Best Fits for Top 2017 Uncommitted Wide Receivers
The 2017 recruiting cycle provides plenty of intrigue at wide receiver, where 16 of America's top 20 prospects remain uncommitted. This collection includes five 5-star standouts who have yet to determine where they'll attend college.
We see young receivers make an immediate impact in passing attacks on an annual basis, and occasionally an elite downfield playmaker can provide the missing component that pushes a program into title contention. Here's a glimpse at the top 10 receivers of 2017 who are still weighing collegiate options, as well as an update on the outlook for schools that hope to present their perfect fit.
10. 4-Star Osiris St. Brown
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High School: Mater Dei High School (Anaheim, California)
Size: 6'1", 178 lbs
Composite Ranking: No. 13 wide receiver; No. 83 overall
Recruiting Rundown
Plenty of people expect Osiris St. Brown to follow the footsteps of older brother Equanimeous St. Brown to Notre Dame, and the Fighting Irish undoubtedly provide an excellent landing spot for the Orange County playmaker. However, Stanford fits the bill when it comes to proximity and opportunity.
The Cardinal were unable to bring in key 2016 receiver targets such as Dylan Crawford and Josh Imatorbhebhe, while 4-star signee Simi Fehoko plans to spend the next two years abroad on a church mission. Stanford added 3-star New Jersey product Donald Stewart late and still could land 5-star Demetris Robertson, who is still attempting to qualify for enrollment, but this position is of utmost importance for head coach David Shaw moving toward next national signing day.
Stanford welcomes the 2016 cycle's No. 3 quarterback (KJ Costello) to campus this summer and recently secured a pledge from prized Georgia passer Davis Mills in a 2017 class that still lacks a single receiver. St. Brown could fill that void and find himself in excellent position to earn reps as a true freshman.
Best Fit: Stanford
9. 4-Star Nico Collins
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High School: Clay-Chalkville High School (Pinson, Alabama)
Size: 6'5", 195 lbs
Composite Ranking: No. 12 wide receiver; No. 67 overall
Recruiting Rundown
Nico Collins recently revealed a list of six favorites featuring Florida State, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan, Ole Miss and Alabama, according to Drew Champlin of AL.com. The Crimson Tide have edged out Auburn as his in-state squad to beat, but there's no certainty he'll stick around Alabama.
Georgia, led by former Tide assistant Kirby Smart, is a considerable contender here. Collins visited Athens this winter, and few programs can contend with the Bulldogs' influx of talent at quarterback with early enrollee Jacob Eason (No. 2 quarterback in 2016) and 2017 commit Jake Fromm (No. 4 passer in 2017).
Smart added some speed at receiver in the 2016 cycle and could further balance his depth chart with a rangy, possession target like Collins. Any member of his top six would provide a premier opportunity to succeed, but Georgia looks like a spot where Collins could fit smoothly and flourish in a young, promising passing game.
Best Fit: Georgia
8. 4-Star Jerry Jeudy
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High School: Deerfield Beach High School (Pompano Beach, Florida)
Size: 6'1", 180 lbs
Composite Ranking: No. 8 wide receiver; No. 45 overall
Recruiting Rundown
Jerry Jeudy added offers from across the college football landscape this winter, with Baylor, USC and Michigan recently joining the list. Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State also present desirable opportunities beyond state borders, but expect Florida, Florida State and Miami to remain in the mix throughout.
Uncertainty swirling around the Hurricanes coaching staff cost Miami key offensive commitments during recent cycles. With former Georgia head coach Mark Richt finally providing the team with short-term and long-term stability, it's imperative for him to replenish the roster at high-value skill positions, and the program doesn't need to reach far for Jeudy.
He's already visited Coral Gables multiple times since the new coaching regime took over, and perhaps no program in the state is better equipped to sell early playing time at the position. Miami may make a splash by securing this local standout, and Jeudy, in turn, could quickly ascend to become a centerpiece in the program's revamped attack.
Best Fit: Miami
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7. 4-Star James Robinson
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High School: Lakeland (Lakeland, Florida)
Size: 6'3", 196 lbs
Composite Ranking: No. 7 wide receiver; No. 43 overall
Recruiting Rundown
Clemson jumped into this chase early, and we've witnessed the Tigers enjoy recruiting success in this area of Florida, especially when it comes to wide receiver. Head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff will be difficult to contend with here, particularly when you consider Clemson carries 2017 commitments from two coveted quarterbacks (headlined by 5-star Hunter Johnson).
The post-Deshaun Watson era should still feature fireworks, and James Robinson, who deserves consideration as the country's No. 1 receiver recruit, fits in seamlessly with his ability to stretch defenses as a long, explosive target. Other programs that have offered—notably Oklahoma, Florida and Penn State—have greater need at receiver, but Clemson's track record at the position is tough to pass up.
Robinson recently visited the Gators while receiving offers from fellow SEC squads Ole Miss, LSU and Georgia. Considering the way he finished 2015 (14 catches for 309 yards and four touchdowns in Lakeland's first three playoff games, per Roy Fuoco of the Ledger), interest will only continue to mount.
Best Fit: Clemson
6. 4-Star Jeff Thomas
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High School: East St. Louis High School (East Saint Louis, Illinois)
Size: 5'10", 170 lbs
Composite Ranking: No. 6 wide receiver; No. 33 overall
Recruiting Rundown
Missouri is the nearby university hoping Jeff Thomas elects to stay home, but options across the country will surely tempt him. Michigan State, Michigan, Ohio State, Illinois and Nebraska are just a few Big Ten programs that extended offers in his direction, while the Tigers also face considerable competition from SEC foes such as Texas A&M and Alabama.
Thomas, who collected 2,431 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns through three high school seasons, is a downfield burner who forces defenses to account for that vertical threat. Michigan, which is busy loading up on elite recruits at quarterback and running back, continues to upgrade its versatility at wide receiver, and Thomas is the kind of field-stretcher that Jim Harbaugh's staff should covet in this cycle after signing multiple possession-type targets in 2016.
It wouldn't be shocking to see the Wolverines land at least two athletes on this list, though the same can be said for Alabama. After signing just two receivers last month, the Crimson Tide are in strong position to fill receiver slots with top-tier talents in 2017, and the instant success of true freshman Calvin Ridley is difficult to ignore in a tight race.
Best Fit: Alabama
5. 5-Star Tyjon Lindsey
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High School: Centennial (Corona, California)
Size: 5'8 ½", 180 lbs
Composite Ranking: No. 5 wide receiver; No. 21 overall
Recruiting Rundown
Tyjon Lindsey is back in Southern California after spending two seasons at Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman High School, where he caught 29 touchdown tosses and earned a pair of state championships. His bond with Bishop Gorman quarterback Tate Martell borders on brotherhood, as they've grown up living together in recent years.
Martell, a fellow 5-star prospect, is adamant about continuing their careers together into college, and we're inclined to believe Lindsey shares those feelings even if he isn't as outwardly vocal on the subject. Texas A&M landed a verbal commitment from Martell last August, and the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback sees an opportunity for early playing time that will be hard for other programs to overcome.
We expect Lindsey to stick with his comfort zone and team up with Martell, who found him downfield repeatedly during a reunion of sorts last month at The Opening's Los Angeles regional. If Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin ends up on the hot seat or major coaching changes occur in College Station, that could open the door for schools such as Ohio State or USC to make a move for this compelling duo.
Best Fit: Texas A&M
4. 5-Star Joseph Lewis
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High School: Hawkins (Los Angeles)
Size: 6'1 ½", 207 lbs
Composite Ranking: No. 4 wide receiver; No. 20 overall
Recruiting Rundown
Things continue to heat up for scintillating Southern California playmaker Joseph Lewis, who tallied at least 775 receiving yards in each of his first three high school seasons, per MaxPreps. His latest offers in recent weeks feature Florida, Penn State and Georgia, adding to a collection that already included several options beyond state borders such as Oklahoma, Michigan and Notre Dame.
USC is seen as a primary contender in this pursuit, which makes sense considering the past recruiting success of Trojans receivers coach-turned-offensive coordinator Tee Martin. However, USC just signed arguably the nation's top 2016 class of pass-catchers, gaining depth along the corps in Los Angeles.
Lewis has the skills to rise above his peers in a battle for reps, but an opportunity to compete at UCLA could present earlier volume and a chance for an immediate boom. Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen largely lived up to his billing as the No. 1 overall 2015 quarterback recruit as a true freshman and would love to lure in an elite target like Lewis just in time for a junior campaign that could prove to be a pivotal audition for NFL scouts.
Best Fit: UCLA
3. 5-Star Tee Higgins
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High School: Oak Ridge High School (Oak Ridge, Tennessee)
Size: 6'5", 190 lbs
Composite Ranking: No. 3 wide receiver; No. 16 overall
Recruiting Rundown
Tall and athletic, Tee Higgins presents matchup nightmares for any opponent and attracted early collegiate interest, committing to in-state Tennessee last year. He reopened his recruitment in February, collecting offers from Florida, Michigan, Notre Dame and Auburn since.
Don't expect the Volunteers to give up on a potential reunion, as Tennessee is in need of elite talent at wide receiver to complement a quality corps of passers and running backs. Higgins may find a clearer path to playing time in Knoxville than he would with fellow top-tier contender Clemson, which has done an excellent job of stockpiling playmakers at the position.
Florida and Ole Miss are intriguing SEC alternatives, but it's Alabama, in the hunt for several elite 2017 receivers, that catches our eye as a potential match for Higgins. The Crimson Tide carry several standouts at receiver, but Higgins has physical measurements that offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin and a stable of strong-armed quarterbacks could utilize in the red zone. He would perfectly complement young star Calvin Ridley.
Best Fit: Alabama
2. 5-Star Trevon Grimes
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High School: St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Size: 6'4", 195 lbs
Composite Ranking: No. 2 wide receiver; No. 11 overall
Recruiting Rundown
This sensational Sunshine State standout is sure to receive constant attention from St. Thomas Aquinas quarterback Jake Allen, a top-10 pro-style passer who pledged to Florida before his junior season. They form a strong tandem on the field, and Gators head coach Jim McElwain would love to keep them together in The Swamp.
A new Miami staff also aims to make inroads with Trevon Grimes. The Hurricanes held on late last cycle to sign fellow star St. Thomas Aquinas receiver Sam Bruce, who received a ton of attention from Ohio State.
In the process of pursuing Bruce, the Buckeyes staff—particularly receivers coach Zach Smith—also built a close rapport with Grimes. Viewed as the front-runner for his signature, Ohio State offers him an opportunity to shine in an offense loaded with talent, and his skill set serves as a strong complement to the pass-catchers Urban Meyer secured this past signing day.
Best Fit: Ohio State
1. 5-Star Donovan Peoples-Jones
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High School: Cass Technical High School (Detroit)
Size: 6'2", 192 lbs
Composite Ranking: No. 1 wide receiver; No. 5 overall
Recruiting Rundown
Donovan Peoples-Jones asserted himself atop this list with a dominant junior campaign (1,161 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns) and his 2015 Nike Football Ratings national championship. Michigan State has enjoyed plenty of success targeting Detroit standouts on the recruiting trail, but it's an area Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh will continue to prioritize.
Peoples-Jones has made multiple visits to Ann Arbor this year and may be the ideal downfield fit for an offense that just added early enrolled quarterback Brandon Peters, a 2015 U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year finalist. Dylan McCaffrey, the No. 1 overall passer in the 2017 cycle, committed to the Wolverines in February.
Ohio State is sure to contend with its Big Ten rivals, and an upcoming Southeast tour (featuring stops at Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Florida State, according to David Goricki of the Detroit News) could change dynamics. If Peoples-Jones stays home, Michigan is gaining momentum to make him an immediate part of its emerging aerial attack.
Best Fit: Michigan
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
