When it comes to replacing some of the best receivers in Tulsa history, Justin Hobbs isn’t fazed.
The only question for Hobbs to answer seems to be whether or not he will step up to be included in that group of greatest receivers in Golden Hurricane history. The opportunity is there.
Hobbs, a 6-foot-4, 218-pound junior from Overland Park, Kansas, has responded strongly to his opportunities in his first two seasons, catching 32 passes for 551 yards as a redshirt freshman, and then increasing that to 50 catches for 685 yards in 2016.
Those are really good numbers considering he was the third receiving option behind Keevan Lucas and Josh Atkinson. Those two were going to catch a lot of passes, with Lucas finishing second and Atkinson fifth all-time in career receptions in TU history.
With those two standouts gone, Hobbs is poised to become the man this season.
“I don’t feel any pressure at all,” Hobbs said. “I just feel more excitement and more chances to make plays. I learned a lot from the guys before me, and I think that’s going to help me in the long run.”
Tall and strong and possessing deceptive speed, Hobbs has shown the ability to make tough catches as well as stretch the field deep. He is virtually the same size as Keyarris Garrett, who played at TU from 2011 to 2015. The Carolina Panthers receiver is third in catches (219) and fourth in receiving yards (3,209) in Tulsa history.
“I learned a lot of route running techniques from Josh and Keevan. And tracking the ball deep, I learned that from Keyarris,” Hobbs said. “I just watched and learned because they are great receivers, and I plan to be a great receiver.”
Tulsa coach Philip Montgomery has no doubt that great things are in store for Hobbs.
“Hobbs, his role has to increase,” Montgomery said. “I think he’s ready to do that.”
Doing the math, if Hobbs steps up his game the next two seasons, he would have a reasonable chance to become Tulsa’s all-time leading receiver. Already with 82 catches for 1,236 yards, Hobbs would need 2,108 yards over the next two seasons to break Howard Twilley’s mark of 3,343 yards. That averages out to 1,054 yards per year, which is very doable, especially in Montgomery’s high octane offense.
When asked about the best part of his game, Hobbs’ answer would surprise a lot of people.
“I think that I’m best at being a good run blocker. When Brew bounces it outside, I’m definitely out there to help them out and extend the play,” Hobbs said of Tulsa‘s standout running back D’Angelo Brewer. “It’s an important part of the game.”
And that quality bodes well for playing at the next level. One of the greatest receivers in NFL history, former TU star Drew Pearson, was also known for his terrific downfield blocking. When looking at Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett’s long runs for the Dallas Cowboys, Pearson can be seen throwing key blocks on most of them, including his 99-yard touchdown run in 1982.
Tulsa fans have been spoiled by a bevy of talented pass catchers through the years, with NFL players such as Pearson, NFL Hall of Famer Steve Largent, Howard Twilley, Charles Clay, Chris Penn, Garrett Mills and Keyarris Garrett, to name a few. Others that come to mind, who were stars at TU, include Dan Bitson, Brennan Marion, as well as Lucas and Atkinson.
For Hobbs to reach those heights, he has to take care of his business, as well as get help from other receivers to take the load off of him. Also, whoever replaces quarterback Dane Evans, whether it is Luke Skipper or Chad President, must play well.
Hobbs believes in the other receivers at TU, as well as in his quarterbacks.
Keenen Johnson, a 6-1, 196-pound sophomore from Alto, Texas, is another players who could have a breakout year. Johnson burst into the scene midway through last season, making his debut at Houston after having his redshirt pulled in week six. He caught 30 passes for 305 yards in 2016.
“I think that Keenen, he’s a great receiver,” Hobbs said. “He’s a young guy and came in and played last year. I’ve seen him improving in every part of his game.
“Also, the seniors, Nigel Carter and Bishop Louie, I think that they’re going to be contributing for their senior seasons, too. They’re good receivers.”
As for the quarterbacks, Hobbs is confident in both Luke Skipper and Chad President, who are both battling to be the quarterback that replaces all-time TU passing leader Dane Evans.
“I think that they are young quarterbacks, but that doesn’t make too much of a difference. They’ve been throwing great passes,” Hobbs said. “It’s kind of a lot, hopping in after a great quarterback like Dane, but I think they are doing a really good job.”
Regardless of whoever lines up to start the season opener at Oklahoma State, Hobbs will not be intimidated in the slightest by the Pokes.
"They’re a great team, don’t get me wrong, but they put on their shoes just like we do, so let’s go out and play the football game," Hobbs said.
