Johnnie

Morant

Porter likens Kiffin’s scheme to what he played in under Jon Gruden, for whom he put up some of the best seasons of his career. Ronald Curry will be the split end, which could lead to fewer catches but more downfield, big-play opportunities. Slot candidates are Johnnie Morant, Doug Gabriel, and Johnnie Lee Higgins. Mike Williams is also in the mix.

Kiffin, 31, passes Mike Tomlin as the NFL’s youngest head coach. The son of Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, Lane combined with Steve Sarkisian to call the Trojans’ plays after Norm Chow left for the Titans in 2005. Kiffin studied under Jeff Tedford at Cal, so he should know quarterbacks, and has a history as a wide receivers coach. Kiffin is expected to retain Rob Ryan as defensive coordinator.

Morant had a big preseason opener. Alvis Whitted and Doug Gabriel are both ahead of Porter, who’s barely played in the exhibition season.

The former sixth-round pick got deep on a 67-yard hookup with Andrew Walter. Neither Doug Gabriel nor Jerry Porter had a reception.

Morant only caught eight passes in three years, but always managed to nab a roster spot because of his speed. Huntley had some production late last year and may get picked up. Otis is the only man in the Bay Area that wasn’t under consideration for the Raiders starting QB job.

The Raiders select two fast, talented gambles at wide receiver in the 4th and 5th rounds. Morant and Carlos Francis look great in workouts, but it’s a longshot either will be an NFL success. Morant is the bigger underdog.

Morant has been passed by Jerry Porter on the depth chart. Brooks could compete to start during practice next week if Andrew Walter perfoms poorly on Monday night. Sims, a starter, has been banged up.

Morant made an 18-yard grab on the first play from scrimmage but had a 37-yarder nullified because he stepped out of bounds before the catch. The newly-appointed starter will face the Jets’ secondary in Week 17.

Doug Gabriel will come off the bench and when he does, Ronald Curry will most likely move inside for three-receiver sets. Morant, who had no catches all season until Week 15, is a poor bet for production.

Morant was a talented, but troubled player at Syracuse that never lived up to his potential. He should fit right in on the Raiders.