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The last few football seasons have been quiet, at least by Northern Illinois’ standards. While a lot of programs would be happy with 13 wins over two seasons, in the previous 5 years, the Huskies hit 11 wins in a season three times, and grabbed 12 each the other two. One bright spot for the Huskies in this semi down time is Kenny Golladay.
Per this article from Mlive, the 6’4, 220 pound receiver from Chicago only had one offer out of high school, and headed to North Dakota. Things didn’t work out as planned, and he ended up at Northern Illinois for 2 years, and what a two years it was. While the Huskies were down by their lofty standards, Golladay excelled.
In 2 seasons, he caught 160 passes for 2285 yards and 18 touchdowns. That’s impressive for any school, but at run happy Northern Illinois, it gets you drafted in the third round.
The situation couldn’t be more ideal for Golladay. The Lions are short on receivers, and have a proven commodity at quarterback in Mathew Stafford. He has thrown for more than 4200 yards in each of the last 6 seasons. His favorite target, Calvin Johnson, retired young.
Most reports from the Lions camp say Golladay is living up to expectation, will see significant time this season. This report from the Detroit Free Press is par for the course. It concludes that he could be the third receiver this season.
I personally think Mr. Golladay will be the number 2, and possibly even be the prime target for the Lions. Golden Tate and Marvin Jones were both good for the Lions last season. They look to be the starters this season, however, neither knocks your socks off. They are solid starters in the league. I think Golladay has the kind of skill set that could set him apart. Since he is the new guy, and it’s the Lions, there is a good chance they bump him up toward the front of the line, because he has that kind of potential.