Keeping calm key for Durante

Sometimes it’s as easy as making one play to jumpstart the process of turning things around.

Wide receivers coach Tyron Carrier believes that to be the case for sophomore wide receiver Jovon Durante, who’s started the season without a catch through the first two games. Widely pegged as a potential breakout candidate prior to the season Durante has one rush for four yards to his credit.

Head coach Dana Holgorsen sees it as an issue of Durante pressing too much.

“He’s a guy that’s shown not only last year but in camp that he can do it,” he said. “He brings an element to the inside wide receiver that’s a little different than what we’ve had in the past.”

His position coach agrees. While those around him have made big plays through the first two games, Durante has been a victim of his own mental state on the field. It’s easy to do at wide receiver and something that Carrier even battled himself at times during his playing career at Houston.

“My hands got overanxious. I snap at the ball and knock it down before I catch it. You have to calm down,” Carrier said. “You’re working extra hard and pushing too much.”

The wide receivers coach had a long talk with Durante during the bye week about slowing things down in order to make plays on the field.

It’s a message that has been received well with the focus of the conversation being avoid forcing the issue and letting it happen naturally.

In fact, the issue hasn’t even been as big of a problem in practices as Durante continues to perform at a high level and has kept a good attitude throughout.

“He’s fast. He’s a difference maker. He works hard and he’s always going 100-miles per hour,” Carrier said. “He’s what you want on your team.”

Both Carrier and Durante understand that two games a season does not make. And there is plenty of opportunity for him to embark on fulfilling some of those lofty pre-season goals. That also requires the coaching staff putting him in a position to make plays.

“Even if he doesn’t make the first one,” Carrier said.

But in the meantime it’s about making one play and getting the process started.

“One play turns everything around. We know he can make plays. We know that for sure. It’s a long season and it’s only been two games,” Carrier said.