CHADRON, Neb. - Statistics have a tendency to be deceiving at times, but that is not the case when discussing the talent of the four returning wide receivers on the Chadron State College football team.

The quartet of seniors - Brandon Harrington, Isaac Stockton, Joel Schommer and Tyler Watson - started nearly every game last season together and in their careers they have combined for 300 receptions, 3,591 yards and 40 touchdowns.

Lofty numbers, to be sure, but wide receivers coach Mike Spargo feels the group still has room for improvement.

"The receivers this year are probably the most experienced group I've coached and we're as athletic as we've ever been," Spargo said. "We also have a lot of depth, but I want to see consistency and all of these guys can improve on that. They've all started and all traveled, and they've played against the best teams and players. They know what they need to do."

The four returning starters are also likely to become some of new starting quarterback Garrett Treffer's best friends.

Harrington, an outside receiver, had a phenomenal season in 2008. He set the CSC school record for most receptions in a season with 82 that resulted in 899 yards and nine touchdowns.

"Brandon is a great deep threat and he has great size and ability, and he does a great job at the line of scrimmage," Spargo said.

Stockton, an inside receiver, added 69 receptions for 739 yards and 10 TDs. His 69 receptions were the second-most in school history and he needs seven touchdown receptions to own the CSC record.

"Isaac brings something to the passing game that a lot of teams don't have," Spargo said. "He knows how to get the ball in tight spaces and he's sure-handed."

Schommer and Watson were also valuable to the team last season. Schommer, an inside receiver, caught 23 passes for 311 yards and four touchdowns, while Watson, an outside receiver, had 25 receptions for 255 yards and four scores.

"Joel and Tyler are two of the most physical guys we have and they both catch the ball extremely well," Spargo said.

While the back-ups are untested, there is plenty of potential. On the outside, Allan Schmaltz, Josh Collett and Quinnell Atkins are all talented players who improved after last season. Schmaltz and Collett saw limited action last season as freshmen but more is expected of them this year. Atkins, who was the offensive service team MVP, adds a quick burst to the outside and he can also return kicks.

The backups behind Schommer and Stockton are also quality players. Jeff Alcorn bulked up in the offseason and put on 20 pounds of muscle. Kent Russell and Jared Hanson have considerable experience and know the offense as well as anyone.

"I'm expecting good things out of the receiver group," Spargo said. "The talent and depth are both there. Now, it's just a matter of that translating onto the field."