The East Carolina Pirates still own the top name on the list of the NCAA’s all-time receivers, it has just changed.
No, the East Carolina Piratesdid not beat Navy yesterday. No, they will not be going bowling this off season. Despite all that yesterday was a day of celebration. It marked theIsaiah Jones’ passing ofJustin Hardyto become the NCAA’s all-time receptions leader. His 147threception gave him the record during the Navy game.
Jones had more than two hundred yards receiving on the day and finished with 151stcatch on the season. Though he has passed Hardy for the all-time receiving mark, Jones may not be done breaking records yet. The single season receptions record stands at 155 held by Bowling Green’sFreddie Barnes. A mere five catches against Temple would be all that Zay needs to gain that mark as well.
Perhaps the smaller number is fortunate since the Pirates will unfortunately not be able to throw bowl game statistics in the mix as well.
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With Hardy and now Jones owning the record and the days of the true Air Raid likely over, will there be another Pirates receiver to come along and make those kinds of marks? Somehow I doubt it. The more balance that the offense builds in the future will pull it away from throwing the ball as much as it does now. You also need receivers to play three or four years like Hardy and Jones did.
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Regardless of whether Jones wins the Biletnikoff or takes down Barnes’ record, he should have himself on a good footing to be looked at NFL teams. Hardy had the disadvantage of a being little short coming into the draft while Jones is 6’1 and nearly two hundred pounds. If Hardy was a fourth round pick then Jones’ floor should be around the same place. He will need a system that knows how to use him.
The Pirates play Temple next week and then the business of recruiting can begin in earnest to try it again next year.
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