The Colorado spring game's wide receiver standouts

Colorado wide receiver Kam Mikell celebrates a touchdown during Saturday's spring game. The redshirt freshman was one of the Buffs' highest-rated recruits in 2024. (Photo by Aspen Doust/Sko Buffs Sports)

With Travis Hunter, Will Sheppard, LaJohntay Wester and Jimmy Horn Jr. all leaving the Colorado Buffaloes for the NFL draft, the world got its first look at the newcomers to the wide receiver room at the Black and Gold Spring Game.

Omarion and Drelon Miller both showed glimpses of being great starters last year, but we didn't get to see much from either of them for the spring game. Instead, we got glimpses of what the rest of the group can do, like Kam Mikell, Terrell Timmons Jr. and Tulsa Golden Hurricane transfer Joseph Williams.

Williams was the star on Saturday with two touchdowns during seven-on-seven play and more targets than any other wide receiver who saw the field. The sophomore started his production early, with a catch on quarterback Kaidon Salter’s first drive of the game before receiving a target in the end zone just a couple of plays later.

Salter kept showing love to Williams in his next drive, where he forced one to him near the sideline for a great catch.

Colorado wide receiver Joseph Williams makes a catch during Saturday's spring game. (Aspen Doust/Sko Buffs Sports)

Both of his touchdowns came during seven-on-seven play. The first time, Williams was able to get open for an easy completion from quarterback Julian Lewis. The next one was fired from around the 30-yard line by quarterback Ryan Staub, where Williams was able to body the ball through traffic and come down with it. 

Redshirt freshman Kam Mikell also received his fair share of attention. Mikell only had one catch for 16 yards, but saw several targets, including one in the endzone. Both quarterbacks looked comfortable and ready to throw to him, no matter where he was on the field. A good relationship with the QBs and his versatility will make him a name to watch this fall.

Several freshmen got their moment during the game. Isaiah Hardge was the first wide receiver to record a catch on a play designed for him. Shortly after, Quentin Gibson had a similar catch.

Quanell Farrakhan Jr. had two deep throw targets, one from Salter and one from Lewis. While neither could connect with him, we may see Farrakhan as a deep threat option later in his career. 

The small sample size from the Spring Game gives reassurance to the idea that Williams will round out the wide receiving trio with Omarion and Drelon Miller next year, with Mikell earning his targets from the fourth spot, and the freshman recruits ready to step up if need be. While last year’s starters are hard to replace, this group’s potential is undeniable.