2024 WR’s Breakdown
In this article:
This class of wide receivers in the state of Tennessee caught my attention. I made it my duty to check them out. A lot of these guys are big backs with speed. I can’t wait to see the ones I…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis class of wide receivers in the state of Tennessee caught my attention. I made it my duty to check them out. A lot of these guys are big backs with speed. I can’t wait to see the ones I haven’t witnessed firsthand, in person. Let’s take a quick view at who this class has to offer at wide receiver.
Whitman Whaley – WR – Gatlinburg-Pittman HS / @WhittmanWhaley
Whaley has the skillset and body type that defines this role. Uses hesitation in his releases to stifle defensive backs in press coverage, exploiting them for big plays over the top. Shows flash off the line into upfield separation. Wins at the top of his route with nuances like head fakes and physicality through his frame. Soft, reliable, hands that are evident in multiple arrays.
Jayce Barksdale Jayce Barksdale 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH Venice | 2024 FL – WR – USJ / @Jayce_Barksdale
One thing I like about Barksdale is that he avoids telegraphing his pattern and uses quick feet, nuanced salesmanship, directional work, and speed adjustments to force defensive backs into false steps and errors before snapping off sharp breaks. He has the wherewithal to sell his routes at the line of scrimmage, up the stem, and through and after his cut. He exhibits the speed, fluidity, and intelligence to capitalize on any of his opponents’ mistakes. Further, the USJ star flashes hand usage to keep defenders off his frame.
Brock Montgomery Brock Montgomery 6'3" | 205 lbs | WR Riverdale | 2024 State TN – WR – Friendship Christian HS / @brockmonty6
Montgomery is an outstanding route runner. He is incredibly smooth and clean in all of his movement, he also knows exactly where the holes in the defense will be so he is always getting open. Has very good breakaway speed and is electric with the ball in his hand. He has strong hands and can make contested catches look easy.
Braylon Harmon Braylon Harmon 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Knox. Catholic | 2024 State TN – WR – Knoxville Christian HS / @BraylonHarmon
I like the hand usage of Harmon that defeats press coverage and allocates space at the top of his route. He uses head fakes and foot tempo sparingly, but understands how to. True hands catcher, attacking the ball and playing back into the quarterback on hitches and comebacks. Quality feet in small spaces, showing suddenness at the line of scrimmage and apex of the route. Fast enough to hit for six when the seas part.
Carlos Orr Carlos Orr 6'4" | 185 lbs | WR Gatlinburg-Pittman | 2024 State TN – WR – Gatlinburg-Pittman HS / @CarlosOrr13
Orr as smooth releases off the line, variety of skips, head movements, and fluidity. Easy speed to separate on overs, posts, and fades. He’s electric with the ball in his hands. Obvious burst to get up the field, with functional agility and quickness to allocate yards after the catch. Orr is a special athlete with refined technique, he has the movement skills, flexibility, route running, run after catch ability, and versatility to be an elite offensive weapon on the next level.