WSU’s 2017 difference maker: Tavares Martin Jr.
![Wide receiver Tavares Martin Jr. had 64 catches during the 2016 season. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)](https://thumb.spokesman.com/uO6q6eDqVn9RLDznlEJuDvMVKgE=/600x0/media.spokesman.com/graphics/2018/07/sr-loader.png)
The top two receivers are gone and now that they have an elite group of running backs, the Cougars could theoretically ditch the Air Raid and spend more of their time moving the ball on the ground behind one of the nation’s best offensive lines. Of course, that won’t happen. With a Heisman candidate behind center, the Air Raid is in fine hands.
Speaking of fine hands, the Cougars bring back Tavares Martin Jr. (64 receptions, 728 yards in 2016) – a junior from Belle Glade, Florida, who has all the tools to become the next great WSU receiver. With Gabe Marks and River Cracraft out of the picture, he’ll be targeted plenty this year, and he probably has better athleticism than both.