Four questions for 2018 – Part Two: Can Dax Raymond emerge as an uncover-able threat?

On paper, Dax Raymond is a walking mismatch. At 6-foot-5 and 250 lbs, the junior tight end is built like a school bus yet is still as nimble as Bambi. Too big for defensive backs and too quick for linebackers, Raymond should theoretically be open at all times.

So why hasn’t Raymond been unstoppable on the field? Don’t get me wrong, his 2017 statline of 41 receptions for 456 yards and one touchdown is respectable, but given Raymond’s measurables and obvious talent, those stats seem to fall short of the promise.

But are we sure those stats are not entirely Raymond’s fault?

Take, for instance, the style of quarterbacking play that Raymond has played with at USU. Last season, Kent Myers averaged 5.7 adjusted yards per pass attempt. Meanwhile, returning sophomore Jordan Love averaged 6.5 adjusted yards per pass attempt. Myers’ preference was to throw underneath. With the Aggies unable to stretch defenses deep, defenses could key in on Raymond in the middle of the field.

That focus is apparent from Raymond’s freshman season. That season in 2015, Myers averaged 8.9 adjusted yards per pass attempt. The sample size is small, but Raymond averaged 18 yards per reception, as opposed to 11.1 yards per reception last year. In short, if USU can stretch a defense downfield, then Raymond can run amok underneath.

This season could offer Raymond those opportunities. Sophomore Savon Scarver averaged over 21 yards per catch last season. Furthermore, the Aggies pose three deep threats at wide receiver all above 6-foot-2 with senior Ron’quavion Tarver and incoming transfers Jalen Greene and Devin Heckstall. With Love returning after throwing touchdown passes of 77, 70, and 75 yards last season, USU’s deep game should be much improved.

That should afford Raymond more room to operate underneath. If Raymond can capitalize on that room, this Aggie offense could have a breakthrough year.