Despite the frenzy swirling around the guys Landry Jones will be throwing to this season, wide receivers coach Jay Norvell thinks the OU football team has eight capable receivers for Saturday’s game.

Support from the entire group will be needed, said junior receiver Ryan Broyles, who is ready to take on a heavy load.

“If it’s called upon me, I’ll do my best to do whatever I can,” Broyles said. “But I feel like we have guys that are ready to play and take the heat off of me.”

At first glance, the depth chart of wide receivers could appear to be Broyles. He acknowledges his leadership role, but does not put himself above teammates.

“I don’t really think about what the media says,” he said. “I just try to come in every day and prepare myself like the rest of the guys do. If I was one of the guys making fewer catches then I would try to make the best out of that, just like I do now.”

Broyles said he doesn’t want to worry about statistical goals. Despite talk about the records he may break, he keeps his focus simple.

“I just want to catch every ball that comes my way,” Broyles said. “I don’t think about the numbers. I feel like receivers have to be selfish to an extent, but every time I get a chance to catch a ball, I want to make the best of it.”

Broyles has a chance to win numerous awards, break OU receiving records and set a new bar for future wide receiver at OU.

There has even been some talk about the Heisman.

Despite that, Broyles said those things will take care of themselves, so he doesn’t concern himself with such possibilities.

“I don’t worry about things like the Heisman,” Broyles said. “Someone has to pick them, and it usually ends up being a quarterback or a running back. If it was to go a receiver’s way, then more power to him.”

Norvell said the coaching staff is considering playing receivers in shifts by dividing snaps more to spread the load so that Broyles, who will be the focus of opposing defenses, can be available up more.

“I think we have capable guys that know what to do, who can execute, who can make plays,” Norvell said. “So it only makes sense to be able to play guys in waves and maybe give guys a blow for a series or two.”

Regardless of how the other receivers perform, Broyles’ work ethic and performance will stay at the same level.

“It wasn’t ever taught,” Broyles said. “I go through every practice, and I don’t ever want to drop the ball. I just hold myself to a higher standard, I think. I don’t think it was anything I had to learn.”