Photo by Aryah Britt

All Eyes on the Wide Receivers

With week three of spring camp coming to a close and two more weeks left, the Knights’ offense is continuing to find its rhythm.

Unlike Tuesday and Thursday, practice was closed to the media on Saturday for a private practice for members of the Shareholder Society.

However, we did have a chance to speak with wide receivers coach Sean Beckton and gain his insights along with wide receivers Waden Charles and Josh Derry after practice during their media availability.

In speaking with coach Beckton, we heard about the progress he has seen this spring, his coaching philosophy, and what he expects from several of his guys going into next season.

No Block, No Rock: Coach Beckton’s Coaching Philosophy

While coach Beckton pushes for production in the receiving game, he also emphasizes the importance of utilizing receivers in the run game through a simple philosophy: “No Block, No Rock.”

• Beckton has always made it a priority for receivers to have the ability to block and assist in the run game, and that has not changed during this spring practice.

• He used Waden Charles as an example of following that mindset, crediting his passionate blocking as a part of why he saw so much playing time last season as a freshman.

• In a way of enforcing it, he utilized reps that showed a lack of effort from Charles and Dayday Farmer as coaching moments for not only them but also the entire receiving room in an effort to set the standard.

• Charles emphasized that blocking reinforces football as a team sport, showing value beyond big catches by helping teammates—especially in the run game.

• Coach Beckton said that this has already rubbed off on the new guys who have come in, like Josh Derry, who has been the talk of the town around spring camp.

Josh Derry Turning Heads in Practice

Chances are, Knights fans are just expecting to see and hear the name Josh Derry in reports, but there’s a reason. It seems that day in and day out, Derry is there making the play of the day, and it shows his determination to prove himself at the FBS level.

• Coach Beckton said Josh Derry, aka “Scary Derry,” brings maturity and experience to the receiver room, especially coming from the FCS level as an All-American.

• He pointed to Derry’s work ethic and practice habits, emphasizing that he approaches each rep seriously and prepares like a veteran.

• He also highlighted Derry’s ability to consistently compete, not just make occasional big plays, which makes him reliable within the offense.

• Beckton also stressed Derry’s physicality, especially his willingness to block, showing he buys into the team-first mentality the staff expects from the position group.

• Charles highlighted Derry’s work ethic, noting that he puts in extra time and doesn’t cut corners in preparation, and emphasized that he leads by example through his actions rather than just words, setting a standard for the room.

• Overall, both Beckton and Charles described Derry as a player who embodies the identity of the receiver group, focusing on toughness, consistency, and team-first play.

Expectations on Returning Receiver Duane Thomas Jr.

Along with Waden Charles, Duane Thomas Jr. is another player expected to step up not only his production but also to serve as a leader and an example to the newcomers in the room.

• Beckton pointed to Duane Thomas Jr. as a returning player who has already shown production, setting the expectation that he should take another step as a more consistent, dependable target.

• Beckton expects Thomas to emerge as a leader in the receiver room, especially with newer players still adjusting to the program.

• He highlighted that Thomas needs to become more consistent day-to-day, not just flash in games or certain practices, but be reliable every rep.

• There’s an expectation for him to elevate his overall game, including route running, physicality, and blocking, fitting the complete receiver standard Beckton preaches.

• Beckton also made it clear that Thomas is expected to help set the tone for the group, both through performance and effort, rather than just being another contributor.

Early Work and Growing Chemistry Within the Room

With the newcomers and experienced players returning and having to get to know each other, Waden Charles and Josh Derry have said they are building bonds within the receiving corps.

• The receiver group is showing up early to get extra work in before official practice starts at around 6 a.m., but still not early enough to beat coach Beckton, who arrives around 5 a.m.

• Charles also noted that spending more time together off the main field reps is helping everyone get on the same page faster, even to go as far as create handshakes with most players.

• Derry also said that extra time has helped him develop stronger timing and communication with teammates, especially quarterbacks.

What’s Next?

• Edge coach Mike Dawson and select players will speak to the media on Tuesday, April 21.

• Running backs coach Jimmy Beal and select players will speak to the media on Thursday, April 23.

• Practice on Friday will be a walk-through and will be closed to the media. We will also not have an media opportunities with any coaches or players.