"Score points, be playmakers, beat Wabash."
Those were the words of Nikko Sansone, senior wide receiver, after Saturday's losing scrimmage against Franklin College.
However, the statement is admittedly tougher this year than previous seasons.
The combination of a question mark at quarterback and a lackluster running game ensure the Tigers wide receivers, even preseason All-American senior Taylor Wagner, will struggle to make plays this season.
That's not to say they can't be successful. DePauw has talent - but young talent.
"We have a lot more depth than we've had in years past," Wagner said. "We have a lot of talent this year. That's going to help us out."
Wagner said freshman Billy McClamroch could have the potential to match high-achieving former All-American wide receiver, Alex Coors '11. While numerous threats occupy the wide receiver position, the struggle will be to get the ball in their hands.
"Drew Seaman knows the ins and outs of this offense better than anyone else, and that's because he's already got a year under his belt," Wagner said of the sophomore quarterback. "He's the most experienced quarterback on the roster even as a sophomore."
Wagner added that the depth chart is not set in stone. The program did recruit five freshman quarterbacks, and two stand out: Justin Murray and Jake Hemrick. Both of them received reps with the second team Saturday, but neither did enough to take control of the competition.
That doesn't seem to bother at least one receiver.
"We have some young quarterbacks, but they're going to figure it out pretty soon," said Jordan Hickam, a sophomore wide receiver.
Hickam may be a sophomore, but he started the scrimmage as the first string split end along with seniors Jackson Kirtley and Wagner, who played the slot. Kirtley started at quarterback last season and is making the transition to wide receiver.
Add Sansone, McClamroch, sophomore DJ Steward and freshman Damon Hyatt to the mix, and this year's group has quite a bit of depth.
"We're looking to stay healthy, and if we can't we have the talent to step up and fill the positions that aren't [healthy]." Wagner said. "It's really nice to have the depth that we have right now."