Stat Monsters- Top 5 Receiving Leaders!

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We check out some of the state's top pass catchers this year- these are the top 5 receiving leaders throughout the regular season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='309868' first='Derick' last='Smith']- Southside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='309868' first='Derick' last='Smith'] is one of the nation's top prospects in the 2025 class, and rightfully so- he is flat-out unstoppable- and this season has only shown that more. Smith led the state in receiving as a sophomore, hauling in 56 receptions for 1356 yards and 10 touchdowns while also tallying up 876 yards and 8 touchdowns when he was utilized as an RB. Smith is insanely athletic, he has a rare combination of size and speed, a great set of hands, and strength that just allows him to overpower defenses. Smith has already become a highly recruited prospect, having received offers from Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan among other great programs- and that list is only going to grow more and more!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James Bolton- Mary G. Montgomery</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James Bolton was a super reliable target throughout the regular season for Mary Montgomery, his ability to consistently get open/make tough contest catches really proved to be extremely valuable this season. On the year, Bolton has recorded 62 receptions for 1304 yards and 13 touchdowns, dominating opposing defensive backs and making big plays for his offense week in and week out. Bolton is having a great junior season, keep an eye on him as he matches up against Central this week, we could definitely see him making some plays!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grayson Davenport- Randolph</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grayson Davenport repeatedly brought in catch after catch this season, constantly finding himself open no matter what route he's assigned. On the season, Davenport has recorded 71 receptions for 1091 yards and 13 touchdowns, acting as a great no.1 option for QB Andrew Hunter and Randolph's explosive passing attack. Davenport has really provided Andrew Hunter with a safety valve this year, whenever any pressure arrives, Davenport is able to adjust and assist his QB to make plays on the ball. Keep an eye on this Randolph team heading into the postseason, they have a ton of talent!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='127802' first='Nic' last='Strong']- Randolph</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing right alongside Grayson Davenport and Andrew Hunter, ATH [player_tooltip player_id='127802' first='Nic' last='Strong'] has been highly productive in his time at Randolph, and this year he hasn't slowed up at all. In total, Strong has recorded 62 receptions for 1061 yards for 13 touchdowns with an additional 531 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground as well. Strong is a talented athlete- he's super elusive, quick, and has a great deal of speed and acceleration, and all of this is found on tape regardless of where he lines up. Strong's ability to both catch and run the ball make him a really useful weapon for any offense, but especially for Randolph's this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jalen Jones- Ramsay</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jalen Jones has had a great senior season this fall, consistently stretching the field with his great YAC ability and making plays in a wide variety of ways. On the season, Jones recorded 53 receptions for 1061 yards and 13 touchdowns through 10 games. Jones is electric after the catch, with his speed and elusiveness in the open field, it's nearly impossible to wrap him up/slow him down. Keep an eye on him this week as Ramsay prepares to face off against a tough Southside team in the opening round of their playoffs, he's definitely going to make some plays!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->