We’ve detailed some of the success of the passing game and the struggles of the pass defense Saturday, and we’re wrong to allow these to be indelible impressions. But count Dravon Askew-Henry among the converted.

“I promise you,” he said, “we will probably have one of the best wide receiving groups in the Big 12 this year.”

Askew-Henry is fond of Shelton Gibson, Ka’Raun White and Daikiel Shorts, but the truth and a secret from the spring so far is that West Virginia doesn’t have a lot of receivers and hasn’t seen a wealth of productivity outside those three. They’re building something with Skyler Howard, and that happens when you get a second (and third) year together, but the Mountaineers are searching for more after those three.

“We need depth at receiver,” coach Dana Holgorsen said. “We’re missing some guys that I think can potentially change the game. You have good solid starters with Shelton, Ka’Raun and Daikiel, but you need guys that can change the game. Those guys will be here in August.”

Those guys? Steven Smothers is an obvious one, but he’s the only recruited receiver who’s not yet on campus. Jovon Durante would be another, and Holgorsen said he hopes Durante’s academics are sorted out by then. Marcus Simms is on campus, but there might be a difference that’s good for him and for WVU when he’s clear of personal tragedy.

There just aren’t a lot of playmakers on hand. I happen to think Gary Jennings could be a force, but he’d been limited by a bum wrist early that he’s since healed. WVU knows what it has with Devonte Mathis, which is possession over explosion. Ricky Rogers has not yet proven himself across time. David Sills is even being held back.

“He’s still working on quarterback stuff, so he’s not focusing on receiver,” Holgorsen said. “He’s not getting better at receiver. He will play receiver. He’s not Deion Sanders, where he kind of just goes in there and does some things. He’s a young kid with a lot of eligibility left. Until he focuses on a specific thing, he’s not going to be great at it.”

It’s hard to draw parallels, but this feels a bit like Clint Trickett’s second year with Kevin White and Mario Alford, and even though Holgorsen seems somewhat dour, he’s actually optimistic and perhaps thinking as boldly as Askew-Henry.