2023 Breakout Wide Receivers To Know
In Georgia, we’re seeing more and more teams pass the football around on offense. Quarterbacks are getting bigger and stronger, and that means teams are starting to open up the passing game. That means receivers are starting to break out…
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Continue ReadingIn Georgia, we’re seeing more and more teams pass the football around on offense. Quarterbacks are getting bigger and stronger, and that means teams are starting to open up the passing game. That means receivers are starting to break out as well, and there are multiple receivers on their way to breakout seasons this fall…
TJ Thompson – Morgan County
One of the top Athens-area receivers coming into the 2022 season, Thompson i s a 6-foot-2 180-pound playmaker with impressive ball skills and strong hands. A two-sport athlete, Thompson knows how to jump, and he can pluck the ball out of the air with ease. He’s a fluid, natural runner and picks up yards down the field in a hurry. Instead of grabbing rebounds this fall, he’ll be catching plenty of passes for Morgan County. He has a nice frame on him, and with a giant 2022 season, he could be a breakout candidate and one who could catch the eye of some college coaches this fall. His ability to get open, his size, body control, and strong hands make him an easy breakout receiver candidate in the 2023 class.
Jordan Thornton – Chamblee
A big-time slot receiver coming off a giant junior season, Thornton has a chance to have another monster year as a senior this fall in hopes of landing an opportunity to play at the next level. A true playmaker both on offense and special teams, Thornton is one of the fastest and most explosive receivers in the Atlanta area and brings 4.3 speed to the table. He eludes defenders, can them miss down the field, and has plenty of wiggle to his game. He’s not a big receiver, but he certainly has enough speed to play somewhere at the next level. He was tough to stop last year, catching 51 passes for 766 yards and 12 total touchdowns last year. He’s deadly with the ball in his hands and he should see those numbers improve even more this fall.
Deandre Buchannon – Carver
Another big-time playmaker from Atlanta, Buchannon is a true deep-threat due to his speed, explosiveness, and burst down the field. When he has room to run, it’s hard for any defensive back in the area to catch up with him. He can get open, and he’s a true weapon who can make defenses hurt in multiple ways. When he has the ball in his hands, good things happen as he averaged over 22 yards per reception last year. He caught 33 passes for an impressive. 737 yards last year and 8 touchdowns, proving to be one of the most explosive and productive receivers in Atlanta last fall. The speedy 6-foot-0 wideout will play at the next level down the road as he holds D1 offers from Liberty, East Carolina, Florida State, Georgia Southern, among others. Look for him to have a breakout season as a senior and possibly see more offers come his way in the fall.
Ayden Smith – Lithia Springs
A quick, twitchy receiver who is great after the catch, Smith is one of the most underrated receivers west of Atlanta and is coming off a strong junior season where he caught 42 passes for 720 yards and 8 touchdowns. He’s electric with the ball in his hands and knows how to change directions on a dime, making is tough for defenders to corral him. He also shows great burst, and when given space, he’s going to take off for a big gain. He’s not the biggest receiver you’ll find, but he plays bigger than his size and shows reliable hands. He can make a tough over-the-shoulder grab and knows how to catch the ball close to the ground as well. He can line up in the slot or on the outside, making him a true versatile weapon on offense. He averaged 17.1 yards per reception last fall and we should expect another big season from him in 2022.