Indiana football wide receiver room among highest graded groups in the Big Ten

The wide receiver room has been labeled as one of the biggest strengths for Indiana football heading into the 2024 season. With a strong mix of returning talent and new additions, the group figures to be one of the best in the Big Ten, and Pro Football Focus sees it that way too.

The prominent football outlet released their ‘Highest Graded Returning Big Ten Wide Receivers’ list with three Hoosiers cracking the top ten.

James Madison transfer Elijah Sarratt ranked second on the list after an impressive 2023 season. Sarratt finished 2023 with 82 catches for 1,191 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns.

In his second season with Curt Cignetti, Sarratt now will look to have a bigger role off the field.

“Definitely have to pick up more of a leadership role this year. I had a lot of older guys showing me the way last year. During the end of the season I started speaking up more,” Sarratt said this Spring. “But yeah, one of my focuses this year is trying to be more of a leader and get all of the guys on the same page.”

Sarratt who started his journey at the Division II level has worked his way up to the Big Ten and figures to be one of the leaders of Indiana football’s wide receiver room.

Also cracking the list was Donaven McCulley who returned to Indiana after a breakout season in 2023. McCulley led Indiana in all three major receiving stats after recording 48 catches for 644 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Despite the buzz surrounding his return, Cignetti seemed disappointed with McCulley’s performance during spring camp.

“I think Donaven (McCulley) needs to pick it up a little bit,” Cignetti said this Spring.

The 6-foot-5 receiver offers something a bit different than the other two receivers on the list due to his combination of speed and size. McCulley has shown his ability to win 50/50 balls consistently and that ability could be crucial for Indiana’s red zone offense.

The last receiver to crack the top ten was Wake Forest transfer Ke’Shawn Williams. Williams spent four seasons with the Demon Deacons where he totaled 107 catches, 1385 receiving yards, and 5 touchdown receptions.

The 5-foot-10 receiver also has proven to be a threat in the kick return game. Last season Williams averaged 23.4 yards per return on kickoffs for Wake Forest.

With so many talented wide receivers on the roster, Cignetti and his staff have the problem of figuring out the depth chart for this crowded room. It’s a good problem to have as no matter who they decide to start, there will be talent on the outside for the Indiana football offense. 

“I like that room,” Cignetti said during the Spring. “The cream rises to the top. Who comes out and practices every day, day in and day out consistently. Who learn the plays. Who does the right thing. Who makes the plays. Who makes consistent effort. Who doesn’t know the plays and who’s inconsistent. If we had to line up for a game today there’s a certain way we’d line up but we don’t have to line up a game today. Our job isn’t to please them, their job is to please us.”