2022 Stock Risers: Receivers and Tight Ends

We released our postseason rankings update for the class of 2022 Monday, adding over 50 new players and updating the rankings of the 90 players we had ranked before the season. In this series, we’ll take a look at a few guys at each position that have moved up our rankings. The 2022 class has several top receivers and a few fast-rising tight ends. Here, we’ll break down a few of them. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="109146" first="Wesley" last="Grimes"], 6’3 180- Millbrook (No. 2 WR, No. 14 overall)</strong> Grimes was on our radar before the season and we were aware of his talent, but I’m not sure I could have predicted his incredible year. He has Power Five speed, size and route running ability and displayed that this season. He was essentially unstoppable, averaging over 100 yards a game and scoring 13 touchdowns in just eight games. He was both a deep threat and dangerous after the catch, taking a few screens all the way. His recruitment is picking up, and for good reason. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="141401" first="Jaden" last="Watkins"], 6’3 175- Asheville School (No. 7 WR, No. 39 overall)</strong> Watkins had a monstrous junior campaign in the fall, leading the team in rushing and receiving and averaging over 200 yards and two touchdowns a game in a shortened season, but it took until the spring for his recruitment to really heat up. Since he picked up some momentum on the trail though, he’s kept it up, amassing a number of offers from everything from Ivy League schools to Power Fives. He uses his body well and always seems to be the best player on the field, no matter what position he plays. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="141269" first="Terrell" last="Timmons"], 6’2 175- Northern Guilford (No. 9 WR, No. 47 overall)</strong> The only thing Timmons lacks is experience at wide receiver. A year ago, he played a lot of quarterback, so his junior year was his first on the outside. It’s fair to say Timmons adjusted well to the position, racking up 49 receptions, 12 touchdowns and over 1000 yards in just seven games. Timmons is one of the better athletes you’ll find, with legitimate 4.5 speed at his impressive size. Timmons recently set the school long jump record and is a track standout as well. The offers will come, likely when he gets to camp this summer. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="131682" first="Levi" last="Matthews"], 6’5 180- Sanderson (No. 10 WR, No. 70 overall)</strong> Matthews is a talented two-way player with upside at outside linebacker. That being said, I’d have a hard time keeping him off of the offensive side of the ball, where he averaged 17 yards a catch on 28 receptions as a junior. He needs to add a bit of weight to really be able to fully use his height to his advantageous, but he obviously has the frame for that. More than just his size, he has great instincts and knows how to find the soft spot in the coverage. Matthews could have a huge senior season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="120970" first="Gabe" last="Berardi"], 6’7 235- Christ School (No. 4 TE, No. 104 overall)</strong> Berardi could end up being a hidden gem for his eventual school of choice. Then again, he could blow up on the camp circuit this summer, which includes several preferred invites by bigger schools intrigued by his combination of size and athleticism. Like many top tight ends now, Berardi is a basketball player that just transitioned to the gridiron. It seems to be a great decision, as Berardi is already adapting to the football field. He has a natural feel for getting open and catches the ball with his hands. He’s a force after the catch as well. I’ll be surprised if he makes it through June without picking up a few offers.