Stock Watch for Class of 2015 Top Wide Receivers

Nearly a month into the high school football season, we've had an opportunity to study a sizable sample size of performances from premier college prospects across the country. The 2015 recruiting class is packed with impressive pass-catchers who can stretch the field and snag contested throws.

These athletes could be running routes on campus near you next year, but for now, they're concentrated on making the most of senior seasons. Based on what we've witnessed so far this fall, here's a peak at players who've piled up positive momentum.

Christian Kirk (Scottsdale, Ariz.)

Stock: Up

Christian Kirk's receiving skills have been a known commodity since a freshman season that featured 34 catches for 589 yards and six scores. The Saguaro High School star followed his first high school campaign with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, solidifying himself among the nation's most productive prospects.

However, his ability to do damage out of the backfield has come to the forefront since last fall. Kirk, rated fifth nationally among receivers in 247Sports' composite rankings, is on a roll as a rusher.

He gained 825 yards on the ground as a junior, racking up 11 yards per carry en route to 13 touchdowns. His output on the defending state champions has grown more impressive this season, as Kirk is averaging nearly 20 yards per rushing attempt with 253 yards and five touchdowns through four games, per MaxPreps.

Oh, by the way, he also leads the team with 19 receptions for 455 yards and seven touchdowns. 

"He's just so spectacular," Saguaro coach Jason Mohns told Scott Bordow of AZCentral.com. "He's physical, he has an extremely high football IQ, he has great vision, and his top speed is electric. You can't help but have your jaw drop."

Kirk's ability to produce game-changing plays from anywhere on the field makes him a candidate to contribute early and often in college. He could fill a role similar to the one Percy Harvin played during Florida's most recent run to the national title (a comparison detailed in the video above).

His top six features UCLA, Texas A&M, Ohio State, Arizona State, USC and Auburn.

Calvin Ridley (Pompano Beach, Fla.)

Stock: Even

We won't see the nation's top-ranked receiver compete in live-action football again until he's wearing an Alabama uniform. Calvin Ridley, a Crimson Tide commit, surpassed Florida's high school student-athlete age limit (19 years and nine months) last week.

Monarch High School loses its best playmaker after just three games. Make no mistake about it, his shoes won't be filled anytime soon.

“He’s put us on the map nationwide,” Monarch coach Calvin Davis told Steve Gorten of the Sun Sentinel. “Being rated the top receiver in the country [by ESPN and Rivals.com] does a lot for your program. It does a lot for the morale of the kids. So he’s been a huge asset to our program. I don’t know where we’d be without him.”

Ridley capped off his high school career with a seven-catch effort that resulted in 186 yards and two touchdowns. That performance capped off arguably his finest stretch at Monarch, as Ridley reeled in 18 receptions for 420 yards and six scores in three contests.

Ridley earned MVP honors at The Opening this summer and was certainly off to a sensational start. Expect Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin to develop him into a top-tier SEC target prepared to contribute early following the departure of star receiver Amari Cooper.

Trent Irwin (Newhall, Calif.)

Credit: 247Sports

Stock: Up

It's not outrageous to project a record-setting season for Trent Irwin, a four-year starter at Hart High School. The 4-star prospect is off to a scintillating start and could threaten the California single-season mark for receiving yards (2,053) with continued dominance.

Irwin, the top target for Arizona State quarterback commit Brady White, has 33 catches for 732 yards and five touchdowns through four games. That production puts him on pace to finish the regular season with 1,830 receiving yards.

Given the team's success, he'll likely have an opportunity to build on that total in the playoffs.

"I'm fortunate to have Trent," White said this summer when both teammates attended The Opening. "Obviously I'd love for him to come down to Arizona State with me."

Irwin remains interested in the Sun Devils, while Stanford could pose the biggest threat to breaking up his tandem with White. 

You'll be hard-pressed to find a receiver with more dependable hands at the high school level in any recruiting cycle. Irwin is polished prospect who continues to improve.

DaMarkus Lodge (Cedar Hill, Texas)

Credit: 247Sports

Stock: Down

DaMarkus Lodge dominated during a breakout junior season that finished with him being named MVP after a state title game victory. Thus far in 2014, he's struggled to duplicate a campaign highlighted by 72 catches for 1,255 yards and 22 touchdowns.

The Cedar Hill High School senior remains an impact player, but it's been tough to overcome defensive schemes that largely revolve around neutralizing him. Lodge has managed just nine receptions for 172 yards, per MaxPreps.

He's been incredibly boom-or-bust this season, with five of his nine catches resulting in touchdowns. Lodge must find a way to overcome consistent coverage and take another step in his development. 

He was completely shut out in the team's third game this season, but he responded nicely last week with three catches for 65 yards and a score. Cedar Hill isn't nearly as dangerous downfield when Lodge can't get rolling.

His commitment re-opened earlier this month when he decommitted from Texas A&M. Baylor and Oklahoma are among programs to watch moving forward.

Jaylinn Hawkins (Buena Park, Calif.)

Credit: 247Sports

Stock: Up

Jaylinn Hawkins has raised the bar through one month of his senior season. The Buena Park High School playmaker opened the campaign with 571 receiving yards in two games, approaching 300 yards in both contests.

Hawkins hauled in 16 catches and six scores during the team's first two victories. He's dealt with a thigh injury since then, limiting his availability, but he returned to action last week.

“The first few games have been real fun,” Hawkins told Kenny Connolly of the Orange County Register. “Overall as a unit, we’re just really connecting. It’s nice to see how we’ve grown and developed. The hard work’s paid off.”

The 6'1", 180-pound pass-catcher is considered a 4-star prospect but stated his case for a bump in rankings with his ferocious start. Hawkins, who has an expansive offer list of Pac-12 programs, is considering a mix of teams that includes Washington, Oregon and Arizona State.

He is well on the way toward shattering his 2013 stat totals (54 catches for 777 yards).

Preston Williams (Hampton, Ga.)

Credit: 247Sports

Stock: Even

Preston Williams is up to his old tricks in 2014, torching opponents downfield on a regular basis. Though the Lovejoy High School offense has found it difficult to get him targets at times, he continues to command attention on every play.

The 5-star recruit is averaging nearly 25 yards per catch, according to MaxPreps. Williams, who stands 6'4", 191 pounds, punishes defenders with his long frame and elite speed.

He tallied 153 yards on just six receptions in a victory over Dutchtown earlier this month. While attending The Opening this summer, Williams expressed sky-high expectations for himself.

"My goal is to be the best player in the country, not just at receiver," he said. "People saw what I can do last season, and now I'm trying to take the next step."

The Tennessee commit may have a tough time making a case as the country's best player, but Williams continues to prove he belongs in the upper echelon of 2015 receiver prospects.

Ratings courtesy of 247Sports.

Quotes obtained firsthand by B/R national recruiting analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted.