Predicting which B1G WRs will hit 1,000 yards in 2019

Hitting the 1,000-yard milestone as a wide receiver is quite an accomplishment. In fact, it’s been somewhat rare in the B1G this decade.

Since 2010, the 1,000-yard mark has only been reached 21 times by B1G receivers. To break that down, only 2.3 receivers are hitting quadruple-digit season totals per year in the conference. In that same time frame, there’s never been more than four B1G receivers who have reached 1,000 yards in the same season.

In 2018, four receivers hit the mark: Rondale Moore (Purdue), Tyler Johnson (Minnesota), Parris Campbell (Ohio State) and Stanley Morgan Jr. (Nebraska).

Given those facts, it might seem impossible that the B1G produces six 1,000-yard receivers in 2019. But with so many quality pass catchers returning next fall, perhaps the conference could see unpredictable success at the position.

Here are some of the receivers we’re predicting to reach 1,000 yards next fall.

Rondale Moore, Purdue

A consensus All-American as a true freshman, Jeff Brohm will continue to get Moore as many touches as humanly possible in 2019, especially with the amount of offensive production leaving West Lafayette next fall. Moore led the nation with 114 receptions and had 1,258 yards a receiver for the Boilermakers. He’s one of the toughest players at the position in the conference and should have another big year as a sophomore.

Tyler Johnson, Minnesota

The only other returning receiver in the B1G who totaled 1,000 receiving yards a year ago. Minnesota has plenty of talent at the position and the Gophers will likely spread the football around the field, but Johnson should still be the go-to target in the offense. He’s great down the field and can make things happen in the short passing attack, as well. Johnson could potentially be the conference’s leading wide receiver next fall.

JD Spielman, Nebraska

Watching the chemistry between Spielman and Adrian Martinez develop over the course of the year was a lot of fun. Now, with Stanley Morgan Jr. gone, Spielman will be the No. 1 guy in Lincoln. And knowing that Scott Frost’s offense is designed to get the ball into the hands of speedsters and playmakers, the junior receiver should have plenty of opportunities to put up some big-time numbers. Spielman has eclipsed 800 yards each of his first two seasons at Nebraska, but 2019 could see him finally break the 1,000-yard barrier.

Nick Westbrook, Indiana

Last season was a bounce-back year for Westbrook, who missed the 2017 season with an injury. Though he wasn’t nearly as productive in 2018 as his 2016 campaign (995 yards, six touchdowns), he was still Indiana’s leading receiver. Now that Kalen DeBoer is running the offense in Bloomington, Westbrook should be targeted with a lot more frequency in the passing attack and has the potential to post the best year of his career.

Nico Collins, Michigan

Collins took a huge leap from his freshman season to his sophomore campaign, becoming the team’s leading receiver last fall with 38 catches for 632 yards. Michigan’s offense should benefit from new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis and will likely see an improvement in the passing attack. The Wolverines have several threats in the passing attack — Donovan Peoples-Jones and Tarik Black — but Collins should see plenty of targets from Shea Patterson next fall.

K.J. Hill, Ohio State

After considering entering the NFL Draft, Hill decided to return to Ohio State, where he’ll be the undoubted leader of the passing attack. The Buckeyes obviously have plenty of talent at wide receiver, but this won’t be the most experienced group in Columbus. Hill will likely serve as Justin Fields’ go-to guy throughout the year, but particularly early in the season. Hill’s speed and athleticism should have him contending for the 1,000-yard mark.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB