KJ Maye--More Catches or Rushing Attempts

[kuhlmanalex]

Just a simple poll, something on a different topic than the usual. I am really intrigued with KJ Maye and could see him used in a similar way as Florida used Harvin (not saying Maye is as good as Harvin at all, just think we can use him similarly)....so just wondering if people see him having more receptions or rushing attempts during his career here. I noticed last week he seemed to play nearly every snap, and almost exclusively in the slot but previous to last week I thought he was seeing more time at RB.

 

[kuhlmanalex]

I looked and he currently has 15 rushing attempts and 8 receptions....I think that I am going to say receptions but it is strictly a guess mainly based off of the time he played at WR last week.

 

[GopherInPittsburgh]

However you can get the ball to him in space, do it.

 

[Great Plains Gopher]

I think he's a run-after-the-catch kind of player.

 

[MNVCGUY]

Much like Jones last year I really don't get the fascination with Maye. He looks decent as a return guy but to this point has shown little to nothing as a receiver or running back (I know both guys are young, but true impact skill position guys don't take long to make a huge impression). For the purposes of this poll though I think he will almost certainly transition to receiver full time and be a slot guy, so I cast my vote with receptions.

 

[e.bigelow]

Much like Jones last year I really don't get the fascination with Maye. He looks decent as a return guy but to this point has shown little to nothing as a receiver or running back (I know both guys are young, but true impact skill position guys don't take long to make a huge impression). For the purposes of this poll though I think he will almost certainly transition to receiver full time and be a slot guy, so I cast my vote with receptions.

I went with Receptions.

Speaking of Jones, it it just me, or has he seemed to be pretty non-existent this year so far on offense? Still somewhat recovering from his ACL or whatever it was I wonder? I don't know....

 

[MNVCGUY]

I went with Receptions.

Speaking of Jones, it it just me, or has he seemed to be pretty non-existent this year so far on offense? Still somewhat recovering from his ACL or whatever it was I wonder? I don't know....

Tough to say if the issue is still the injury or if it is a lack of ability at the WR position that is holding him back. He has played in every game to date but has not been a factor at all in the passing game. He wasn't that big of a factor at the WR position through 7 games last year prior to getting hurt either. Skill guys are different then guys on the O or D line. Most skill guys don't need multiple seasons to bulk up and physically mature in order to be successful. The great ones hit the ground running many times as a true freshman. Too early to write him off but he has not been impressive to date as a WR (looked good as a return man last year).

 

[Bayfieldgopher]

Its time for Limegrover to get the ball to Maye with quick slants, outs and the bubble and throw to him 8-10 times against Illini. To date, he basically has been a body out there.

 

[e.bigelow]

Tough to say if the issue is still the injury or if it is a lack of ability at the WR position that is holding him back. He has played in every game to date but has not been a factor at all in the passing game. He wasn't that big of a factor at the WR position through 7 games last year prior to getting hurt either. Skill guys are different then guys on the O or D line. Most skill guys don't need multiple seasons to bulk up and physically mature in order to be successful. The great ones hit the ground running many times as a true freshman. Too early to write him off but he has not been impressive to date as a WR (looked good as a return man last year).

Good points, yes, he wasn't a major factor. But, if I recall, wasn't he in double digit receptions last year? I wonder if it is also a factor of other WR's stepping up there game a little more as well. Ala; AJ Barker, Derrick Engel, Fruechte (sp?), etc. Maybe we have some sort of a log jam at receiver as far as playing time goes.

 

[MNVCGUY]

Good points, yes, he wasn't a major factor. But, if I recall, wasn't he in double digit receptions last year? I wonder if it is also a factor of other WR's stepping up there game a little more as well. Ala; AJ Barker, Derrick Engel, Fruechte (sp?), etc. Maybe we have some sort of a log jam at receiver as far as playing time goes.

Jones
2011 - 7 games - 9 catches - 142 yards - 0 TD
2012 - 9 games - 5 catches - 60 yards - 0 TD

He has certainly been passed by other receivers but given that we don't exactly have the crea of the crop in the WR corps that is not a great sign for a guy a lot of people were really really high on last season. Still time for him to turn it around of course but he looks a lot like Troy Stoudermire 2.0 as a wide reciever, fast guy that just can't cut it at that position.

 

[WorkingMyTailOff]

Jones is still battling knee issues I believe. I like the way KJ Maye was used this past game. He had a key block on the edge and he should be a playmaker if he gets the ball in space.

 

[50PoundHead]

Much like Jones last year I really don't get the fascination with Maye. He looks decent as a return guy but to this point has shown little to nothing as a receiver or running back (I know both guys are young, but true impact skill position guys don't take long to make a huge impression). For the purposes of this poll though I think he will almost certainly transition to receiver full time and be a slot guy, so I cast my vote with receptions.

Funny you should mention Jones. It looks like Maye has pretty much taken Jones' role. I don't know if Jones has fully recovered from his knee surgery, but he's been absent most of the season after showing some promise before he got hurt last year (I see e.bigelow has the same question).

I like Maye, but I don't know if he's anything more than a specialist. Kid's got skills though.

 

[GophersInIowa]

I loved the formation with Maye behind Nelson and the two RB's to the side of Nelson. Would like to see that with Gray in there as well.

 

[e.bigelow]

Jones
2011 - 7 games - 9 catches - 142 yards - 0 TD
2012 - 9 games - 5 catches - 60 yards - 0 TD

He has certainly been passed by other receivers but given that we don't exactly have the crea of the crop in the WR corps that is not a great sign for a guy a lot of people were really really high on last season. Still time for him to turn it around of course but he looks a lot like Troy Stoudermire 2.0 as a wide reciever, fast guy that just can't cut it at that position.

Thanks for getting the stats. I was just too lazy to look them up.

But, I have to agree with you assessment. Something seems to be up, whether he can't cut it or maybe still has some lingering effects from the knee injury.

 

[MNVCGUY]

Thanks for getting the stats. I was just too lazy to look them up.

But, I have to agree with you assessment. Something seems to be up, whether he can't cut it or maybe still has some lingering effects from the knee injury.

I think it all boils down to the fact that there is more to it then speed alone. Troy Williamson was fast as hell but he was a terrible WR. Eric Decker is not a burner by any stretch of the imagination but is a great WR. Fans get facinated by guys like Jones and Maye because they look like they have great speed, but that speed alone doesn't guarantee they can get the job done at the WR or RB positions.