The University of Utah has had talented wide receivers since back in the days when the position was refered to as split end. Along the way, the Utes have produced plenty of all-conference performers in the Skyline, WAC and the Mountain West Conference. They have had wide outs who could beat you with great speed while others who got the job done because of great route running and sure hands.

This is my list of the best wide receivers in University of Utah history.

These rankings are based only on what each player did while at Utah and not during any other part of their career.

Statistical information, conference and national placement from Sports-reference.com. All-conference information from UtahUtes.com.

H.M. Josh Lyman (2000-02)

Lyman had two very solid seasons during his three years with the Utes. His most productive year came in 2001 when he caught 36 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers were good enough to be in the top 10 in the MWC in catches, receiving yards, yards-per-reception and receiving touchdowns.

For his Utah career, he caught 97 passes for 1,417 yards and nine touchdowns.

H.M. Bradon Godfrey (2006-08)

Godfrey spent three seasons on the field with the Utes and was very consistent. His best year came in 2008 when he finished eighth in the MWC with 56 receptions for 556 yards and four touchdowns.

For his Utah career, he caught 128 passes for 1,440 yards and eight touchdowns.

H.M. Brian Hernandez (2005-07)

Hernandez made an impact in the receiving game right when he stepped on the field for the Utes. His best season came in 2005 when he had 39 receptions for 709 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers were good enough place ninth in the MWC in yards and second in yards-per-reception (18.2)

For his Utah career, he caught 125 passes for 1,518 yards and five touchdowns.

H.M. Derrek Richards (2004-07)

Richards was part of a group of wideouts who all put up nice numbers for a very balanced offense. His best season came in 2006 when he finished with 60 receptions for 717 yards and six touchdowns. Those numbers placed him fourth in the MWC in catches and receiving touchdowns and eighth in receiving yards.

For his Utah career, he caught 135 passes for 1,644 yards and 13 touchdowns.

H.M. Freddie Brown (2005-08)

Even though Brown played for the Utes for four years, he wasn’t until his senior year that he had his breakout season. That year, he caught 77 passes for 900 yards and seven touchdowns to place in the top six in the MWC in all three categories.

For his Utah career, he had 116 receptions for 1,358 yards and seven touchdowns.

H.M. Brent Casteel (2005-08)

Casteel made his make in the running and passing game during his time on the hill. His best season came in 2006 when he caught 39 passes for 600 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 51 carries for 262 yards on the ground. Those numbers placed him second in the MWC in receiving touchdowns and 10th in receiving yards.

For his Utah career, he caught 128 passes for 1,654 yards and 17 touchdowns to go along with 549 yards and two touchdowns in the running game.

H.M. Jereme Brooks (2007-2010)

Brooks had nice contributions during all four years he was on the field for the Utes. His most productive season came in 2009 when he caught 56 passes for 696 yards and a team-leading seven touchdowns. Those stats placed him in the top eight in the MWC in all three categories.

For his Utah career, he had 152 receptions for 1,843 yards and 14 touchdowns to go along with 39 carries for 232 yards and five more scores.

H.M. Cliff Russell (1998-2001)

Russell was a very consistent offensive weapon for the Utes for three seasons. He best year came in 2001 when he led the team with 53 receptions for 744 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers placed in the top seven in the MWC in each category.

For his Utah career, he caught 124 passes for 1,862 yards and 10 touchdowns.

H.M. Travis LaTendresse (2002-05)

While always a solid wide out, it wasn’t until the end of his senior season that we saw what kind of impact LaTendresse could make. His best year came in 2005 when he caught 55 passes for 810 yards and eight touchdowns. Most of that came in the last three games of the year when he had 31 receptions for 494 yards and six touchdowns, including 16 catches for 214 yards and four scores during the bowl game win over Georgia Tech.

For his Utah career, he caught 135 passes for 1,782 yards and 12 touchdowns.

25. Jim Teahan (1978-1981)

Teahan was one of the top two receivers on the team in each of his four seasons with the Utes. His most productive year came in 1979 when he totaled 33 receptions for 560 yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers were good enough to land in the top six in the WAC in catches, receiving yards, yards-per-receptions and receiving touchdowns.

For his Utah career, he caught 110 passes for 1,872 yards and 10 touchdowns.

24. Devonte Christopher (2009-2012)

Christopher was one of the favorite targets of Jon Hays and Jordan Wynn during his time with the Utes and led the twice in receiving yards. One of his best seasons came in 2011 when he caught 42 passes for 663 yards and five touchdowns.

For his Utah career, he had 105 receptions for 1,662 yards and 13 touchdowns.

23. Aaron Grimm (1987-88)

Grimm spent two seasons catches passes with the Utes and was very productive even though he didn’t reach the end zone very often. His best year came in 1988 when he had 55 receptions for 850 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers placed him fifth in the WAC in catches and receiving yards.

For his Utah career, he caught 86 passes for 1,371 yards and three touchdowns.

22. Floyd Hodge (1979-1980)

Hodge made a huge impact during his one season at Utah as a wide receiver. That year came in 1980 when he finished with 44 receptions for 829 yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers were good enough to lead the team in every category and place him in the top six in the WAC.

21. Henry Lusk (1991-95)

While Lusk played multiple positions with the Utes, he was at his best playing as a wide receiver. His most productive season came in 1993, when he caught 42 passes for 692 yards and five touchdowns. Those stats were good enough to place him in the top 10 of the WAC in receiving yards, yards per reception and receiving touchdowns.

For his Utah career, he caught 124 passes for 1,807 yards and 12 touchdowns.

20. Deron Claiborne (1993-94)

Claiborne spent two very productive seasons with the Utes and was one of the favorite targets of Mike McCoy. His best year came in 1994 when he finished second in the WAC with 63 receptions for 743 yards and five touchdowns.

For his Utah career, he caught 105 passes for 1,540 yards and six touchdowns.

19. Rocky Henry (1995-96)

Henry was one of the primary targets for quarterback Mike Fouts and was very successful during his two seasons with the Utes. His most productive year came in 1995 when Henry Led the team in receiving yards while tying at the top of the list for both receptions and touchdowns. That year, he caught 55 passes for 866 yards and six touchdowns.

For his Utah career, he had 97 receptions for 1,391 yards and 11 touchdowns.

18. Danny Huey (1983-84)

Huey spent two seasons on the field with the Utes and was one of the best receivers in the WAC. His best year came in 1984 when he was first-team all-conference after he finished in the top three in receiving yards and receptions. That year, he caught 52 passes for 869 yards and five touchdowns.

For his Utah career, he had 93 receptions for 1,492 yards and 10 scores.

17. Daniel Jones (1997-98)

Like many of the receivers on this list, Jones spent two seasons shinning for the Utes. His best year came in 1998 when he earned first-team all-WAC after he led the conference in catches and receiving yards. That season, he caught 57 passes for 809 yards and four touchdowns.

For his Utah career, he had 98 receptions for 1,435 yards and nine touchdowns.

16. Frank Henry (1977-78)

Henry spent two really good seasons as a member of the Utes. His best year came in 1978 when he led the team with 45 catches for 771 yards and six touchdowns. Those numbers were good enough to finish second in the WAC in catches, receiving yards and yards-per-reception while leading the conference in touchdown catches.

For his Utah career, he had 85 receptions for 1,393 yards and six touchdowns.

15. Jack Steptoe (1976-77)

Steptoe had two really good seasons on the hill as a receiver (and also as a return specialist). His most productive year came in 1976 when he caught 38 passes for 752 yards and finished fifth in the nation with nine touchdown catches.

For his Utah career, he had 80 receptions for 1,476 yards and 17 touchdowns.

14. Curtis Marsh (1993-94)

While Marsh spent two seasons with the Utes, it was his senior season that really stands out. That year, he had 61 receptions for 859 yards while finishing second in the nation with 11 touchdowns to earn first-team all-WAC honors.

For his Utah career, he caught 69 passes for 990 yards and 12 touchdowns.

13. Joe Borich (1959-61)

Borich spent three seasons catching passes when the Utes were a running team. His most productive season came in 1961 when he led the team with 29 catches for 489 yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers constituted more that half of the team’s receiving offense and placed him sixth in the nation in receiving touchdowns and 10th in receptions.

For his Utah career, he caught 48 passes for 731 yards and seven touchdowns.

12. Dres Anderson (2011-14)

Even though his senior year was cut short because of injuries, Anderson still had and impressive career at Utah. His most productive season came as a junior in 2013 when he caught 53 passes for 1,002 yards and seven touchdowns. Those numbers placed him fifth in the Pac-12 in receiving yards and seventh in receiving touchdowns.

For his Utah career, he had 134 receptions for 2,077 yards and 17 touchdowns.

11. Kevin Dyson (1994-97)

Even though he never crossed the 1,000 yard mark during a season with the Utes, he was one of the most productive four-year players the school has ever seen. His best season came in 1996 when he earned first-team all-WAC with 53 catches for 812 yards and eight touchdowns.

For his career, he caught 192 passes for 2,726 yards and 18 touchdowns.

10. Loren Richey (1985-86)

Richey had two very productive seasons during his time with the Utes. His best season came in 1985 when he finished fifth in the nation in receptions and eighth in receiving yards. That year, he caught 73 passes for 971 yards and seven touchdowns. A year later, he earned first-team all-WAC after he led the conference in catches.

For his Utah career, he had 140 receptions for 1,746 yards and 13 touchdowns.

9. Steve Smith (1999-2000)

Smith was a big-play threat whenever he touched the ball during his two seasons with the Utes. His best season came in 1999 when he caught 43 passes for 860 yards and eight touchdowns. Those numbers were good enough to lead the MWC in receiving touchdowns and finish second in receiving yards and yards-per-catch. A year later, he finished sixth in the nation with 21.2 yards-per-reception.

For his Utah career, he had 78 receptions for 1,603 yards and 12 touchdowns.

8. David Reed (2008-09)

After a solid junior campaign saw Reed find the end zone six times, he had a dominant senior season in 2009. That year, he led the Mountain West Conference in receptions (81)  and receiving yards (1,188 yards) to earn first-team all-conference.

For his Utah career, he caught 106 passes for 1,615 yards and 11 touchdowns.

7. Steve Savoy (2003-04)

Savoy would probably be higher on this list had he not left school after his sophomore year to try his hand at the NFL. His most productive season came in 2004 when he caught 67 passes for 961 yards and 11 touchdowns. He added 22 carries for 307 yards and six more scores to earn first-team all-MWC.

For his Utah career, he had 107 receptions for 1,624 yards and 18 touchdowns to go along with 27 carries for 342 yards and six scores.

6. Paris Warren (2003-04)

Warren spent two years at Utah dominating the Mountain West. He was named first-team all-MWC as a junior after he led the conference in receptions. A year later, he led the league in catches (80), receiving yards (1,076) and receiving touchdowns (12).

For his Utah career, he caught 156 passes for 1,885 yards and 16 touchdowns to go along with 48 carries for 281 yards and three more scores.

5. Roy Jefferson (1962-64)

Even though his numbers don’t look all that impressive, Jefferson had an amazing career with the Utes. He was one of the leading receivers on the team three straight years and was a two-time first-team all-WAC selection. His most productive season on offense came in 1963 when he had 29 receptions for 435 yards and four touchdowns.

For his Utah career, he caught 70 passes for 1,166 yards and nine touchdowns.

4. Steve Odom (1971-73)

While he is known more for his All-American career as a return specialist, Odom was also a fantastic receiver. One of his best years came in 1972 when he caught 30 passes for 663 yards and 11 touchdowns. Those numbers were good enough to place fourth in the nation in receiving touchdowns and fifth in yards-per-reception (22.1).

For his Utah career, he had 72 receptions for 1,440 yards and 19 touchdowns.

3. Louis “Speedy” Thomas (1967-68)

Even though he was only with the Utes for two seasons, Thomas was one of the best wide outs the school ever had. His best year came as a senior in 1968 when he earned first-team all-WAC after he carried the Utah receivers all season long. That year, he caught 60 passes for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns. To put into context how impressive that was, all you have to do is look at the overall team stats.  No other Ute had more than 12 catches for 173 yards. On top of that, Utah had only nine receiving touchdowns.

For his Utah career, he had 74 receptions for 1,199 yards and eight touchdowns.

2. Carl Harry (1985-88)

Even though Harry led the team in receptions and receiving yards as a junior, it was what he did as a senior in 1988 that puts him this high on the list. That year, he earned first-team all-WAC after leading the conference in catches (65), receiving yards (1,145) ans touchdowns (14). Those numbers were also good enough to place sixth in the nation in yards and second in touchdowns.

For his Utah career, he caught 149 passes for 2,283 yards and 20 touchdowns.

1. Bryan Rowley (1989-1993)

Rowley had four very impressive seasons with the Utes. He led the team receiving yards three times and receptions twice on his way to becoming the leading receiver in school history. His most productive season came as a junior in 1991 when he was first-team all-WAC and second-team All-American by the Sporting News after he caught 60 passes for 1,011 yards and 11 touchdowns.

For his Utah career, he had 177 receptions for 3,143 yards and 25 touchdowns.