Jaguars WR Cecil Shorts could be a 1,000 yard receiver

The Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled to build a stable and productive passing game for some years now. Part of the equation is at quarterback, obviously, but they've also lacked a big play threat at receiver for a while. Second year wideout Cecil Shorts III may be stepping into that role, however. When asked about his success by reporters after the Jags' win over the Titans on Sunday, Shorts said it was pretty simple:

"I just think that I am making the most of my opportunities. When the ball comes my way, coach always says to catch the ball first and then from there you’ll make some plays," Shorts told reporters after the game on Sunday. "So just catch the ball first and when the ball comes my way I try to make the most of my opportunities. I’ve done the same thing in college so it isn’t new to me it’s just new to everyone else."

Shorts has gone over 100 yards receiving in three of the Jaguars' past five games, and has scored touchdowns of over 39 yards six times this year. He leads the NFL with an average reception of 20.8 yards, and is on pace to become Jacksonville's first 1,000 yard receiver since 2005.

Shorts was drafted in the 4th round by the Jaguars in 2011 out of Division III powerhouse Mount Union. While at Mount Union, Shorts put up 4,705 receiving yards and scored 63 touchdowns.