CFB Recruiting 200: Top 25 Wide Receivers
After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report recruiting analysts Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler Donohue have graded the top 200 players in the 247Sports' composite rankings and provided in-depth analysis. As national signing day draws near, Bleacher Report provides a position-by-position breakdown of the best college football recruits. Here we present the Top Wide Receivers.
Other Positions
- Top Overall 200
- Top 6 Dual-Threat Quarterbacks
- Top 13 Interior Offensive Linemen
- Top 11 Athletes
- Top 23 Cornerbacks
- Top 15 Offensive Tackles
- Top 12 Safeties
- Top 13 Outside Linebackers
- Top 21 Running Backs
- Top 17 Defensive Tackles
- Top 24 Defensive Ends
- Top 6 Tight Ends
- Top 7 Inside Linebackers
- Top 8 Pro-Style Quarterbacks
Elite athletes continue to shift toward wide receiver more than ever, making it one of the deepest positions in this class. Top-tier pass-catchers who can slice apart defensive schemes often serve as catalysts for high-octane college offenses and open things up for teammates.
We continue our review of the top 200 overall recruits in 247Sports' composite rankings by taking a closer look at these talented downfield targets. We scored each player on a 100-point scale that measures route running, hands, blocking, release, speed and agility.
*All prospects studied and graded by Bleacher Report national recruiting analyst Tyler Donohue.
*Players listed in order of 247Sports' composite rankings.
25. 4-Star Miles Boykin
1 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'4"/220 lbs
High School: Providence Catholic High School, New Lenox, Illinois
247Sports Ranking: No. 25 wide receiver; No. 195 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 75/100
Committed to Notre Dame on July 2, 2014
The Fighting Irish offered Miles Boykin a scholarship last March while he attended a junior day on campus. Offers from Florida, Michigan, Missouri and Oregon followed, but he chose Notre Dame two weeks after visiting South Bend again during summer break.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Boykin has outstanding pass-catching skills (24/25), but I wonder if he wouldn't be better off bulking up into a tight end role. His combined score for speed and agility (19/30) is the lowest among players on this list.
He struggles to gain separation downfield at times, though his length allows him to haul in contested throws. Boykin, who caught 65 passes for 1,035 yards and 19 scores as a senior, is a candidate to make an impact in short-yardage and goal-line situations, but don't expect him to emerge as a dynamic downfield weapon right away in college.
24. 4-Star WR Ryan Davis
2 of 25
Height/Weight: 5'9.5"/167 lbs
High School: Lakewood High School, Saint Petersburg, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 24 wide receiver; No. 187 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 83/100
Uncommitted: Considering Florida, Auburn, Alabama and Maryland
Ryan Davis' recruitment erupted after his junior season. His official visit list features Maryland and Auburn, while new Florida coach Jim McElwain has targeted him as an early priority for the Gators.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Davis, who lined up primarily at quarterback during his senior season, is destined for a full-time switch into the slot. He knifes through defensive attacks with elite agility (15/15) that should translate at the college level while running routes and returning kicks.
His hands remain a relatively unproven commodity given his lack of game reps at the position. Based on what Davis has shown as a rusher, his release off the snap should be excellent, particularly when given opportunities to extend plays on underneath patterns.
23. 4-Star Blake Lynch
3 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'3"/195 lbs
High School: Gilmer High School, Gilmer, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 23 wide receiver; No. 185 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 82/100
Committed to Baylor on Oct. 20, 2013
Blake Lynch landed offers from Mississippi State and Baylor as a sophomore. He pledged to the Bears just a few weeks after adding scholarships from Clemson and Nebraska.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Size and physicality allow Lynch to rip down contested receptions in traffic. Steady hands (23/25) are apparent, especially when he extends for passes among a crowd.
He won't spend games burning defensive backs downfield along the sidelines, but Lynch carries the potential to feast on opponents while working underneath routes. He carried the ball 72 times for 888 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2014, per MaxPreps, and caught 47 passes for 1,043 yards and 16 TDs.
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22. 4-Star JF Thomas
4 of 25Height/Weight: 6'4"/185 lbs
High School: South Oak Cliff High School, Dallas
247Sports Ranking: No. 22 wide receiver; No. 178 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Committed to TCU on April 10, 2014
JF Thomas has stuck by his commitment to the Horned Frogs despite increased interest since last spring. His offer list grew to include Nebraska, LSU, Ohio State and Texas.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Thomas is a long-striding receiver who can climb the ladder and come down with difficult receptions. His length makes it tough for most cornerbacks to line up against him, and they often require safety help near the goal line.
Thomas, who recorded 75 receptions for 1,597 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior, shows off consistent hands (24/25). He's also sneaky fast (13/15) for a player of his physical stature.
21. 4-Star Derrick Dillon
5 of 25
Height/Weight: 5'11"/173 lbs
High School: Pine High School, Franklinton, Louisiana
247Sports Ranking: No. 21 wide receiver; No. 169 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Committed to Florida on May 30, 2014
Derrick Dillon landed an offer from Florida in January and spent significant time on campus before committing to the team. LSU continues to challenge for a flip, hosting him for multiple visits in recent months.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Dillon is another dual-threat quarterback who is ready to make a position transition in college. His explosive tendencies as a rusher (1,927 yards on the ground as a junior) should translate well along the perimeter.
He's a hard-nosed athlete who also excelled at defensive back in high school, pairing that grit with top-tier agility (15/15). Dillon caught three passes and a touchdown while working out of the slot in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, offering evidence of what could lie ahead in Gainesville.
20. 4-Star Carlos Strickland
6 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'5"/194 lbs
High School: Skyline High School, Dallas
247Sports Ranking: No. 20 wide receiver; No. 165 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 72/100
Uncommitted: Considering UCLA, Cal and TCU
Carlos Strickland decommitted from Texas Tech in early January, opening the door for his other three finalists. The Bruins hosted him on campus in October and are considered favorites to lure Strickland outside of the Lone Star State.
Bleacher Report Analysis
His length sets the stage for highlight-reel catches, while impressive strength allows him to rack up yards after the catch. However, I wonder how well he'll fare against collegiate defenders given his lack of top-end speed and agility (combined 21/30).
Strickland too often allows the football to approach his chest plate before gaining possession, a habit that will cost him in college. He's a big-bodied target, but he needs to refine his technique before we see big things from him at the next level.
19. 4-Star Equanimeous St. Brown
7 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'5"/205 lbs
High School: Servite High School, Anaheim, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 19 wide receiver; No. 160 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 83/100
Uncommitted: Considering USC, UCLA, Stanford and Notre Dame
The recruitment of Equanimeous St. Brown comes down to the wire, with several powerhouse programs still in the picture. Notre Dame is considered a slight favorite at this stage, though three in-state options could convince him to remain in California.
Bleacher Report Analysis
The effect of St. Brown's size is undeniable and gives him an immediate edge over defenders. His speed and agility (23/30) are no more than average, but you can't coach a player to gain inches.
Reliable hands (24/25) made him the top target for Oregon quarterback commit Travis Waller. He caught 74 passes for 1,210 yards and 10 touchdowns as an upperclassman, per MaxPreps.
18. 4-Star Jovon Durante
8 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'0"/162 lbs
High School: Miramar High School, Miami
247Sports Ranking: No. 18 wide receiver; No. 157 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Committed to West Virginia on July 1, 2013
West Virginia reached into South Florida again for another gem in Jovon Durante. The Mountaineers extended an offer during his sophomore year and gained a pledge two months later, beating out the likes of Auburn, Alabama and Pittsburgh.
He was previously committed to FIU.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Durante dismantles defenses with quickness (14/15) and lateral agility (14/15), adding a major finesse facet for a receiver who measures up well physically against most cornerbacks. He implements an ankle-breaking stutter-step and should be able to utilize it well in the screen game.
Though he isn't a physical enforcer, Durante does hold his own while competing for contested passes. Elite leaping ability and a long reach aid his efforts.
He is a top-10 receiving talent in this class.
17. 4-Star Desean Holmes
9 of 25
Height/Weight: 5'10.5"/170 lbs
High School: Bishop Alemany, Mission Hills, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 17 wide receiver; No. 154 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Committed to Hawaii on Jan. 23
Desean Holmes began accepting offers, including from Washington, as a sophomore. He pledged to USC last summer after several campus visits but eventually backed off that verbal commitment in December.
Following an official visit to Fresno State, he committed to Hawaii in late January.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Holmes' blend of speed and agility warranted a combined score of 27/30, making him one of the most dangerous targets on this list. He lacks formidable size but is slippery enough to move away from most defenders.
He shows off excellent leaping ability, giving him a greater catch radius than what may seem apparent. Holmes will continue to develop as a route-runner downfield, though he's able to do damage on short-area targets like bubble screens and tight slants.
16. 4-Star K.J. Hill
10 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'0"/188 lbs
High School: North Little Rock High School, North Little Rock, Arkansas
247Sports Ranking: No. 16 wide receiver; No. 152 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Ohio State and Arkansas.
The Razorbacks thought they managed to keep a premier in-state target on home turf this summer, as K.J. Hill chose Arkansas over SEC rivals Auburn, Alabama and Florida. The Crimson Tide still remain in the picture after his recent decommitment, though Ohio State has emerged as a legitimate contender after hosting him.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hill is a versatile weapon who presents offensive coordinators with options across the attack. He's an above-average route-runner (17/20) who possesses the agility (14/15) and short-area burst to gain separation against any defensive scheme.
His athleticism could also have a chance to shine on special teams and in limited carries out of the backfield. Hill would provide a big boost along the Razorbacks' receiving depth chart and should vie for early touches.
15. 4-Star Darius Slayton
11 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'1"/182 lbs
High School: Greater Atlanta Christian High School, Norcross, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 15 wide receiver; No. 141 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Committed to Georgia on Dec. 4, 2014
Darius Slayton joined an impressive class of Bulldogs receivers, picking Georgia over SEC foes South Carolina, Tennessee and Auburn. His offer list also includes Notre Dame, Florida and USC.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Slayton spent much of this recruiting cycle as an underrated prospect, and it's difficult to understand why. He adjusts in midair, hauling in difficult receptions on a regular basis with above-average hands (23/25).
His power allows him to drive through tackles and make things happen after contact. This physicality is also apparent in the run game, as he drives defenders downfield as an admirable blocker.
14. 4-Star John Burt
12 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'3"/180 lbs
High School: Lincoln High School, Tallahassee, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 14 wide receiver; No. 138 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to Texas on Jan. 26, 2015
John Burt decommitted from Texas in early January, though he maintained the Longhorns still held a spot among his favorites. Auburn was always in the mix for him, and he visited the campus this past season, but he ultimately opted to rejoin Texas' class.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Burt has the physical tools to exploit defensive coverage for years to come. Despite a slew of raw fundamentals, he routinely manages to get a clean release (18/20) and find seams where his quarterback is able to locate the big target.
I'd like to see him maintain lower pad level, an improvement that would help him burst out of breaks with more fluidity and make it more difficult for opponents to anticipate his next move. Burt possesses sneaky speed (14/15) for an athlete of his size, and though he'll enter college in need of polish, I see all-conference capabilities from the Sunshine State standout.
"If we need five yards, I’ll pick up five yards. If you need me to go deep for a big gain, I can do that too," Burt told me last spring.
13. 4-Star Juwan Johnson
13 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'4"/216 lbs
High School: Glassboro High School, Glassboro, New Jersey
247Sports Ranking: No. 13 wide receiver; No. 130 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 86/100
Committed to Penn State on March 16, 2014
Several Big Ten teams entered the mix for Juwan Johnson following his junior season, including Michigan State, Ohio State and in-state Rutgers. He chose Penn State during a campus visit and remains tied to the team despite new offers along the way.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Johnson, the younger brother of fellow freak athlete and Detroit Lions defensive end George Johnson, is as sure-handed as they come in this class (25/25). A massive catch radius and downfield fearlessness mean quarterbacks can get away with minor mistakes while sending passes in his direction.
He's a long-strider who does a better job of releasing from defenders (18/20) than most players of his physical stature. Johnson compared himself to Philadelphia Eagles rookie Jordan Matthews, who starred for Penn State coach James Franklin at Vanderbilt, and it's a fair assessment.
"I watched Jordan Matthews a lot when he was at Vanderbilt, without even knowing about James Franklin," Johnson told me. "I have some similarities to Matthews. We're both big receivers who can make tough catches and make defenses deal with matchup issues."
12. 4-Star Alex Ofodile
14 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'2"/185 lbs
High School: Rock Bridge High School, Columbia, Missouri
247Sports Ranking: No. 12 wide receiver; No. 117 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 84/100
Enrolled at Oregon
Alex Ofodile visited Ohio State, Kentucky and Penn State during the summer before pledging to Oregon in June. He spent an official visit at Ole Miss during the season but ultimately enrolled early in Eugene.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Ofodile was a prolific high school receiver, securing 243 catches for 3,668 yards and 34 scores during the past three seasons. That production serves as evidence of his outstanding hands (25/25) and preparation.
His speed (12/15) won't blow opponents away, but strong route-running skills (18/20) enable him to stay one step ahead while keeping defenders on their heels. Expect him to provide a reliable move-the-chains presence in an Oregon offense that will free up Ofodile underneath.
11. 4-Star Van Jefferson
15 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'2"/183 lbs
High School: Brentwood High School, Ravenwood, Tennessee
247Sports Ranking: No. 11 wide receiver; No. 108 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 80/100
Committed to Ole Miss on Jan. 25, 2015
Van Jefferson committed to Georgia last summer, but he made a late switch to Ole Miss. An offer from Jim Harbaugh and Michigan could change things again, as Jefferson paid a last-minute visit to Ann Arbor.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jefferson, who caught 54 passes for 1,038 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2014, is a capable route-runner (18/20) who appears comfortable lining up all over the field. He incorporates head and shoulder movement to shake out of tight coverage, doing damage after the catch when a quarterback finds him in stride.
While I admire Jefferson's ability to go up top and attack the ball in tight coverage, there are still too many examples of his allowing the football to reach his chest. It's important that he high-points passes, even if he finds himself wide open.
10. 4-Star Da'Vante Phillips
16 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'2"/204 lbs
High School: Miami Central High School, Miami
247Sports Ranking: No. 10 wide receiver; No. 99 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 81/100
Enrolled at Florida State
Da'Vante Phillips chose the Seminoles over his hometown Hurricanes on New Year's Eve 2014 and enrolled just a few days later. He follows in the footsteps of former teammate and friend Dalvin Cook, who starred at running back for the Seminoles as a true freshman.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Few members of this class compare with his ability to catch the football in traffic. Phillips is a sure-handed target with excellent body control, which allows him to maintain momentum while snagging inaccurate pass attempts (24/25 for hands).
"Wherever I am on the field, I fight for the football," Phillips told me last summer. "I don't back down."
That mindset often shows up through a competitive streak that teammates should appreciate. Phillips doesn't project as the big-play weapon in a collegiate offense (23/30 for speed and agility), but he should log plenty of starts as a reliable and feisty weapon.
9. 4-Star Daylon Charlot
17 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'0"/193 lbs
High School: Patterson High School, Patterson, Louisiana
247Sports Ranking: No. 9 wide receiver; No. 90 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 81/100
Uncommitted: Considering LSU, Miami and Alabama
Daylon Charlot initially committed to the Crimson Tide during a junior-day campus visit in February. He remained firm for a while but reopened his recruitment as a senior. Miami and LSU lined up visits and remain in the mix.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Charlot isn't necessarily an explosive playmaker, because he won't dazzle you with elite speed (12/15), but his toughness in traffic and reliable hands (23/25) make him a potential mainstay in any collegiate receiving rotation.
He fights to get open and isn't afraid to tussle with defenders in order to set an early tone in the matchup. Charlot needs to apply coaching lessons to his route running (15/20), as he tends to round off routes rather than finish with sharp cuts that can create separation.
Charlot has excellent vision in the open field once he receives the ball, a trait that could apply to the kick return game. He took a punt back for a score in the Under Armour All-America Game.
8. 4-Star Trent Irwin
18 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'1.5"/189 lbs
High School: Hart High School, Newhall, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 wide receiver; No. 70 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 86/100
Committed to Stanford on Jan. 6, 2015
Trent Irwin surprised many when he pledged to the Cardinal over Arizona State, where longtime friend and 4-star quarterback Brady White is headed. He also holds offers from UCLA, Penn State, Texas Tech and Washington, among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Irwin is the player you want on the receiving end of a fourth-down toss because of his consistency as a pass-catcher. He boasts the best hands (25/25) I saw on the recruiting trail during this cycle, plucking pass attempts away from his body.
His average speed and agility (23/30 combined) can make it difficult at times to gain a quick release, but Irwin remains unfazed when faced with the task of contesting for the ball in tight quarters. He set California records with 285 career catches and 5,268 receiving yards.
"He's an unbelievable receiver who always understands how to approach every situation," White told me after their final season together at Hart. "Trent is the kind of guy a quarterback can trust when he gets in trouble."
7. 4-Star Preston Williams
19 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'4"/191 lbs
High School: Lovejoy High School, Hampton, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 wide receiver; No. 48 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 84/100
Committed to Tennessee on Sept. 21, 2013
Preston Williams pledged to the Volunteers during the early stages of his junior season, but things continue to heat up in his recruitment. Visits to Georgia and Auburn are sure to add drama during the final push toward signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Williams reaches his top-end speed (13/15) in minimal strides, separating himself from talented tall receivers who take a while to build momentum off the snap. It's an invaluable asset for getting open, but it also becomes a factor after the catch, when he can take it to the house if given space.
His stature allows him to shrug off feeble tackle attempts and keep churning toward the end zone. He has the potential to wreak havoc on short-yardage slant routes when the quarterback hits him in stride.
Williams doesn't always appear focused on the football as he's looking to turn upfield, leading to occasional lapses and drops. Though he caught 23 fewer passes in 2014 than in his junior year, Williams tallied a career-best 18 touchdown passes.
6. 4-Star Damarkus Lodge
20 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'2.5", 190 lbs
High School: Cedar Hill High School, Cedar Hill, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 wide receiver; No. 42 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Uncommitted: Considering Ole Miss, USC, LSU and Texas A&M
Damarkus Lodge initially committed to Texas A&M but backed off that verbal pledge during his senior season. The Aggies remain a possibility, while USC, Ole Miss and LSU are compelling options after recent campus visits.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Lodge made the most of his two seasons as a full-time starter, securing offensive MVP honors in consecutive state title games and racking up 47 touchdown receptions since 2013.
Lodge's ability to gain separation in a variety of ways makes him a major deep-ball threat (14/15 speed). He adjusts well to the trajectory of a pass and smoothly makes improvisational adjustments to get underneath the ball.
I'd like to see Lodge do more with the football after he pulls in the pass, but he isn't physically mature enough at this stage to consistently shrug off tacklers in pursuit of extra yardage. He could potentially see time as a punt returner.
5. 5-Star Tyron Johnson
21 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'1"/191 lbs
High School: Warren Easton High School, New Orleans
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 wide receiver; No. 27 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to LSU on Jan. 2, 2015
Tyron Johnson kept the Tigers guessing deep into his recruitment process, but the team's diligence paid off when he became the latest New Orleans playmaker to declare LSU as his destination during Under Armour All-America Game festivities.
Johnson also considered Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Georgia and Auburn.
Bleacher Report Analysis
He makes every catch you can ask for from a No. 1 target and understands how to finish off plays. His speed (14/15) and agility (15/15) allow him to become a scoring threat on every reception.
He looks natural at just about everything, gaining separation on underneath routes and along the sidelines. Johnson works well in tight areas and snags the ball like he owns it.
Johnson, who also excels as a kick returner, posted production in bunches as an upperclassman. He caught at least 80 passes each season, tallying 3,022 receiving yards and 34 touchdown grabs.
4. 5-Star Christian Kirk
22 of 25
Height/Weight: 5'10"/191 lbs
High School: Saguaro High School, Scottsdale, Arizona
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 wide receiver; No. 25 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Enrolled at Texas A&M
Christian Kirk spent significant time touring campuses, including trips to Auburn, UCLA and USC. His decision ultimately came down to Arizona State and the Aggies, where 5-star quarterback and friend Kyler Murray is also headed.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Kirk became a jack-of-all trades juggernaut at Saguaro, leading the team to consecutive state title victories as an upperclassman. He rushed for 1,000 yards both years, adding 126 total receptions for 2,370 yards and 34 scores during that span.
He was among the most dominant figures this summer at The Opening, where he carved up elite defenders with precise route running (18/20) and surefire hands (25/25). Kirk can take on a variety of roles in College Station, including kick returner, and is difficult to pigeonhole into one position.
"I just want an offensive coordinator who is open to me playing every wide receiver position on the field," Kirk told me this summer. "When a guy tells me 'We want you here in the slot,' and they don't want to move me anywhere else, that's not what I'm looking for. I may not be 6'3", but I want to be a true wide receiver who stretches the field."
3. 5-Star George Campbell
23 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'3"/184 lbs
High School: East Lake High School, Tarpon Springs, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 wide receiver; No. 19 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Enrolled at Florida State
George Campbell was one of several standout prospects to decommit from Michigan during the past year. He eventually landed with the Seminoles following a September announcement, spurning offers from the likes of LSU, Florida and Clemson.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Campbell was clocked at 4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash at The Opening as a junior and returned to dazzle with elite athleticism last summer. His top-end speed (15/15) is frightening when combined with a long physical frame.
The knock on Campbell has always been suspect hands, but he's put in plenty of time to change that narrative. Based on senior film, I've elevated his hands grade from 18/25 to 22/25, a testament to concerted effort toward technique.
The improvements also paid off on the field, as Campbell posted a career-high 62 receptions for 880 yards and 12 touchdowns, per MaxPreps.
2. 5-Star Deon Cain
24 of 25
Height/Weight: 6'1.5"/194 lbs
High School: Tampa Bay Tech, Tampa Bay, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 wide receiver; No. 18 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to Clemson on May 30, 2014
Despite visits to Miami and LSU, Deon Cain remains steadfast in his commitment to the Tigers. Florida, Tennessee, Ohio State and Alabama also extended offers along the way.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Much like 2014 Texas A&M signee Speedy Noil, Cain is a successful high school quarterback who deserves consideration as one of the top receiver targets in his class. He's blown away competition at star-studded events like The Opening and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, in which Cain caught and threw a touchdown.
"It's big because I'm showing what I can do at receiver in pads instead of just shorts and a T-shirt," Cain told me after an All-American practice. "Even though I didn't play the position for my high school team, I can become the guy at Clemson and be one of the nation's best receivers."
He possesses massive hands (24/25) that help him corral poorly placed passes. When his speed (13/15) and release (18/20) are paired with more nuanced route running, Cain could certainly develop into the Tigers' next star receiver.
1. 5-Star Calvin Ridley
25 of 25Height/Weight: 6'0"/170 lbs
High School: Monarch High School, Pompano Beach, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 wide receiver; No. 11 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to Alabama on April 19, 2014
Calvin Ridley committed to the Crimson Tide along with high school teammate Shawn Burgess-Becker while both players attended Alabama's spring game action. Miami and Florida State have never called off the hunt, but he appears on track to compete in Tuscaloosa.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Ridley, already 20 years old, has an advantage in physical maturation, an edge that showed up en route to earning overall MVP honors at The Opening. Even the most elite defensive backs struggled to stay with him in coverage—a credit to his route running (19/20) and release (20/20).
His quickness (14/15) is coupled with sheer physicality, including a vicious stiff-arm Ridley unveils from time to time. The game film is filled with highlight plays, and he is clearly ready for a new challenge.
It awaits him at Alabama, where offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is looking to fill the mighty big shoes left behind by NFL-bound receiver Amari Cooper. Ridley, who was limited to just three games as a senior due to Florida's high school age limit (19 years and nine months), still managed to catch 18 passes for 420 yards and six touchdowns in 2014, per Steve Gorten of the Sun Sentinel.
Alabama will count on him immediately to help pick up some of the slack.
"Calvin is pretty incredible, isn't he?" 5-star Alabama quarterback and early enrollee Blake Barnett told me last summer. "He's such a talented receiver. ... I can't wait to get to work with him in Tuscaloosa."
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