Redshirt sophomore Will Lankford didn’t anticipate a position change would occur before the 2024 season. Lankford had completed his redshirt freshman year for Elon University football as quarterback playing in six games. It wasn’t until preseason camp where he got asked about switching from quarterback to wide receiver.
Offensive coordinator Drew Folmar said injuries at receiver and the lack of depth contributed to Lankford’s transition. He approached Lankford about the idea and said all Lankford cared about was whether it would benefit the Phoenix.
“We lost some receivers,” Folmer said. “We had some guys go down with injuries during camp so we were thin at the position. The initial thing was to move him there as a stopgap to help get us through camp and when I asked him, the only question he really asked was if it’s going to help the team.”
Lankford described his reaction to the change as mixed emotions. He said he was surprised to hear he’d be switching to receiver but was also excited for the new opportunity.
“You never think it’s gonna happen,” Lankford said. “You practice a lot at one position, but I was excited to get to the receiver’s room and be the best version of myself.”
This also wasn’t the first time Lankford played the position as he was also a receiver in high school. He said it helped make the change easier.
“I played in high school too, so the transition was a little smoother,” Lankford said.
Lankford also credited wide receiver coach Kyle Perkins for helping him grow more accustomed to being a receiver. He credited Perkins for giving him enough experience through repetition in practices.
“Perkins made it 1,000 times easier,” Lankford said. “He let me get a lot of reps to become more acclimated to the position. He wants the best from you every single day.”
In Elon’s season opener against Duke University, Lankford was already seeing action at the position. He caught one pass for 18 yards in the 26-3 loss. It remains his only reception so far.
Lankford said playing receiver hasn’t been much different than the last time he played the position. He noted a few minor changes but said his mindset is still the same.
“It’s pretty much the same,” Lankford said. “Some minor details and wording is different, but nonetheless the job is to see the ball, catch the ball, and score.”
Folmer said one major contribution Lankford has made toward the position group is using his quarterback experience to put other receivers in a position to excel.
“He’s got a different perspective playing quarterback so he understands what everybody should be doing,” Folmer said. “As a quarterback, you have to know what all 22 guys are doing, not just the 11 on offense, and he’s brought a different demeanor in that regard.”
Folmer added that Lankford’s toughness has really impressed him given that quarterbacks are known for avoiding contact. He credited Lankford’s blocking ability and knack for making tough catches with multiple defenders in the area.
“A really pleasant surprise is the physicality that he’s brought to the position with the way that he blocks,” Folmer said. “He’s also willing to go across the middle and catch footballs because quarterbacks usually don't have to run through traffic, but he doesn’t shy away from any of that.”
Lankford said he wants to fully establish his knowledge about the position throughout the upcoming season. He looks to improve small areas of his game such as his release off the line and running routes based on the look the defense gives.
“I think it’s getting a better IQ in terms of what release I should take, how should I run this route whenever I see this, and that will come with more time,” Lankford said. “I love playing football and I love learning about it more.”
While Lankford has embraced the position change, Folmer said the door isn’t shut on Lankford returning to quarterback in the future. He added that the coaching staff still gives him some reps in case they need him at some point.
“He’s still tied to the quarterback position because he’s played it now for a couple years,” Folmer said. “He is not totally removed and there’s things we do from a meeting and practice standpoint to make sure that he is ready.”
That scenario occurred against East Tennessee State University where Lankford completed a 26 yard pass on a trick play.
As of now, Lankford said he is happy with the progress he has made since switching to receiver. While he expressed the desire to be more consistent, Lankford believes he has come a long way.
“I think it’s a night and day difference from where I was, to how far I’ve gone,” Lankford said. “But sometimes I do revert back to being inconsistent, which you never want to be. I want to be consistently at my best.”