RUSTON – The Louisiana Tech wide receiver room faces a tall task this season, replacing 157 receptions lost to graduation and the transfer portal, the majority of which came from Tru Edwards and Jimmy Holiday, who are now on NFL rosters.
 
The Bulldogs added 11 new faces to the room to pair with six returners. The emergence of Sac State transfer Devin Gandy and junior college transfer Dane Benedix have been evident throughout fall camp.
 
The media was able to speak to Gandy, Benedix and receivers coach Lorenzo Joe after Monday's practice.
 
Gandy arrives in Ruston after spending five seasons at Sac State. The California native played in 36 games for the hornets, catching 68 passes for 892 yards and five scores.

 
Gandy on his role …
"Whenever we need a big play, coach Franklin just gives me a chance and I'm just willing to do whatever he wants me to do to help the team win."
 
Gandy on the strengths of the offense…
"Everything. We can do it all. We've got a big playmaker at tight end, big playmakers at running back, in the receiver room, quarterbacks, so I just think once it all comes together, we're going to be alright."
 
Benedix makes the jump to the FBS level after spending two seasons at Saddleback College, a junior college in California. He saw action in 20 games across two seasons, catching 49 passes for 10 touchdowns. Benedix caught 37 passes for 583 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024. The junior receiver walked on at LA Tech this spring, following his junior college quarterback, Trey Kukuk, and tight end, Brayden Bockler, to Ruston, and quickly earned a scholarship.


 
Benedix on his story of coming to LA Tech …
"I originally didn't get recruited to play here. Coach Franklin came out to California to watch Brayden Bockler, tight end, and quarterback Trey Kukuk throw routes and Trey invited me to come throw that day, and ever since then I've been able to build a connection with coach Franklin. He gave me the walk on opportunity, and I came out here, put my head down, persevered, worked hard, tried to get the coaches to see me and what I can do, and I tried to be a guy for them, and it worked out in the end."
 
With the addition of 11 new players, the Bulldogs now have 17 receivers on the roster entering the 2025 season. The newcomers include four from the junior college ranks, five from high school, one from the FCS level and one from the NAIA.
 


Joe on potentially having multiple guys with 40-50+ catches …
"When you got some depth, it's always good. You've got guys that can go in there and make plays and get you out of the game, that's always good. Last year, I know Tru was that guy for us, but now we've got some guys that we can pass it around and share the wealth with. We're looking forward to all these guys stepping up and making plays and that's what we tell these guys. No matter where you're at, be ready to make a play. I don't care where you're at on the depth chart, be ready for your opportunity and go take advantage of it. Those guys have been working hard and they're catching a lot of balls every single day, so they're ready for their moment." 

Marlion Jackson is the team's top returning pass catcher at the FBS level with 27 receptions. Jay Wilkerson has recorded 13 receptions, followed by Dedrick Latulas with four.
 
Marques Singleton Jr. joins the team after recording 128 receptions over two seasons at the junior college level, while David Pierro has 92 catches in two junior college seasons to his credit.
 
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