New Talented WRs to Watch (2028 Rankings)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're back with more on our new 2028 Rankings Update!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we're looking at some of the new talented additions to our WR room! These guys played really well last season and deserve some more recognition, so we're heading to the film room to watch some of their tape!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, be sure to check out their tape; you won't want to miss out on this kind of talent!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1924013"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6992316fac63e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1924013' first='Kaleb' last='Ballard'] is a talented pass catcher from Wetumpka who's making his debut as the #35 overall prospect in the class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"It's seriously hard to believe Ballard is only a sophomore. He towers over defenders with his 6'5 210 frame and can make some wildly impressive plays out wide. Ballard is quick, precise, and has a great set of hands that he uses to haul in catches all over the field.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>It's really impressive seeing how Ballard can move in open space. He's seriously fast at his size and presents a ton of challenges for defenders after the catch. We'll have to keep a closer eye on him going forward.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ballard has been steadily picking up collegiate attention, and it makes sense why. He put together a bunch of great film from this past year that you can check out below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26531446/68af34934d5e95c50e36fa33' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699239d764d5f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1955195"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6992316fac6b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1955195' first='DeCorius' last='Jackson'] is an explosive WR from Jackson who's landed as our #8 WR and #53 overall prospect after his breakout season last fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"Jackson is a complete WR who can attack and make plays at any level of the field. He's quick off the line, can gain great separation of a wide variety of routes, and has a great set of hands he uses to haul in passes all over the field.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I'm seriously impressed with how Jackson can make plays through heavy coverage. It doesn't matter how contested the pass is, Jackson's going to find a way to come down with it. He can even shake off defenders afterwards to find extra yards after the catch, making him seriously tough to stop.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson made a ton of huge plays out wide last season. Be sure to take a look at some of his film below. He has a huge year ahead of him next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22407124/68dc0a14bd1c3f10fdc9f0c9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699239d764dc6"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2124543"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6992316fac792"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2124543' first='Tyler' last='Buchanan'] is a talented WR who's coming in as our #11 WR and #71 overall player this update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"At 6'2 170, Buchanan is an impressive route runner who uses his speed, size, and quickness to generate separation out wide. I'm really impressed with Buchanan's hands. He does a great job playing through contact and has an impressive catch radius he consistently uses to his advantage. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>On top of that, Buchanan is terrific at adjusting when his quarterback is under pressure. No matter how dead the play looks, Buchanan finds ways to get open and secure passes to move the chains. I think he could be a breakout star this upcoming year. We all need to watch out."</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm excited to see Buchanan this upcoming season. I think he and Spanish Fort both have big years ahead. Be sure to watch some of his film in the meantime!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22691232/69051476ab529b1a0ee5fb6e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699239d764e16"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2083372"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699239d7673bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2083372' first='Cedric' last='Bankhead'] is a talented WR from Paul W. Bryant who's landed as our #13 WR and #88 overall player in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"Bankhead is a reliable WR you can trust to attack and make plays at every level of the field. He has great size, impressive speed and hands, and can beat any DB matched up against him.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I'm really impressed with Bankhead's versatility. He can line up in the slot as well as outside, and isn't limited when it comes to his route running. Bankhead is a guy who will always be open and move the sticks</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bankhead put together a ton of impressive things on tape this past year. I think he could be a breakout player to watch here in 2026. Be sure to check out some of his film below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26323694/69063f07463a680a36e7b049' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699239d7673fe"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1907044"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6992316fac7f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1907044' first='Ward' last='Hix'] is a talented WR from Bayside Academy who's coming in as our #14 WR and #94 player in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"At 6'4 185, Hix has the size and physicality to completely overwhelm smaller DBs outside. He does a fantastic job using his size and catch radius to his advantage, frequently overpowering defenders for the ball in one-on-one situations downfield.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I love seeing the effort Hix plays with as well. It doesn't matter if he's on special teams or blocking in the run game- you can count on him to give 100% every snap. I'm really impressed with Hix. He's a really well-rounded player that everyone across the state should have their eyes on him here in 2026."</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think Hix will have a big junior season this upcoming fall and am excited to see how he and [player_tooltip player_id='222965' first='Davis' last='Barnett'] continue to play with one another. Bayside has a really talented offense heading into next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22600045/6911f0055a16da766839535e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69923d4ae6f4a"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2106984"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6992316fac84f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2106984' first='Davo' last='Colburn'] is a talented WR from Red Bay who's now our #17 WR and #108 overall player in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"Colburn is a really well-rounded WR who can attack and produce at multiple levels of the field. At 6'2 175, he has impressive speed, hands, and quickness that he uses to separate from DBs downfield- making life much easier for his QB.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I'm really impressed with how Colburn uses his size to his advantage. It doesn't matter how covered he is, Colburn has the length and hands to attack the ball and bring down some beautiful high-point receptions through heavy traffic. On top of that, he has some impressive skills after the catch, always making the most out of every reception."</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colburn had a big year last fall and should have an even bigger junior season here in a few months. Until then, make sure you watch some of his tape below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23037736/690631f26c4b96816ed01144' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699239d76747a"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->