2023 Rankings Newcomers: Wide Receivers
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These receivers made their presence known last season. They were all added to the rankings after their junior season based on the skills and performances they displayed. Each has the makings of being elite receivers, and some already have their…
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Continue ReadingThese receivers made their presence known last season. They were all added to the rankings after their junior season based on the skills and performances they displayed. Each has the makings of being elite receivers, and some already have their futures planned. Still, their senior seasons should be exciting to watch.
1. Noble Johnson Noble Johnson 6'2" | 205 lbs | WR Rockwall | 2023 State TX – Rockwall High School (Rockwall, TX)
2021 Season: 49 receptions, 875 receiving yards, 8 receiving touchdowns
Johnson has received high praise, especially from his junior season performance. He has received 22 total offers so far from schools such as Arizona, Arkansas, Baylor, Colorado, and Kansas. What Johnson brings to the table are excellent speed and route-running skills. He is always right where the ball is going to be. On top of that, he can make difficult catches in double coverage. He is also not afraid of the physicality of the position and is willing to be in the line of fire to take hits if it makes the play. He is a tough receiver that is sure to have another stellar year in his senior season.
2. Jaxson Lavender Jaxson Lavender 5'9" | 160 lbs | WR Lovejoy | 2023 State TX – Lovejoy High School (Lucas, TX)
2021 Season: 78 receptions, 1,161 receiving yards, 15 receiving touchdowns
Lavender committed to SMU back in October and is already giving a preview of what he will bring to the Mustangs. Judging by his stats alone, he gets results. Judging by his tape, Lavender is another receiver that can make some amazing plays. Not only does he have excellent hands, but he can juke defenders to get more yards than usual. He is incredibly hard to tackle and is able to get the reception despite tough coverage. Lavender is a play-maker by definition and exciting to watch.
3. Lontrell Turner Lontrell Turner 5'11" | 180 lbs | WR Duncanville | 2023 State TX – Duncanville High School (Duncanville, TX)
Turner has also already received recruiting interest with offers from the likes of Arizona, Baylor, Georgia Tech, Kansas, and Kansas State. What makes Turner is unique is his speed, his acceleration after the catch, and his route-running. Namely, his acceleration is incredible, and is able to reach his top speed quickly after the catch. Once he gets going, there is almost no way of catching up, leaving safeties to have to try and tackle him in the open field. Turner is a very fast receiver who is sure to turn even more heads next season.
4. Anthony Evans Anthony Evans 5'11" | 165 lbs | WR Judson | 2023 State TX – Judson High School (Converse, TX)
2021 Season: 35 receptions, 491 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns
Evans committed to Arkansas back in November, and he is bringing his speed and excellent route-running skills to the Razorbacks. Evans is especially lethal on long post routes and works extremely well on deep passes. However, he is also able to be an excellent rusher on the goal line. Overall, Evans is physical, athletic, and a great receiver to look to when heaving the ball down the field.
5. Rett Andersen Rett Andersen 5'11" | 170 lbs | WR Alamo Heights | 2023 State TX – Alamo Heights High School (San Antonio, TX)
Where Andersen stands apart is his ability to make some extremely tough catches, sometimes even with one hand. Much like the other receivers listed, Andersen also displays speed and tight route-running. Once Andersen has the open field in front of him, there is no stopping him. Another asset for Andersen is his special teams play. He is able to turn a squib kick into a touchdown in a seemingly easy fashion. Andersen has all the makings and promises of being an elite receiver in college, and a terrific senior season will only cement that.