 1,009 yards and seven TDs for Texas A&M and averaged more than 24 yards on 14 punt returns, scoring two more TDs. He also returned kickoffs.
But as sophomores, Ridley and Kirk should generate more attention from opponents with defenses making them a priority in their game plans. Injuries also seem to come with increased attention.
How hard is it for a receiver to replicate the stats from a great freshman season?
Here’s are two lists — the first showing fantastic freshmen whose production dropped as sophomores, and a second showing receivers who showed increased production as sophomores.
FANTASTIC FRESHMEN
Amari Cooper, Alabama — Freshman (14 games): 59 catches, 1,000 yards, 11 TDs; Sophomore (11 games): 45 catches, 736 yards, 4 TDs.
A.J. Green, Georgia — Freshman (13 games): 56 catches, 963 yards, 8 TDs; Sophomore (10 games): 53 catches, 808 yards, 6 TDs.
Julio Jones, Alabama — Freshman (14 games): 58 catches, 924 yards, 4 TDs; Sophomore (13 games): 43 catches, 596 yards, 4 TDs.
Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss — Freshman: 72 catches, 608 yards, 5 TDs; Sophomore: 48 catches, 632 yards, 5 TDs.
Sidney Rice, South Carolina — Freshman (11 games): 70 catches, 1,143 yards, 13 TDs; Sophomore (13 games): 72 catches, 1,092 yards, 10 TDs.
SUPER SOPHOMORES
Odell Beckham Jr., LSU — Freshman: 41 catches, 475 yards, 2 TDs; Sophomore: 43 catches, 713 yards, 2 TDs.
Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri — Freshman: 28 catches, 395 yards, 5 TDs. Sophomore: 59 catches, 883 yards, 12 TDs.
Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt — Freshman: 15 catches, 181 yards, 4 TDs. Sophomore: 41 catches, 778 yards, 5 TDs.
Fred Ross, Mississippi State — Freshman: 9 catches, 115 yards, 0 TDs. Sophomore: 30 catches, 489 yards, 5 TDs.
De’Runnya Wilson, Mississippi State — Freshman: 26 catches, 351 yards, 3 TDs. Sophomore: 47 catches, 680 yards, 9 TD.
