The spring schedule has been announced and fall practice is underway for the Coyotes, who have eight more practices from now until the end of October. In that span, we will catch up with position coaches to learn more about their units. We continue the series with wide receivers coach Phil Ockinga, who is in his third season with the group and fifth at USD overall.
 
Returning Starters
Caleb Vander Esch, Sr., San Jose, Calif.
Kody Case, Jr., Lake City, Iowa
 
Returners
Drew Greenhaw, Jr., Muscatine, Iowa
Wesley Eliodor, So., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Carter Kuchel, So., Remsen, Iowa
Carter Bell, R-Fr., Bettendorf, Iowa
Jeremiah Webb, R-Fr., Chicago, Ill.
 
Newcomers
Jordan Sommerville, Jr., St. Louis, Mo. (from cornerback position)
Jaevon McQuitty, Jr., Columbia, Mo. (Nebraska)
Datwan Blackwood, Fr., Fort Pierce, Fla. (St. Lucie West Centennial HS)
Kayden Verley, Fr., Canton, S.D. (Canton HS)
Clayton Denker, Fr., Bellwood, Neb. (David City HS)
Bridger Nesbit, Fr., Rapid City, S.D. (Stevens HS)
 
Young receivers getting a ton of reps.
 
That's the headline emerging from Phil Ockinga's unit, a group that has helped the Coyotes lead the Valley in passing for three consecutive seasons.
 
Caleb Vander Esch and Kody Case have taken limited reps thus far in the fall, which leaves plenty of plays for five returners and five newcomers, a group that includes four true freshmen and Jaevon McQuitty, a transfer from Nebraska.
 
"We have guys running 80 plays a day, so they are getting all of the opportunities they need – probably more than they want," said Ockinga. "As a result, we are seeing guys who are taking the next step. Wesley Eliodor and Carter Kuchel were two guys who played in a lot of games last year, but didn't always score a lot of reps, and they are helping lead the show. Drew Greenhaw has performed well in the past and Carter Bell only played in four games last year, so he is getting a chance to shine as well."
 
Vander Esch earned all-Valley honors a year ago and only injuries have stopped Case from earning that distinction. Ockinga says the next step in their progression is to force opposing defenses to have to game plan against them. At the same time, he wants to bring along the younger guys so that nothing – defense, injuries, or COVID – can slow them down.
 
"It might be receivers, it might be some other position, but it's certainly possible that at some point in the season you will have to play guys a little deeper into the group and they will have to learn under the pressure when that happens," said Ockinga. "This fall season gives us a great opportunity to build those reps up so that they have some confidence if and when the situation arises."
 
It also gives the group time to adjust to a new quarterback. The Coyotes are working a number of candidates to fill the shoes of Austin Simmons and each is building rapport with this new group of receivers.
 
In addition to this fall season, the group will have a "winter" camp starting in January to prepare them for February football. That's good news for all newcomers adjusting to a new system, including McQuitty.
 
"This is a perfect situation and probably better than playing in the fall for him," said Ockinga. "He's been in a college atmosphere so he's probably a little farther along than the other young guys. He's trying to get back in the groove and learn the system, but we expect big things out of him."