2022 Receivers on the Rise: Part 1

Recently, we evaluated some of the highest-rated wide receivers in Indiana’s Class of 2022 rankings. The state has an unbelievable crop of talent at the position that extends far beyond that, though. We will kick off this week discussing the rest of the receivers who are in our state rankings and then we will go further in-depth on those who may not currently be in our rankings but are under-the-radar stars to watch out for this year. These prospects are difference-makers who are bound to have a big impact this upcoming season. Colleges need to give these players their full attention. [player_tooltip player_id="98064" first="Rylan" last="Jacob Crawford"], 6’3, 185 pounds, Leo [player_tooltip player_id="98064" first="Rylan" last="Jacob Crawford"] plays both cornerback as well as wide receiver. This should give an indication of the talent as well as the football intellect that he possesses. As a wide receiver, he shows the ability to make tough catches, even when he knows he is about to get hit. He also shows an understanding of the defense that he is going up against. He knows how to run his routes and where he should cut the route off. This allows him to consistently find ways to get open and help the quarterback. Crawford can also finish after the catch. It often requires more than one defender to tackle him. [player_tooltip player_id="98064" first="Rylan" last="Jacob Crawford"] has a great understanding of the game that will allow him to excel at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="98067" first="Keyshaun" last="Pipkin"], 6’2, 190 pounds, North Central [player_tooltip player_id="98067" first="Keyshaun" last="Pipkin"] is a player who is poised for a breakout season this year at North Central. Pipkin contributed for North Central both as a receiver and as a kickoff returner. 6’2 and 190 pounds is the perfect build for wide receivers in the modern game. He will be able to run all of the routes and contest any throw. Pipkin also competes well in an Indianapolis area that is known for producing great talent. I believe that [player_tooltip player_id="98067" first="Keyshaun" last="Pipkin"] is a going to have huge season this year for North Central. [player_tooltip player_id="98072" first="Noble" last="Johnson"], 6’1, 185 pounds, Park Heritage [player_tooltip player_id="98072" first="Noble" last="Johnson"] is an elite playmaker at the wide receiver position. Each of the last two seasons, Johnson has produced more than 1,200 receiving yards for Parke Heritage. [player_tooltip player_id="98072" first="Noble" last="Johnson"] is a player that is dynamic and somebody that the defense will have to pay attention to on every play. He hauled in thirteen touchdown receptions a year ago. Johnson is also an effective kickoff and punt returner, which should not be surprising given his elite talent. [player_tooltip player_id="98072" first="Noble" last="Johnson"] is the kind of prospect that will attract plenty of attention. College coaches who have not yet done so, need to get him on their radar. [player_tooltip player_id="98031" first="Greg" last="Atkinson"], 5’11, 165 pounds, Mishawaka Marian [player_tooltip player_id="98031" first="Greg" last="Atkinson"] is a dynamic player anywhere that he is on the field. Atkinson checks all of the boxes as a receiver. He can run all of the routes very well, he makes great catches through contact and he picks up additional yardage after the catch. Atkinson is also a special teams threat. He consistently makes plays returning punts and kickoffs. He also does very well playing as a defensive back. He has tremendous speed and elusiveness. Not only can he make catches as a receiver, but he also does well running gadget plays. Atkinson can be a threat running a jet sweep, end around or reverse any time that he is given that opportunity. [player_tooltip player_id="98031" first="Greg" last="Atkinson"] has the talent to be an elite player at the college level. These receivers are a threat any time that they get the ball in their hands. These are student-athletes who are on the cusp of having huge seasons this upcoming fall. I believe that they will all take a major step forward this season. These prospects are part of one of the most loaded positions that the state of Indiana has in the Class of 2022. These players are set to standout on Friday nights this fall.