2023 Stock Risers: Wide Receivers
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As we move forward in our Stock Risers series, we reach the 2023 receivers that impressed this spring. This class is loaded, and new players are popping up all over the state. It’s early, but this could end up being…
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Continue ReadingAs we move forward in our Stock Risers series, we reach the 2023 receivers that impressed this spring. This class is loaded, and new players are popping up all over the state. It’s early, but this could end up being the best position group in the class.
Noah Rogers Noah Rogers 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Rolesville | 2023 State NC , 6’3 185- Rolesville (No. 1 WR, No. 4 overall)
Rogers came seemingly out of nowhere this year to become one of the best players on a loaded Rolesville offense. It wasn’t just us who noticed, as he received a flurry of verbal scholarship offers from top schools across the country. Rogers blends unique size, speed, hands and route running ability as one of the more polished receivers you’ll find.
Jahreece Lynch Jahreece Lynch 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR North Surry | 2023 State NC , 6’2 185- North Surry (No. 4 WR, No. 19 overall)
Lynch only recently found his way into our rankings after a dominant sophomore season, but we had no qualms about putting him in the top group. Lynch has elite size and speed and is one of the best receivers in the state at the catch point. Some of the things he can do on a football field look unfair. Make sure you know his name, especially before he blows up on the camp circuit this summer.
Isaiah Mobley Isaiah Mobley 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Parkwood | 2023 State NC , 6’ 180- Parkwood (No. 6 WR, No. 24 overall)
We’ve written about Mobley before, but up to this point it’s been mostly about his potential and what he could do eventually. A strong sophomore season, however, showed that he’s one of the best 2023 receivers right now. A great deep threat, Mobley averaged 17 yards a catch this year with four touchdowns — two of which went for more than 30 yards. More than that, he had two other 50-plus yard touchdowns overturned by penalties away from the play. Watch out as he continues to get more comfortable in Parkwood’s offense.
Luke Bailey Luke Bailey 5'11" | 195 lbs | ATH Providence | 2023 State NC , 5’11 195- Providence (No. 7 WR, No. 32 overall)
Bailey is a prototypical slot receiver with great athleticism. Simply put, he’s an athlete. He’s built like a linebacker and moves like a receiver, making him a matchup nightmare. Most corners are too small to match his strength and most linebackers are too slow to match his speed, so he’s a walking highlight reel. He does a lot of things well and even contributes on defense. I love his play strength as it makes him a unique player among a loaded group of receivers.
Jashawn Middleton Jashawn Middleton 6'0" | 160 lbs | WR Cleveland | 2023 State NC , 6’ 160- Cleveland (No. 8 WR, No. 41 overall)
Middleton is one of 10 receivers ranked in the top 50 overall prospects in the 2023 class. Unlike several of the other guys on this list, Middleton doesn’t yet possess elite size. That doesn’t mean he can’t go across the middle of the field or win at the catch point though. A lot of Middleton’s catches came when the quarterback was flushed from the pocket or the coverage took away the first option. He’s one of the best at finding the soft spot in the coverage and it doesn’t hurt that he’s excellent after the catch as well.
Others on the Rise
Christian Hamilton Christian Hamilton 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Hickory Ridge | 2023 State NC – Hickory Ridge (No. 2 WR, No. 5 overall)
Javonte Vereen Javonte Vereen 6'4" | 215 lbs | TE Havelock | 2023 State NC – Havelock (No. 9 WR, No. 46 overall)
Mason Anthony Mason Anthony 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR West Caldwell | 2023 State NC – West Caldwell (No. 10 WR, No. 50 overall)
Levine Smith Levine Smith 5'8" | 160 lbs | WR Glenn | 2023 State NC – Glenn (No. 11 WR, No. 56 overall)