Generally, when you think of No. 3 receivers, you don’t think of big numbers. And while Pitt’s third receiver Cam Saddler isn’t likely to have a 1,000-yard season, in Todd Graham’s new offense, a breakout type year isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
Why?
Mostly because the system relies so heavily on so many receivers. As the No. 3 guy, Saddler is almost assured of having more passes thrown his way than he would in another offense. One big reason Saddler will get lots of opportunities is because of his experience. Graham’s offense calls for up to six to eight receivers and a few of those guys could be freshmen or redshirt freshmen.
Saddler, though, isn’t just getting an opportunity because he’s an upperclassman. He legitimately is starting to impress the coaches:
“Cam is one of the guys I have been pleasantly surprised with,” Norvell said. “He improved himself as a route runner over the summer.”
With Jon Baldwin around last year, Saddler didn’t contribute too much as a receiver – seven catches for 33 yards, to be exact. He was playing behind Baldwin, Mike Shanahan, and Devin Street. But with Baldwin moving on to the NFL this season, Saddler is the clear No. 3 guy for now and should get plenty of targets in 2011.