Must-see from the class of 2022: Wide Receivers

As I continue to look into the offensive side of the ball, I turn my eye to the wide receiver position. What may be the most fun position to watch an excellent wideout will have highlight play after highlight play, and second only to maybe the quarterback consistently serves up the "wow" factor to spectators. They must have a unique combination of vertical and lateral speed, while also possessing the best hands of any player on a roster. It's imperative for wide receivers to also maintain a high football IQ, as they are required to memorize and subsequently execute numerous routes as dictated by a coaching staff. It's a glamorous position, but one that also require's guys to actually do the work. These young men perfectly exemplify what you want in a receiver, and all 5 have me looking forward to the fall. [player_tooltip player_id="101982" first="Isaiah" last="Horton"] - Oakland 6’3" 190 We know Oakland produces some high quality football players, and this young man is no exception. Isaiah is an absolute beast of a wideout. Take a look at his numbers from last year: 34 receptions for 643 yards and 7 touchdowns. Those are some big boy numbers, and as he only continues to further in his development there's no reason for us to not expect him to continue putting up monster stats. This kid has All State talent, and though it would be incredibly impressive, I wouldn't be totally surprised to see him eclipse the 1,000 yard mark next season. That's how good I think this kid is. In fact, he's one of the player's I am most excited (on either side of the ball) to see next season. I know Isaiah will not disappoint. Stephen Carter - Pope John Paul II 5’10" 165 Stephen put on a bit of a show last season with the Knights. For me the best capsule of his game can be seen in his performances against Montgomery Bell and Memphis University in subsequent weeks. In that first game, he had 5 receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. He followed that with 5 receptions and 112 yards against MU. Those aren't easy stat lines to compile, especially in back to back weeks. This young man, will need to consistently put up performances like this as he may be going up against bigger competition week in and week out. Stephen seems ready for the challenge though; he had 4 games with 4+ receptions and 5 games with over 50 yards receiving last season. As was the case last season, this kid is going to succeed with his technique, and I'm look forward to the show he puts on next season. [player_tooltip player_id="102070" first="Reid" last="Williford"] - Christ Presbyterian Academy 6’2" 195 For me you need look no further than Reid's performance against Franklin Road Academy to see what this young man is capable of. In that game he hauled in 8 passes for 140 yards, with an average of 17.5 yards per reception, and 2 touchdowns; his longest of these passes was a 60 yard bomb. This is precisely the type of stat line you want from a receiver. All in all, he finished last season with 25 receptions for 455 yards and 7 touchdowns. This kid is a stud, and what impresses me the most are his hands. In all but one of his games he had at least 3 receptions. That's the consistency it takes to succeed at the position, and if Reid continues to take his game to the next level look for him to make a leap in his senior season. [player_tooltip player_id="102109" first="Brandon" last="King"] - Summit 5’9" 180 Though also capable of lining up at tailback (he accounted for 578 yards on the ground last year), I want to focus on what Brandon brings as a receiver. Though considered undersized, if he were to put on a small amount of weight I could see this young man having an absolute stellar season lining up wide for the Spartans. In just 6 games at receiver last year, he had 13 receptions for 222 yards and 5 touchdowns. Clearly already a red zone threat, if this young man could get more games at the position he could continue to develop his repertoire as a player. When analyzing his numbers, my desire for King is to see him specifically line up in the slot. He's got the size and speed for that spot, and clearly is capable of not just hauling in passes but also scoring. Mark my words, put this young man in the slot, sit back, and reap the benefits. I think we're in store for excellent things from Brandon this coming year. [player_tooltip player_id="102153" first="Andrew" last="Paige"] - Beech 6’5" 200 Can we please get this young man more reps? Andrew has the size that coaches crave from their wideouts, and as such he wins most of his 50/50 balls. He finished last season with 8 receptions for 223 yards and 4 touchdowns, and that was only after appearing in 8 games. He also averages a whooping 27.9 yards per reception. Andrew has the potential to be a true deep ball threat. He uses his size and his ability to get vertical to haul in most passes thrown his way. The Buccaneers have got to get this young man on the field more. He could easily add another 150 yards to his season just by increasing his game total, and if he's able to bring in say just one more catch again a game we will be in store for a monster season from Andrew. Much is required from a wide receiver. You've got to be one of the fastest, if not the fastest kid on a roster, while also having impeccable hands, a relentless motor, and a moderately high football IQ. Many players want all that comes with the position, without being willing to put in the work. All 5 of these young men have already put in the work, and look for them to continue putting it in this coming season. I cannot wait to see them deliver.