By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post Sports
HAYS – With a new position coach and several players competing for playing time, there is plenty of competition at wide receiver as Fort Hays State prepares for the 2026 football season.
L'liott Curry takes over as the Tigers' wide receivers coach after a playing career that included All-American honors at Division II Henderson State (Ark.) and time at MIAA rival Central Oklahoma.
Curry said he has quickly embraced Fort Hays State's culture and the approach of head coach Chris Brown.
“I really love the culture, really love the environment,” Curry said. “More importantly, I just love what Coach Brown really brings to the table. He brings that gritty, hard work, and I think that's something that I want to be a part of.”
Junior Keyshawn Dooley is the most experienced returning receiver for the Tigers. Dooley played in 10 games last season, making one start, and ranked fourth on the team with 193 receiving yards while finishing fifth with 17 receptions.
Beyond Dooley, the Tigers have several players competing for starting jobs and playing time.
Junior Chase Cottam of Wamego appeared in seven games last season, primarily on special teams. Sophomore Kolton Coleman and redshirt freshmen Walter Flounory and Andrew Watts are also in the mix.
Fort Hays State added a pair of transfers to the competition in Jaylen Hardy and Ayden Robinson-Wayne.
Hardy comes to FHSU from Concordia-St. Paul, where he had five receptions for 45 yards last season after catching six passes for 63 yards in 2024.
Robinson-Wayne brings more extensive production after playing in 22 games over two seasons at Missouri Southern State. He recorded 41 receptions for 534 yards, averaging 13 yards per catch.
With the group still competing for roles, Curry said he wants his receivers to provide energy and be players the offense can trust when their opportunities come.
“Bringing energy to the offense, bringing energy to the team,” Curry said. “So when there's a big play and it's needed and our number's called on, it's somebody you can really depend on. And I really feel very confident in this group.”
Curry has also been encouraged by the chemistry developing among the receivers during preseason camp.
“You can definitely just tell, just watching throughout practice,” Curry said. “I think these guys have done a really good job of staying after practice and just being like a brotherhood and having that good chemistry.”
For a group with several players competing for opportunities, Curry believes that continued work and consistency will be key as the Tigers move closer to the season.
“Just continue on doing what we've been doing and just keep stacking days,” Curry said. “That's all we can do.”