CEDAR CITY, Utah — With fall camp winding down, game week is officially here. The Southern Utah football team is beginning to see its identity take shape on both sides of the ball.
Among the position groups that have continued to develop throughout camp is the wide receiver room, where a combination of veteran experience and emerging young talent has given the Thunderbirds plenty to be excited about heading into the 2026 season.
"We're a little bit top-heavy at the wide receiver group, and those older guys are good football players," Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald said.
That veteran leadership starts with Mark Bails, Devin Downing and Anson Kraut, three experienced receivers who have each shown the ability to make an impact for the Thunderbirds.
Bails has battled injuries throughout his career, but Fitzgerald believes the veteran receiver has the ability to be a significant contributor this season.
"Had he been healthy the last two years, Mark would have caught 30 to 40 balls for 700-plus yards," Fitzgerald said.
Kraut enters the 2026 campaign in Cedar City having already shown flashes of his playmaking ability. Fitzgerald also pointed to Kraut's blocking ability as an important part of his game, calling him one of the best blocking receivers in the conference.
Downing has been another consistent presence throughout camp. After productive performances against Eastern Kentucky and Central Arkansas in recent seasons, Fitzgerald believes Downing has an opportunity to put together another strong campaign.
"Devin's got a chance to have a big fall for us," Fitzgerald said.
Thunderbirds Coaches Show
For the Thunderbirds to find success through the air, Fitzgerald knows it will take more than the production of its established veterans.
Jack Fairchild, Chance Arbon and Zachary Dodson-Green will be among the receivers counted on to provide additional production as the Thunderbirds look to build depth throughout the position group.
"In order for us to be successful in the passing game, Jack, Chance, and Zach are going to have to be productive," Fitzgerald said.
At the same time, younger players have spent camp working to earn their opportunities. Bryson Waterman has been one of those players who has continued to make strides throughout the preseason, giving Southern Utah another option as it looks to strengthen the depth behind its veteran receivers.
"Bryson Waterman is much improved from last year, and is pushing to get more reps," Fitzgerald said.
With Waterman continuing to push for a larger role, competition in the receiver room has created a group where players are fighting for starting opportunities and the chance to become reliable contributors once the season begins.
The continued development of the receiver group has also coincided with the growth of Southern Utah's quarterbacks. Fitzgerald said the chemistry between the two groups has continued to improve throughout camp, with the veteran receivers providing consistency in their routes, hands, and overall execution.
"They're pretty consistent," Fitzgerald said. "You know what each of them is going to do with the ball in their hands."
That consistency will be important as the Thunderbirds transition from the preparation of fall camp to the demands of game week.
After weeks of practices, meetings, conditioning, and competition, Southern Utah is now turning its attention toward the season opener at Montana. The work put in throughout camp has given the Thunderbirds a clearer picture of what they can expect from their roster, and what they still need to accomplish before kickoff.
The wide receiver room enters that transition with a blend of established veterans and players looking to take the next step. Bell, Downing and Kraut provide experience at the top, while Fairchild, Arbon, Dodson-Green and Waterman will be among those looking to provide the additional production and depth the Thunderbirds need.
Now, after weeks of preparation, it's time to see how that work translates as the Thunderbirds prepare for a tough road test to open the season next week.
Thunderbirds Coaches Show
Don't miss your chance to hear directly from Coach Fitzgerald on the Thunderbirds Coaches Show, presented by Café Sabor. The show airs live every Tuesday at noon from Café Sabor. Can't make it in person? Catch the show online the following day at WatchSports.com, YouTube, and KSL Sports.
Tickets
Single-game and season tickets for the upcoming Southern Utah Football campaign are now available, giving fans the chance to lock in their seats for an exciting new era in Cedar City. With the Thunderbirds' return to the Big Sky, now is the time to secure your spot at Eccles Coliseum and be part of the action all season long. For more information and to purchase, visit tbirdtickets.com.
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