CFB Recruiting 200: Top 36 Wide Receivers in Class of 2016
After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analysts Damon Sayles, Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler Donohue have graded the top 200 players in the 247Sports composite rankings and provided in-depth analysis on each young athlete. Bleacher Report will run a position-by-position breakdown series of the best college football recruits in the class of 2016.Here we present the Top Wide Receivers.
Other Positions
Pass-catchers play a prominent role in the 2016 college football recruiting cycle, claiming more spots among top-200 prospects than any other position. It's a group that figures to elevate aerial attacks for offenses across the nation in coming seasons.
We've spent the past year scouting these dynamic young talents through in-person assessments at camps, showcases and live game action, along with film study. Here's a closer look at wide receivers who've emerged as elite members of a star-studded class, grading each recruit based on speed, agility, release, route running, blocking and—of course—hands.
All prospects scouted by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue. Players ordered by appearance in 247Sports' composite rankings.
36. 4-Star Cameron Chambers
1 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'3", 195 pounds
High School: Timber Creek High School; Sicklerville, New Jersey
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 36 WR; No. 192 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Michigan State on Aug. 1, 2014
Cameron Chambers collected offers from several universities before the start of his sophomore season, including Purdue, Temple and Rutgers. The recruitment rapidly caught fire during the 2013-14 school year when South Carolina, Michigan, Michigan State and Florida joined the chase. He opted to end things early, pledging to the Spartans over fellow finalists Alabama, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio State.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Chambers is a man-child when it comes to physical stature and looks extremely solid with a strong upper body. He manhandles high school opponents with polished route running (18/20) and an impressive release (19/20), using physicality to gain separation off the snap.
His hard-charging style is augmented by sharp, explosive cuts that leave defenders a step behind and create room for Chambers to flash soft hands (24/25) and turn upfield for extra yards. He's enjoyed a highly productive career, totaling 101 receptions for 1,898 yards and 19 scores during the past two seasons, according to MaxPreps.
35. 4-Star Tavares Chase
2 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'2", 180 pounds
High School: IMG Academy; Bradenton, Florida
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 35 WR; No. 190 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to Clemson on Jan. 31, 2015
Tavares Chase entered his junior season as a prized SEC prospect, carrying scholarship offers from Georgia, Ole Miss, Auburn and South Carolina. Alabama extended an offer in late January, but he committed to Clemson during a campus visit just one week later.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Chase benefits from working with top-tier quarterbacks, catching passes from 2015 Florida State signee Deondre Francois last season and set to team up with freshly transferred Elite MVP Shea Patterson. Of course, the connection works both ways, and these quarterbacks should be happy to target an athlete like Chase.
He is startlingly shifty for his size, making defenders come up empty on a regular basis in the open field. Chase is a well-rounded receiver who can attack the secondary with precise routes (24/25) or turn a short strike into a big play by turning on the jets (14/15 speed). He should be in store for a career-best season with Patterson orchestrating the offense, following a 2014 campaign that featured 25 receptions for 521 yards and five touchdowns, according to MaxPreps.
34. 4-Star Cavin Ridley
3 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'1 ½", 198 pounds
High School: Deerfield Beach High School; Deerfield Beach, Florida
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 34 WR; No. 188 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 86/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Ohio State and Tennessee
Cavin Ridley attended camps in Columbus and Knoxville, continuing to explore his options. His recruitment really started to heat up midway through the 2014 season, as offers steadily arrived from Alabama, West Virginia, Louisville, Florida and Florida State. His older brother, 5-star 2015 receiver and Crimson Tide newcomer Calvin Ridley, is among the country's top incoming college freshmen.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Ridley has an opportunity to step out of his brother's shadow this season following a 2014 campaign that saw him make strides. There's an instinctual element to his game that puts him in position to feed on defensive secondaries at any sign of a lapse in coverage.
There's plenty of work to put in from a route-running perspective (16/20), and additional strength will help him fire off the line with more effectiveness, particularly when opponents are pressing. Ridley is nimble enough (14/15 agility) to weave through traffic and salvage plays that otherwise appear lost.
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33. 4-Star Dionte Mullins
4 of 36
Height/Weight: 5'10 ½", 179 pounds
High School: Gulliver Prep; Miami
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 33 WR; No. 186 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 83/100
Committed to Miami on July 4, 2014
Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame and Oklahoma are among the programs that offered Dionte Mullins as an underclassman. He became a primary member of Miami's recruiting class before the start of his junior campaign, just two months after the Hurricanes extended a scholarship.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Mullins may be on the raw side as a route-runner (15/20), but he excites in so many facets. The first thing that stands out is his vision, as he understands how to maneuver through lanes as a receiver and kick returner.
There are times when Mullins becomes a bit overzealous in his quest to find real estate (running laterally and occasionally backward will get you in big trouble at the college level), but he features the blend of quickness and agility (28/30) necessary to occasionally create some magic. Mullins caught 47 passes for 831 yards and nine touchdowns during the past two campaigns.
32. 4-Star Mykel Jones
5 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'0", 180 pounds
High School: Patterson High School; Patterson, Louisiana
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 32 WR; No. 184 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, LSU, Texas, Tennessee and USC
Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide plucked 4-star pass-catcher Daylon Charlot from Patterson last national signing day and now have their sights set on younger teammate Mykel Jones. Alabama faces stiff competition from in-state LSU, while USC and Tennessee are other compelling contenders away from home.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jones is asked to shoulder a substantial load for his high school squad, which should continue with Charlot moving on to Tuscaloosa. He's an extremely elusive (15/15) athlete who uses that quick-twitch wiggle to secure space upon his release (19/20).
His ability to pull down improbable receptions is admirable and occasionally requires acrobatic efforts that many other players simply can't accomplish. Jones caught 108 passes for 1,764 yards and 20 touchdowns during the past two seasons, adding 557 rushing yards.
31. 4-Star Justin Layne
6 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'3", 180 pounds
High School: Benedictine High School; Cleveland
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 31 WR; No. 182 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 84/100
Committed to Michigan State on April 25, 2015
Justin Layne landed on the national recruiting radar after his sophomore season, securing offers from West Virginia, Miami, Michigan State and Penn State. Alabama entered the chase in March, but he declared his intention to play for the Spartans a month later.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Layne is a reliable possession receiver who should emerge as a primary target in intermediate passing situations. He doesn't bring top-end speed (12/15) to an attack but works his way open with crisp routes (23/25) and deceptively effective lateral agility (13/15).
No, Layne isn't a home run threat on any given play, but he's a well-balanced playmaker who can punish defenders as a run-blocker. This power is also on display as his receptions extend beyond the point of attack, allowing him to average 23 yards per reception with eight touchdowns in 2014, according to Ryan Lewis of Cleveland.com.
30. 4-Star Steven Smothers
7 of 36
Height/Weight: 5'10", 152 pounds
High School: Franklin High School; Reisterstown, Maryland
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 30 WR; No. 181 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to West Virginia on Aug. 5, 2015
Steven Smothers started accruing scholarship offers as a sophomore when West Virginia, UConn, Virginia and Virginia Tech began pursuing him. SEC teams joined the mix last summer when Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama extended offers. He trimmed his list to six programs—Penn State, Rutgers, Nebraska, West Virginia, Illinois and Ohio State—in late June.
Bleacher Report Analysis
When Smothers gains a step on the outside edge. forget about it. He's an electric runner who makes up for a lack of ideal size with game-altering speed (15/15).
It remains to be seen how effective he can be while working with an expansive route tree in college, but Smothers already displays the ability to excel on deep posts and quick-hitting slants that send him into space. He also projects as an elite kick returner and could challenge for that role as a true freshman. Smothers tallied 88 receptions for 1,748 yards and 23 scores during the past two seasons, taking three punts back for touchdowns.
29. 4-Star Clyde Chriss
8 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'0", 170 pounds
High School: Warren Easton Charter High School; New Orleans
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 29 WR; No. 177 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Uncommitted: Considering Clemson, LSU, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and UCLA
Clyde Chriss follows in the footsteps of former Warren Easton teammate Tyron Johnson as a coveted pass-catcher from the bayou. His recruitment erupted after last season, as four new SEC offers arrived. Alabama and Miami offered during a 24-hour stretch in late April.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Chriss could flourish at cornerback or receiver, exhibiting fluid hips and elite acceleration (15/15). Prepare for this kid's stock to soar this season as he continues to gain experience and polishes his route running (16/20).
He possesses outstanding length and looks like a track sprinter as he strides down the sideline past opponents. Chriss is a scintillating receiver who still has a lot of room to grow and could make a major impact in the kick return game. He made 33 receptions last season, turning those opportunities into 821 yards and nine scores.
28. 4-Star Darian Owens
9 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'0", 190 pounds
High School: Clovis West High School; Fresno, California
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 28 WR; No. 172 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to UCLA on April 17, 2015
Darian Owens quickly rose to prominence in Pac-12 territory, securing scholarship opportunities at Arizona, Oregon, Cal and USC. He ultimately elected to join the Bruins' class, though his announcement hasn't deterred others like Nebraska from entering the mix.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Owens operates with smoothness that still evades members of this list, utilizing an excellent blend of speed and agility (28/30) to turn the corner and gain big portions of yards on a variety of plays. He is a deep-ball threat, receives opportunities in the screen game and occasionally runs off tackle on sweep rushing attempts.
His stature is already suitable for the college game, and Owens may actually carry more upside at safety than receiver. Still, expect his future to await on offense, where he caught 42 passes for 882 yards and seven touchdowns in 2014.
27. 4-Star Keith Gavin
10 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'3", 211 pounds
High School: Wakulla High School; Crawfordville, Florida
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 27 wide receiver; No. 169 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Committed to Florida State on July 26, 2014
Keith Gavin pledged to the Seminoles more than a month before the start of his junior season, spurning scholarship offers from Penn State, Miami, South Carolina and Michigan State, among others. College opportunities arrived during his freshman season when Clemson extended an offer.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Gavin, the primary target at Wakulla for 4-star LSU quarterback commit Feleipe Franks, looks like a tight end at first glance on film. He's well built, breaks through tackles with ease and doesn't exhibit elite speed (12/15).
There's a mean streak to his game that sets the tone and serves notice to opponents that they're in for a long four quarters. Gavin is particularly impressive in one-on-one situations when the pass is placed high, as he can shield defenders with physicality or climb the ladder to pluck a lofted ball. His junior season included 44 receptions for 1,131 yards and 16 scores, according to MaxPreps.
26. 4-Star Courtney Lark
11 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'1", 175 pounds
High School: Bellaire High School; Bellaire, Texas
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 26 WR; No. 148 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to TCU on Jan. 31, 2015
Courtney Lark helped springboard a strong Horned Frogs class, committing to TCU while on campus for a junior day event. Despite his decision, programs like Houston, Kansas State and UCLA have offered since.
Bleacher Report Analysis
He isn't the most slippery receiver in this bunch, but Lark's ability to attack defenses straight up the gut can become a key element of any collegiate offense. His violent rushing approach helps him gather crucial yards after the catch, and he's the guy you want fighting to get past a first-down marker.
Lark, who caught 58 passes for 1,138 yards and 16 scores last season, consistently fights for a clean release (18/20) and is sharp enough in his routes (18/20) to leave undisciplined defenders grasping dust. He implements an effective stutter-step to create space and fights for 50-50 balls, the defining attribute of a quarterback's best friend.
25. 4-Star Collin Johnson
12 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'5", 200 pounds
High School: Valley Christian High School; San Jose, California
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 25 WR; No. 140 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Committed to Texas on April 17, 2014
Collin Johnson was among Charlie Strong's first key pickups of the 2016 recruiting cycle, committing to the program just months after the head coach arrived from Louisville. He turned down opportunities at Arizona State, TCU, USC and several other universities.
His pledge maintains a family legacy, following the path of his older brother (Texas freshman Kirk Johnson) and father (
elected to announce his commitment early, revealing intentions to become a Longhorn as a sophomore. He chose Texas over Arizona State, Michigan and USC, among others, following in the footsteps of his older brother (2015 Longhorns signee Kirk Johnson) and father (former Longhd Johnnie Johnson).
Bleacher Report Analysis
Head coach Charlie Strong is in need of offensive weapons who can intimidate opponents, and he found one in Johnson. His catch radius is tremendous, making life a little easier for Longhorns quarterbacks, and his routes (18/20) remain relatively sharp throughout four quarters.
Johnson shows up in the run game too, driving defenders downfield to open gaps for teammates. This physicality is balanced by solid speed (13/15), helping him snag 52 passes for 1,019 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2014.
24. 4-Star Josh Imatorbhebhe
13 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'2", 205 pounds
High School: North Gwinnett High School; Suwanee, Georgia
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 24 WR; No. 129 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to USC on May 18, 2015
Josh Imatorbhebhe picked up offers in bunches by the end of his junior campaign, collecting plenty of options along with his older brother, coveted 2015 tight end prospect Daniel Imatorbhebhe. He traveled to Arizona State, Stanford, USC and Florida during spring break earlier this year. Imatorbhebhe pledged to the Trojans shortly afterward and will join Daniel, who is transferring from Florida to USC.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Imatorbhebhe entered high school with college basketball ambitions but shifted his focus to football as an underclassman. He swiftly grew comfortable in his role at receiver, enjoying a career-changing junior season highlighted by 59 receptions for 1,072 yards and 15 scores.
Whether there's a defender all over him or he's weaving through traffic, Imatorbhebhe doesn't get rattled. He hauls in hotly contested passes and can take a hit during the process, displaying arguably the most impressive set of hands (25/25) in this cycle. His tenacious approach to the game should translate into early opportunities in Los Angeles.
23. 4-Star Tren'Davian Dickson
14 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'0", 171 pounds
High School: Navasota High School; Navasota, Texas
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 23 WR; No. 124 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Committed to Texas on July 14, 2015
Tren'Davian Dickson initially pledged to Baylor last summer and maintained that commitment throughout a record-setting junior season. He reversed course in February by reopening the recruiting process, collecting offers from Alabama, Arizona State, Texas and USC in the aftermath. Dickson bolstered the Longhorns' class with a mid-July commitment.
Bleacher Report Analysis
First things first: Dickson is fresh off one of the most dominant individual high school campaigns in history. He became the all-time single-season leader for receiving touchdowns (39), racking up 90 receptions for 2,166 yards.
Dickson doesn't blow you away with athleticism but is a tremendously steady route-runner (20/20) and flashes arguably the best hands in this cycle. His anticipation against coverage and ability to exploit space where the quarterback can hit him in stride make him a savvy, college-ready recruit.
22. 4-Star Diondre Overton
15 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'5", 191 pounds
High School: Page High School; Greensboro, North Carolina
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 22 WR; No. 122 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Uncommitted: Considering Clemson, UNC, NC State, Michigan and Tennessee
Diondre Overton is a dual-sport star who also receives Division I looks for basketball, with Clemson and Tennessee among universities open to the idea of his splitting time on the court and the field. His recruitment hit a new level in May when offers arrived from Michigan, Virginia, Pittsburgh and Nebraska.
Bleacher Report Analysis
At this point in his development, Overton is better defined as a promising athlete than polished pass-catcher. He's still ironing out the techniques and fundamentals that will turn him into a more efficient route-runner (15/20) who will gain an edge with consistent release (15/20).
Despite his rawness, it's easy for a coach to fall in love with Overton's potential. He doesn't burst off the line but gets downhill in a hurry (14/15 speed) and comes down with tough catches (23/25 hands), while shielding defenders as an compelling goal-line weapon. Overton caught 62 passes last season for 1,187 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2014, according to Rivals.com.
21. 4-Star Darnell Salomon
16 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'3", 210 pounds
High School: Miami Central High School; Miami
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 21 WR; No. 120 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Florida State, LSU, Oklahoma and Oregon
Alabama emerged as the leader for Darnell Salomon earlier this summer, and he is focused on five schools at this stage. A recruiting journey that started with offers from Miami, UCF and Georgia Tech as a sophomore is expected to conclude with an announcement before his senior season.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Salomon, who transferred to Miami Central from Champagnat Catholic midway through his junior year, averaged 25 yards per reception last season en route to 673 yards and 10 touchdowns, according to Corey Bender of Scout.com. That statistic serves as evidence of how elusive he can be in the open field (29/30 for combined speed and agility).
His athleticism serves him well in crowded situations that require major leaps or acrobatic midair maneuvering. At this stage, there is more required from Salomon in terms of route-running precision (16/20) and overall blocking efforts to cement his spot among the nation's elite receivers.
20. 4-Star Charlie Woerner
17 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'5", 220 pounds
High School: Rabun County High School; Tiger, Georgia
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 20 WR; No. 118 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan and Oregon
Charlie Woerner, the nephew of former All-American Georgia defensive back Scott Woerner, landed a Bulldogs offer as a sophomore. Alabama and Tennessee added SEC options last summer, while Michigan and Oregon joined the pursuit earlier this year.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Woerner is an absolute jack of all trades for his high school squad, as he totaled 201 offensive touches, 17 touchdowns and 122 tackles in 2014, according to MaxPreps. He's a hard-nosed runner with the ball in his hands, attacking opponents with an effective blend of speed and shiftiness (26/30).
Though the bulk of Woerner's damage was done on the ground—he rumbled for 1,187 rushing yards—his hands (24/25) were a key part of the offensive attack. Woerner routinely high-points the football with authority and finished his junior season with 45 receptions for 690 yards.
19. 4-Star Javon McKinley
18 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'2", 203 pounds
High School: Centennial High School; Corona, California
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 19 WR; No. 117 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee and USC
The recruitment of Javon McKinley is far from a regional affair, as the Southern California standout is already slated to spend official visits at Ohio State, Oregon and Tennessee. His junior season started with offers from Washington and Arizona State, but collegiate interest drastically mounted following a monstrous campaign.
Bleacher Report Analysis
McKinley emerged as the catalyst for a perennially high-octane Centennial offense last season, catching 97 passes for 2,062 yards and 25 touchdowns. Those gaudy statistics are a direct result of his ferocious route-running approach (20/20) and fearlessness to snare the ball in traffic.
His breakaway speed (14/15) and formidable physique create opportunities for yards after the catch. McKinley may not be the biggest or fastest in this class but has as good a chance as any 2016 receiver to find his way onto the field as a true freshman.
18. 4-Star Donnie Corley
19 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'2 ½", 182 pounds
High School: Martin Luther King High School; Detroit
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 18 WR; No. 116 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Tennessee
The Michigan State Spartans seem to be in the driver's seat here, but Donnie Corley hasn't yet slammed the door on other potential landing spots. Auburn and Florida State extended offers in late spring, while a recent visit to Tennessee helps give the Volunteers firm footing moving forward.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Corley isn't asked to run a wide variety of routes in high school and tends to round them out a bit on slants (16/20), but he should rapidly sharpen in that regard upon becoming a key collegiate offensive cog. His frame is built with room to grow, and he already displays signs of natural strength, allowing him to fight for position off the snap.
He doesn't allow defenders to throw off his concentration while tracking the ball and secures the ball with outstanding hands (24/25). Corley could also excel at cornerback, where he secured nine interceptions last season. However, his offensive production (1,087 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2014) will likely keep him at receiver.
17. 4-Star Austin Mack
20 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'2", 205 pounds
High School: Bishop Luers High School; Fort Wayne, Indiana
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 17 WR; No. 114 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to Ohio State on June 7, 2015
Austin Mack attended the Buckeyes' national championship celebration and always seemed to lean toward Ohio State during the final stretch of his recruitment. He confirmed that sentiment with a late-spring pledge, picking the Buckeyes over fellow finalists Tennessee, Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, North Carolina and Wisconsin.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Mack isn't afraid of contact, lining up outside and attacking the opposing team's top cornerback with ferocity. His downfield burst (14/15) beats defenders to the target, and Mack has the hands (23/25) to seal the deal time after time.
He makes some absolutely incredible catches in traffic, adjusting in midair to retrieve tosses that initially appear destined to fall incomplete. Mack tallied 69 receptions in 2014, resulting in 1,062 yards and 15 scores.
16. 4-Star Theo Howard
21 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'0", 170 pounds
High School: Westlake High School; Thousand Oaks, California
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 16 WR; No. 111 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to Oregon on March 15, 2015
Theo Howard entertained offers from Michigan, USC, Oklahoma, Arizona and Notre Dame before pulling the trigger on a pledge to the Ducks. Texas A&M hosted him for a junior day less than two weeks shy of his announcement.
Bleacher Report Analysis
He commanded a closer look on junior game film that some coaches may have only been watching to get a look at former Westlake teammate, a 4-star quarterback Malik Henry. Howard uses tight fundamental footwork and high-end shiftiness to weave within a defensive scheme and find pockets to exploit.
A notable element of his approach that has improved is Howard's ability to shake away and defensive backs at the line with a nifty array of get-off moves. He caught a career-high 60 passes in 2015, according to MaxPreps, tallying 959 yards and nine touchdowns.
15. 4-Star N'keal Harry
22 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'4", 210 pounds
High School: Chandler High School; Chandler, Arizona
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 15 WR; No. 99 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Uncommitted: Considering Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, Texas A&M and USC
Naturally, N'keal Harry is a coveted in-state target for both the Wildcats and Sun Devils. Wisconsin and Oregon extended offers in May, while Texas A&M and USC are strong contenders beyond state borders.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Harry is another long-limbed athletic specimen still learning the nuances at wide receiver. He isn't notably explosive off the snap but manages to gain momentum as he rumbles downfield, and quality agility is at the base of his above-average route-running technique (18/20).
His physicality sets the stage for sizable gains after the catch and allows him to power through arm tackles. Harry needs to extend for the football, too often allowing passes to approach his chest plate. He caught 30 passes for 657 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2014, according to Richard Obert of AZCentral.com.
14. 4-Star A.J. Brown
23 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'1", 220 pounds
High School: Starkville High School; Starkville, Mississippi
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 14 WR; No. 97 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Calfiron Florida, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Tennessee
A.J. Brown picked up a pair of in-state SEC offers early last September, landing scholarship opportunities at Ole Miss and Mississippi State. By the end of last season, Alabama and Auburn joined the pursuit, and the process picked up again this spring when offers flowed in from USC, Texas and Tennessee.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Brown is a bully off the snap, already exhibiting the type of doggedness against defensive backs that college coaches covet. This physicality allows him to gain separation early, and he cruises downfield with impressive acceleration (14/15) for an athlete of his stature.
That size enables him to essentially push opponents away from his body at the line of scrimmage, forcing coaches to think twice about pressing him close. When the ball is in his vicinity, Brown goes full-extension to secure possession and becomes an absolute load to bring down in one-on-one tackle situations.
13. 4-Star Dylan Crawford
24 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'1", 175 pounds
High School: Santa Margarita Catholic High School; Rancho Santa Margarita, California
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 13 WR; No. 90 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering Arizona State, Michigan, Stanford, UCLA and USC
Dylan Crawford could follow high school teammate and 4-star quarterback KJ Costello to Stanford but remains open to several possibilities. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh stopped by to see him in January, while a winter offer from Notre Dame creates further intrigue.
Bleacher Report Analysis
He is one of the top blockers (5/5) on this list. That may not seem like much to the average fan who values long-distance receptions over everything, but it's an attribute that could significantly shorten his journey to playing time in a collegiate offensive attack.
As a route-runner, Crawford offers plenty of shimmy (15/15 agility) and caps off plays with above-average hands (23/25). He's a big-play threat, highlighted last fall by 44 receptions for 1,006 yards and 13 touchdowns, according to Aram Tolegian of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
12. 4-Star Stephen Sullivan
25 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'5", 230 pounds
High School: Donaldsonville High School; Donaldsonville, Louisiana
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 12 WR; No. 89 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 86/100
Committed to LSU on Feb. 15, 2014
Tigers head coach Les Miles landed yet another in-state standout at receiver, snatching up a commitment from Stephen Sullivan midway through his sophomore year. His scholarship list continued to grow last season, as offers arrived from Auburn, Clemson and Mississippi State.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Sullivan is one of three pass-catchers committed to LSU who stand at least 6'4", creating a nice arsenal of easily accessible targets for Tigers quarterbacks. His physical edge is abundantly apparent before the ball is snapped, as the combination of height and length creates some serious issues for defensive coaches.
Though it's easy to see he's still gaining coordination, Sullivan is already a solid route-runner (17/20). He won't blow by defensive backs but flashes the hands (24/25) to become a reliable possession receiver, coming off a junior season that featured 57 catches for 987 yards and 11 scores.
11. 4-Star WR Trevon Sidney
26 of 36
Height/Weight: 5'11", 160 pounds
High School: Bishop Amat High School; La Puente, California
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 11 WR; No. 88 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to USC on July 10, 2015
Trevon Sidney is the last key Trojans addition at receiver, as he announced those intentions while competing at The Opening. Despite the decision, Sidney plans to take all five of his official visits, according to Lindsey Thiry of the Los Angeles Times, with Washington, Michigan and Notre Dame viewed as potential destinations.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Sidney, who makes life miserable for opposing defenses along with Bishop Amat teammate Tyler Vaughns (listed third overall here), is an explosive playmaker with the football. This holds true beyond receiver, as he picked off four passes and averaged nearly 32 yards per kick return last fall, according to MaxPreps.
He presents passers with reliable hands (25/25), though Sidney does struggle at times to gain consistent release (15/20), in part because of his slender frame. His junior season included 38 catches for 540 yards and three scores.
10. 4-Star Dee Anderson
27 of 36
Height/Weight: 6'4", 177 pounds
High School: DeSoto High School; DeSoto, Texas
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 10 WR; No. 87 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Committed to LSU on August 7, 2014
Dee Anderson collected a scholarship offer from the Tigers while attending camp last summer, waiting just two weeks to seize an opportunity in Baton Rouge. Alabama has offered since, adding to a list that includes UCLA, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Given his lanky physical frame, Anderson surprises at times with speed (14/15) that can overwhelm opponents who play him too close off the snap. It's straight-line quickness that he doesn't necessarily maintain when tasked with lateral cuts or an improvisational route alteration (12/15 agility).
Anderson's most crucial improvements will occur as a route-runner (14/20), as a current lack of precision provides defenders with too much leeway in passing lanes. Many of his highlight plays last season came courtesy of high-placed balls, allowing him to utilize an expansive wingspan, as he finished the fall with 733 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
9. 4-Star Binjimen Victor
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Height/Weight: 6'4", 170 pounds
High School: Coconut Creek High School; Pompano Beach, Florida
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 9 WR; No. 81 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Florida, Michigan, Miami, Ohio State and Tennessee
Binjimen Victor enjoyed a trip through Big Ten territory earlier this summer, making stops at Ohio State, Michigan State and Michigan. A busy spring evaluation period produced scholarship offers from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Georgia and Nebraska.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Victor may be the most divisive wide receiver recruit in this class when you discuss him with a variety of analysts. Some worry he struggles to get off the line in press coverage, while other see shades of largely unrivaled freakish athleticism.
There's no doubt he must grow stouter from a physical standpoint, but it's impossible to ignore Victor's ability to outrace (23/25 speed) and out-leap defenders before securing dazzling highlight-reel catches (24/25 hands). To steal a basketball term, he's an "above the rim" guy who isn't as multifaceted as some peers because of less-than-stellar route-running tendencies and a lack of physicality.
Despite these needed developments, Victor belongs in the top 10 on this list because he is absolutely oozing with potential. His 2014 season featured 44 receptions for 811 yards and 12 scores.
8. 4-Star Tyrie Cleveland
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Height/Weight: 6'2 ½", 189 pounds
High School: Westfield High School; Houston
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 8 WR; No. 75 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma and TCU
Tyrie Cleveland backed off a verbal commitment to Texas A&M in mid-April, creating opportunities for other programs to creep back into the picture. Baylor, Georgia, UCLA and Tennessee are teams that have offered since his decommitment, while the Aggies, TCU and Houston are in-state options still in play. There's sentiment that he is a "package deal" with 4-star quarterback and Westfield teammate Dillon Sterling-Cole.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Cleveland was arguably the breakout star this summer at The Opening, teaming up with Elite 11 MVP Shea Patterson to win a star-studded seven-on-seven tournament. He made every catch asked of him, pulling in contested passes, running crisp routes and simply burning top-level defensive backs with elite speed (15/15; timed at 4.32 seconds in the 40-yard dash).
There's also a confidence Cleveland brings to the field that tells you he believes no defender can keep him in check one-on-one, an attitude he often validates. Cleveland, who caught 53 passes for 1,105 yards and 13 touchdowns, will likely end up much higher on this list before national signing day.
7. 4-Star Eli Stove
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Height/Weight: 6'1", 178 pounds
High School: Niceville High School; Niceville, Florida
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 7 WR; No. 66 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Committed to Auburn on May 30, 2015
Florida State and Florida each attempted to secure an in-state commitment from Eli Stove, as several other interested SEC programs entered the picture. He ultimately opted to leave home turf and continue his playing career with the Tigers.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Stove is a burner (15/15 speed) who can reel off momentum-swinging plays when the quarterback finds him in stride. This element of his approach is also a major factor when he gains possession behind a pack of blockers in screen settings.
There are still times when Stove allows the ball to come to him rather than reaching for it as receivers are fundamentally taught (21/25 hands), and his route-running largely remains hit-or-miss (17/20). Stove can further polish those parts of his game moving ahead as he looks to build on a junior campaign that featured 54 catches for 719 yards and 10 touchdowns.
6. 4-Star DeKaylin Metcalf
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Height/Weight: 6'3", 195 pounds
High School: Oxford High School; Oxford, Mississippi
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 6 WR; No. 62 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to Ole Miss on June 8, 2013
The Rebels hit the ground running in this recruiting cycle, securing a commitment from program legacy DeKaylin Metcalf immediately after his freshman year. The son of former Ole Miss All-American offensive lineman Terrence Metcalf has since collected offers from Oregon, Alabama, UCLA and Miami, among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
There's an endearing savvy to Metcalf's game, as he's adept at exploiting mismatches at every level of the field. He accelerates off the line of scrimmage swiftly (14/15) for an athlete of his stature and works his way downfield with excellent anticipation of how a defender is going to play him.
Metcalf's greatest assets are his mitts (25/25 hands), as he smothers the football at its highest point to ensure possession on contested tosses. His junior campaign included 79 receptions for 1,229 yards and 19 touchdowns, according to MaxPreps.
5. 4-Star Sam Bruce
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Height/Weight: 5'8", 180 pounds
High School: St. Thomas Aquinas High School; Fort Lauderdale, Florida
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 5 WR; No. 58 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to Miami on July 8, 2014
Sam Bruce remains the top-rated commitment prospect in a Hurricanes class that continues to exceed expectations. However, momentum may gradually shift toward the Gators following the 2015 signing of former high school teammate Jordan Scarlett and a recent pledge from St. Thomas Aquinas quarterback Jake Allen.
Bleacher Report Analysis
His diminutive stature may scare off scouts who put major stock in measurables, but we challenge the doubters to watch this beast go to work. Bruce, the nephew of former Pro Bowl St. Louis Rams receiver Isaac Bruce, is a relentless competitor who plucks passes in traffic (25/25 hands) and manages to gain separation from defenders who typically hold a height advantage (18/20 release).
He also excels at an often overlooked quality scouts should always keep a close eye on with receivers—a willingness to aggressively block defenders downfield. Bruce secured 65 catches during the past two campaigns, leading to 1,099 yards and 16 scores.
4. 4-Star Kyle Davis
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Height/Weight: 6'1 ½", 218 pounds
High School: Archer High School; Lawrenceville, Georgia
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 4 WR; No. 45 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Uncommitted: Considering Auburn, Georgia, Ohio State, South Carolina and Tennessee
Kyle Davis backed off his verbal pledge to South Carolina in May, though he hasn't closed the door on a potential return to the Gamecocks' class. The in-state Bulldogs appear to be the team to beat moving forward, as he spent significant time on campus in June.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Davis grades out higher than any receiver we've scouted in person after his dynamite effort at The Opening. Sure, this is based on seven-on-seven action that doesn't require competitors to block or take clobbering hits, but his skill set and athleticism are off the charts.
It was difficult to hold a conversation with analysts in attendance without Davis' name coming up, often accompanied by the words "wow" or "freak." He's more than just a workout warrior, displaying tremendously tight route running (20/20) and reliable hands (19/20) that helped him snag 67 passes for 1,183 yards and nine scores last season.
3. 4-Star Devin Duvernay
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Height/Weight: 5'11", 195 pounds
High School: Sachse High School; Sachse, Texas
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 3 WR; No. 34 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Auburn, Baylor, Oregon, TCU and Texas
Devin Duvernay landed in-state offers from Baylor, TCU, Texas and Texas Tech as an underclassman, firmly entrenched as a top Lone Star State talent by the conclusion of his sophomore year. His most recent campus trips include stops at Texas A&M and Auburn.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Duvernay is a dangerous commodity in the slot, where he projects to take plenty of snaps in college. His quickness (15/15) is a game-changer, and he clocked a 4.32 40-yard dash at The Opening, presenting matchup nightmares whether lined up wide or calling plays as a "Wildcat" quarterback.
He clearly has a feel for downfield seams in the defense, bursting through space with explosive pivots and impressive lower-body strength. Duvernay, who caught 108 passes for 1,764 yards and 20 touchdowns during the past two seasons, doesn't allow himself sloppy tendencies as a route-runner (19/20) and displays fancy footwork while eluding defenders in traffic.
2. 4-Star Tyler Vaughns
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Height/Weight: 6'3", 175 pounds
High School:
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 2 WR; No. 33 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Uncommitted: Considering Arizona State, Notre Dame, UCLA, USC and Washington
Most expect Tyler Vaughns to eventually follow high school teammate Trevon Sidney to USC, but this is far from a done deal, despite the perceived lean. Primary contention comes from within the Pac-12, as Arizona State, Washington and UCLA can sell him on a less crowded situation at receiver.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Vauhgns is extremely natural at high-pointing the football, displaying strong instincts and elite hands (25/25). His expansive catch radius allows quarterbacks to simply place the ball near his body, allowing him to adjust as needed.
He's a long-striding runner with solid speed (13/15) and smoothly transitions from receiver to runner while picking up major chunks of yards after the catch. Vaughns caught 83 passes for 1,183 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, according to MaxPreps.
1. 5-Star Nate Craig-Myers
36 of 36Height/Weight: 6'2", 205 pounds
High School: Tampa Catholic High School; Tampa, Florida
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 WR; No. 19 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Uncommitted: Considering Auburn, Baylor, Florida State, LSU and Ohio State
Nate Craig-Myers pledged to Auburn last summer but underwent a change of heart during his junior year. He reopened his recruitment in May, and Florida State has surged into the spot of favorite among analysts, holding 65 percent of expert signing day predictions in 247Sports' Crystal Ball.
Bleacher Report Analysis
It's great to see Craig-Myers on the mend from the season-ending leg injury he suffered at the start of last season, following 12 touchdown receptions as an underclassman. His recovery was apparent at The Opening, where he flashed the trademark speed (15/15) and agility (15/15) that made him such a coveted prospect early in the process.
Craig-Myers snares the ball up high, and when it hits him on the move, he's a threat to split defenders and take it the distance. He also excels in the lateral passing game, exploiting off-balance defenders on screen attempts.
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