Names to Know: 2022 Receivers

Last month, we introduced you to the guys at the very top of our 2022 list. Most of them already hold a few, if not more, offers from major colleges. But there’s a second tier of players that have either put together quietly impressive seasons in the past, or are poised for breakout seasons as juniors. If they haven’t already, the recruiting process should take off soon for these juniors. These are our names to know at the receiver position. <strong>Daniel Dawson, 5’7 165, E.E. Smith</strong> Dawson plays everywhere on the offensive side of the ball. His height may lend itself a bit better to the running back position, but right now he’s a receiver to be reckoned with. Dawson’s lower body strength is impressive and he’s electric with the ball in his hands. He’s one of the most explosive athletes in the state and when he has the opportunity to just line up and go, he’s hard to catch. He put up nearly 750 receiving yards a year ago, catching 39 passes along the way. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="28653" first="Darius" last="Kane"], 6’ 170, Eastern Alamance</strong> Kane led the state in receiving among sophomores last year, eclipsing 1100 yards on just 38 catches. Even more impressive is Kane’s touchdown rate, as he scored every 2.4 receptions. This big play ability invited an early offer from Charlotte. Kane’s versatility manifests itself more in the variety of ways he scores as a receiver than where he lines up. He’s just as likely to take a screen or slant the distance as he is to haul in a deep ball. <strong>Isaiah Jacobs, 6’3 175, Enloe</strong> An All-Conference selection as a sophomore, Jacobs averaged 27 yards a reception. Jacobs uses his height well and catches the ball away from his body. Look for him to have a breakout year as a junior after catching just 30 passes a year ago. When he gets opportunities, he makes the most of them, often breaking tackles after the catch or dragging defenders for an extra few yards. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="28657" first="Tyric" last="McKendall"], 6’1 195, Lee County</strong> McKendall is one of the more refined route runners in the state, utilizing most of the route tree. He excelled against quality competition, most notably with a strong performance in the state championship game against Weddington’s top-rated defense. McKendall hauled in 64 passes in 14 games, more than any sophomore in the state a year ago, and could probably even improve on that this year. Of those, over half came in his final five games on the season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="28658" first="William" last="Hawkins IV"], 6’3 195, Heritage</strong> Hawkins, a Vance County transfer, obviously possesses great size, but he also uses it well. He moves to a Heritage team that averaged 280 passing yards a game last year, but loses its two top receivers from that team. Hawkins should be able to step in right away and have a big year.