Depth chart flexible for Iowa receivers

One of the first things that jumps out when you look on the University of Iowa's depth chart is Derrell Johnson-Koulianos' spot at co-No. 2 wide receiver.

Converted QB Marvin McNutt is listed No. 1. Johnson-Koulianos and junior Colin Sandeman share No. 2.

Johnson-Koulianos has been Iowa's leading receiver the last two seasons. He caught 44 passes last year for 639 yards and three TDs. In two seasons, he has 82 receptions.

Senior Trey Stross, the starter at the “Z” receiver, has the next most with 42.

Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said the depth chart matters little at this point.

“He's played, played a lot and played well,” Ferentz said. “We've got at least 25 days before we get into game preparation. There's a long way to go.”

Iowa has a bunch of upperclassmen at wideout but not a ton of experience. After Johnson-Koulianos and Stross, Sandeman and Paul Chaney Jr. are the most experienced. Sandeman caught six passes last season, Chaney just two.

The Gazette's coverage of the 2009 Iowa football season kicks into high gear Friday with the annual media day in Iowa City. Come back to GazetteOnline throughout the day for updates and check out Saturday's Gazette for more news.

McNutt, a 6-4, 215-pounder, will be in his first season at wide receiver. He caught one pass last year after moving from quarterback in September.

“Yes and no,” Ferentz said when asked if wide receiver is a hot spot. “We think the potential is there to have a real good group. They're working toward that, but now we've got to push it through and get it done.”

He further explained “yes and no” when asked if Iowa needed a Sandeman or Chaney to elevate their game.

“Statistically, those guys haven't done an awful lot,” Ferentz said. “But I was really encouraged to see Paul Chaney's improvement in track, the success he had there this year. He's always been a good track athlete but he stepped it up a level there. I think we saw a little of that on the football field.

“I think he's at the point in his career, and Colin's at the point in his career where they're ready to take a step.”

This is a spot where a freshman could find his way to the field, Ferentz said.

Iowa signed four potential wide receivers in the 2009 class - Keenan Davis, Stephane N'Goumou, Jordan Cotton and Josh Brown.

During Big Ten media days in Chicago, Ferentz said Davis, a former Cedar Rapids Washington prep, could play.

“I'm not saying that yet, but we'll definitely keep the door open for Keenan and will let all the freshmen have an opportunity,” Ferentz said. “If they can help us win, we're playing for today and not next year.”