2022 Rankings Breakdown: Wide Receivers

Our look at the final rankings update for the class of 2022 continues today with an in-depth look at the wide receiver group. The number 1 spot is again held by <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/larry-simmons/">[player_tooltip player_id="104205" first="Larry" last="Simmons"]</a> of Moss Point. Simmons was one of the talks of coastal football this past season as he caught 35 passed for 642 yards and 7 TD’s. The future Ole Miss Rebel added 9 TD’s on the ground as well. Altogether Simmons capped a high school career with over 2500 receiving yards and 28 TD’s. Simmons size and burst off the ball will allow him to be an outside feature receiver at the next level but his athletic makeup will also provide opportunities to slide inside to the slot. Simmons feels like a traditional fit in what Lane Kiffin likes to do offensively and can immediately produce in Oxford next season. Coach Mike Leach in Starkville has a good fit in his own rights headed his way in <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jarnorris-hopson/">[player_tooltip player_id="104206" first="Jarnorris" last="Hopson"]</a>. Horn Lake has produced it’s fair share of SEC talent in recent years and Hopson looks to be the next in line. The Bulldogs got an early win on the recruiting trail last season with the wide receiver from one of the toughest regions in the state and Hopson never wavered from his commitment. Hopson impresses with his ability to work his way open and change directions. When you think of an air raid attack running receivers across the middle of the field, a guy like Hopson appears to be a great fit. Southern Miss had an extremely successful early signing period at the WR spot headlined by <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/davis-dalton/">[player_tooltip player_id="104209" first="Davis" last="Dalton"]</a>. The Madison-Ridgeland Academy star brings variety to the offense. Good size is immediately noticeable as is his ability to technically work open. Good route runner with knack for the ball. Dalton has enough size to slind inside to a Tight End or Flex position depending on the set. Gritty guy that fits what Will Hall wants to do offensively. Some of the best overall speed in the class belongs to <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jeremiah-dillon/">[player_tooltip player_id="104207" first="Jeremiah" last="Dillon"]</a> of Tylertown. Dillon has consistently ran the 100 meter in sub 11 seconds which makes scouts and coaches quickly pay attention. Dillon signed early with Ole Miss and can be an early impact player due to speed alone. Watch for the south MS star to make contributions via special teams early as he grows into more of a true WR. This is the type of guy that has unteachable tools in his tool belt. Dillon comes in at number 4 in our rankings. <strong>Best still available:</strong> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/deon-hardin/">[player_tooltip player_id="104212" first="Deon" last="Hardin"]</a> - Slot receiver projection with good speed and frame ready to add. Experience playing best competition on the coast in 6A. 45 receptions 616 yards 4 TD’s in 2021. Burner type speed in the 4.5 range. Has every virtually every Juco offer in the state. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/tyrell-pollard/">[player_tooltip player_id="104208" first="Tyrell" last="Pollard"]</a> - One of the hottest rising names in the state coming into his SR season. Physical receiver with filled out frame. Enough speed to contribute, not a "possession only" type guy. Nearly 2,000 yards receiving over last 2 years. Shows up big in the redzone. If you have a spot open still he’s a guy to give a serious look.