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College Football Rankings: 10 Best WRs Heading into 2012

hh bjjjnJun 11, 2012

College football lost a number of top-notch receivers to the 2012 NFL draft. Names such as Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd, Alshon Jeffery, Kendall Wright and Ryan Broyles have all moved on to the NFL.

But don't fret college football fans, as there is a new crop that is ready to dominate the NCAA ranks this coming season.

These receivers will come up huge in 2012. Interestingly enough. the west coast should be excited, as four of the top 10 are in the Pac-12.

Big names from last season may be gone, but these players will be turning heads all season long.   

1. Robert Woods

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Robert Woods sits at the top of the 2012 class for wideouts.

After a fantastic freshman year, Woods had high expectations. And the Trojan met, and exceeded, the expectations with his stellar sophomore campaign.

In 2011, Woods started all 12 games and accumulated 111 receptions for 1,292 yards and 15 touchdowns. The dynamic receiver had one of the greatest seasons in USC football history and his 111 receptions broke Keyshawn Johnson's single-season record.

Woods will have to put up ridiculous numbers to top his sophomore season, but Matt Barkley is sure to hook up with Woods all season long.  

2. Keenan Allen

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Keenan Allen is an athletic freak that has put Cal on his back the last two seasons. 

Allen, a junior, has the size and speed to be a star at the next level. His 6'3", 205-pound frame, to go along with his speed, makes him a serious problem for defenses. 

In 2011, Allen put up big numbers without a solid quarterback, posting 98 catches for 1,343 yards and six touchdowns. 

Allen, who could have been a safety in college, is a freak athlete that will once again produce despite seeing double-teams all season. 

3. Marquess Wilson

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Washington State football may not have been among the most dominant teams of late, but that doesn't mean Marquess Wilson hasn't been. 

Despite his team's rough season, Wilson was a beast for the Cougars, hauling in 82 passes for 1,388 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore.

It truly is a shame Wilson doesn't get more attention.

However, new head coach Mike Leach will find Wilson in every way possible, making him a household name. 

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4. Sammy Watkins

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Sammy Watkins took the college football world by storm in 2011 as a true freshman. 

The speedy 6'1", 180-pounder took off from the very beginning, catching 82 passes for 1,219 yards and 13 touchdowns. 

Watkins is a versatile receiver that can make plays happen all over the field. 

Though it may be hard to top his numbers from last season, Watkins will certainly put together a dynamic sophomore season for the Clemson Tigers. 

5. Marqise Lee

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Yes, USC has two receivers in the top five heading into the 2012 season. 

Marqise Lee was a diaper dandy as a freshman. In 2011, Lee connected with Matt Barkley for 73 receptions to rack up 1,143 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

Having Robert Woods makes Lee an under-the-radar prospect, but he deserves to be mentioned with the best. 

Lee should have another big year with Woods opposite of him and Barkley under center, effectively using his speed to dash past helpless defenders.

6. Kenny Stills

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Kenny Stills is taking over for Ryan Broyles as Landry Jones' new favorite target in 2012. 

Stills may be best known for his crazy hair and tattoos, but soon the world will know what a sensational receiver he can be. In 2011, Stills still hauled in 61 passes for 849 yards and eight touchdowns for the Sooners. 

The receiver has impact written all over him. 

Stills can make big plays every time he touches the ball and the junior will be burning defenses in 2012. 

7. Cobi Hamilton

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The Arkansas Razorbacks lost three talented receivers to the draft, but they still have the very talented Cobi Hamilton. 

Hamilton may have the best potential and pure skills in all of college football. Standing at 6'3" and 209 pounds, Hamilton has the size with his track speed to dominate.

In 2011, Hamilton had only 34 receptions for 542 yards and four touchdowns, but look for those numbers to skyrocket.

Hamilton's athleticism will be a nightmare for defenses when Tyler Wilson looks his way this year.

8. Tavon Austin

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Tavon Austin dazzled the world with his performance of 281 all-purpose yards (173 receiving) in West Virginia's 70-33 crushing of Clemson. 

Austin is one of the most versatile players in the nation and had 101 catches for 1,186 yards and eight touchdowns on the year last season.

Though he is only 5'9" and 176 pounds, Austin is easily one of the most dangerous weapons in the nation.

Austin and Geno Smith will be a dynamic duo, and Austin will find the end zone all season long.  

9. Terrance Williams

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Terrance Williams is more than just the man that caught one of the biggest catches in Baylor history. 

The connection from Robert Griffin III to Williams to beat Oklahoma was dazzling, but Williams is more than a YouTube sensation. Fans may miss Kendall Wright, but Williams will help them forget.

In 2011, Williams finished the season with 59 catches for 957 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The senior may not have as big of numbers without Griffin, but he will still shine in 2012.  

10. Da'rick Rogers

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Tennessee struggled on offense in 2011, but Da'rick Rogers certainly did not disappoint. The receiver tore up the SEC with 67 catches for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns last year.

Rogers may not be perfect off the field, but he certainly is a star on-field.

At 6'3" and 215 pounds, the junior is a serious threat for defenses.

Though rumors of a transfer came out earlier in the year, Rogers will remain a Vol. His connection with Tyler Bray will be among the best in D-1, and Rogers' stats may be even better in 2012.  

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