2022 Class Position Ratings: Wide Receivers Part 2

<strong>2022 Class Position Ratings: Wide Receivers Part 2</strong> &nbsp; The 2022 wide receiver class in South Carolina is so stacked we decided to divide up our preview of the receivers in two parts. &nbsp; Part one unveiled our top 10 where there are a ton of D1 talents and in part two we have a couple more D1 prospects along with plenty of talent who could land with D2 and D3 teams next year. &nbsp; Here are the rest of the top names to watch entering the spring. &nbsp; <strong> </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91176" first="Alex" last="Riddle"], Riverside, 6’1, 165</strong> Riverside standout [player_tooltip player_id="91176" first="Alex" last="Riddle"] is a name to watch as he was named the Region 2-AAAAA Offensive Player of the Year with 38 catches for 835 yards and 10 touchdowns in just six games. His big play speed was shown in the fact he averaged 22.0 yards per catch and was almost unstoppable with 139.2 yards per game. Among his strengths are his ball skills, smooth route running, and speed so if he can bulk up and get stronger the D1 offers should come. <strong> </strong> <strong>Alijah Kelly, Greenville, 6’5, 177</strong> Greenville’s top returning receiver is Kelly who had 15 catches for 262 yards and one touchdown in 2020. Since his sophomore year Kelly has grown from 6’4 173 pounds to 6’5 177 pounds. Kelly is a tall, lanky, possession threat who has room to bulk up and get stronger. If he can put up dominant production he has a real shot to rise and attract more offers in 2021. He currently has one FBS offer from Liberty and we believe he will ultimately land with a FBS program. <strong> </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="104593" first="Deverious" last="Abercrombie"], Wade Hampton, 6’4, 170</strong> Colleges are always looking for big body receivers who can win 50/50 balls and use their size well so Abercrombie is a player to watch.  He has a big frame and plenty of room to add weight. If he can bulk up, expand his route tree, and produce consistently then he could be an intriguing prospect at the next level. <strong> </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91188" first="Khyon" last="Smith"], Goose Creek, 6’1, 185</strong> It was hard to find film on Smith but in the clips we could find he was a big play target who can go the distance. The flashes earned him honorable mention All-Lowcountry honors in 2020. Smith will need to add more routes to his arsenal but his size and speed will attract looks from colleges. <strong> </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="61073" first="Justice" last="Williams"], Saint James, 5’10, 165</strong> Despite having his season cut short, Williams tallied 500 all-purpose yards. Included in those yards was seven catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns plus 72 punt return and 87 kickoff return yards.  He also totaled 11 tackles, three tackles for loss, and four pass breakups on defense. Williams was a 2020 All-Region choice because of the fact he could impact a game in all three phases. If he can add weight and maintain his speed, the sky is the limit in 2021 with his smooth running, speed, and ability versatility. He already has interest from Fresno State, NC State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, among others. <strong> </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="89321" first="Nizail" last="Robinson"], Mullins, 6’1, 180</strong> Here is another versatile athlete as Robinson plays three sports for Mullins.  One reason his name has not been as visible is the fact their season was cut short but he still managed to stand out on both sides of the ball enough to make him a candidate to really rise in 2021. We believe he could actually play receiver or safety at the next level because of his hands and speed on offense and range on defense. <strong> </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91200" first="Calique" last="Cunningham"], Northwestern, 5’9, 165</strong> Some of his best plays in 2019 came on blocks for his teammates. In 2020, Cunningham finished with 11 catches for 206 yards and three touchdowns in seven games while averaging 18.7 per catch. His diminutive frame and short stature combined with his quickness make him an inside receiver at the next level. Despite his size he is still hard to bring down because he is so explosive and fast. Northwestern is always stacked at the receiver position but with Mattison returning they have the arm to spread it around so mark his name down to watch this coming fall. <strong> </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="59496" first="Jerrick" last="Foster"], Nation Ford, 5’10, 155</strong> While we have Foster listed as a receiver but he can really play either side of the ball.  While they only played five games he still hauled in 26 catches for 382 yards and five scores.  His versatility and most likely early playing time was seen most on special teams where he totaled 43 punt return yards and 382 kickoff return yards with one touchdown. When you cut on the tape he shows a big time second gear and long speed that make him very difficult to catch when he gets in open space.  Keep an eye on this name as we believe we could really rise up the board with a full season. <strong> </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="92205" first="Chase" last="Smith"], Blythewood, 6’1, 170</strong> Another player whose season was cut short, Smith only played in five games but made an impact. The biggest trait you see on tape is his smooth cuts and burst off the line of scrimmage. He is smooth and has good hands. One underrated trait is that he can block very well, which other position coaches love to see from a wide out. Smith is a player who you could argue is too low and we need to bump him up after we finally saw his full season. <strong> </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91205" first="Devery" last="Cagle"], Eastside, 6’1, 175</strong> Most players on this list are return men on special teams but Cagle is the punter and kicker for his team.  He finished with 42 catches, 678 yards, and four touchdowns on offense but also had a field goal and his 16 point-after attempts on special teams. His best traits on offense are that he can adjust very well to the ball and has good hands from both the inside and outside receiver positions. On special teams he has the leg to put the ball in the back of the end zone on kickoffs, enough leg to hit from beyond 45 yards on field goals, and had a 60-yard long punt.  It should be no surprise that he was an All-Region selection as both a receiver and punter. <strong> </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91222" first="Jacob" last="Osmanski"], Pelion, 6’0, 170</strong> This 2020 Class 2A Honorable Mention All-State selection was quite impressive last year. Before we get to his play on offense it should be noted that he is a very patient and smart runner on kickoff returns and has very good ball skills on defense. Offensively he can line up at receiver or play option quarterback as well. He does lack elite movement skills and speed but is athletic and someone you want to have the ball in his hands. Some of his option runs should be used as the examples for coaches when they teach it to young players. We expect him to be a very good FCS or D2 prospect who could potentially play quarterback or receiver at the next level. <strong> </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91234" first="Gerell" last="Watkins"], Northwestern, 5’8, 150</strong> Before anyone looks at his size and immediately dismisses Watkins you need to see him play.  He led Northwestern in receiving with 43 catches for 595 yards and seven touchdowns during his junior campaign.  He also averaged 13.8 per catch in just eight games. &nbsp; &nbsp; Attention coaches, if you have a player you think we are missing in our preview please contact us and send stats, awards, and film so we can give them a look. &nbsp;