Inside the Huddle: Wide Receivers

 

When it comes to producing wide receivers there are not many better states then Florida. This year over 50 receivers will end up going D1. That number could exceed over 70 or more if some of the prospects develop over the next few months. When you look at the top of the receiver board there may not be a better one then Binjimin Victor. It was over a year ago that Elite Scouting Services was at Oakland Park Northeast practice where we noticed Victor. The talented receiver was already making defenders look silly. He has developed into one of the premier receivers in Florida. Cavin Ridley was a prospect we first saw a freshman at Chaminade. He has now developed into one of the premier receivers. There are many others who stand out as well. Elite Scouting Services will break down the receiver board and what to look for in 2015.

1-Binjimin Victor-Coconut Creek High School-6’4-180-After Northeast High School produced Stacey Coley, most schools usually don’t have another player come right afterwards that is just as talented. Victor has since moved over to Coconut Creek High School and become the premier receiver in Florida. He has great size (6’4) and the speed to match. He is a receiver that can stretch the field and once Victor gets behind a secondary that is all she wrote. He has all the physical tools to become a big time play maker at the next level. (Comparison: AJ Green)

2-Sam Bruce-Saint Thomas Aquinas-5’8-180-(Committed to University of Miami)-If Bruce was 6’0 or taller he would be considered one of the top 2-3 receivers in the nation. What makes Bruce so special is that he wants to compete. He will make life very difficult for any defensive back that thinks they can cover him straight up. He has the speed, quickness and power to get by defensive backs. From a character standpoint you are not going to meet a better person. He does it all and we expect him to have a big time senior season now that he is playing for Coach Roger Harriott once again. (Comparison: Santana Moss)

3-Nate Craig Myers-Tampa Catholic-6’2-210-(Committed to Auburn)-We first had the opportunity to meet Nate Craig at Sling and Shoot before he was even in high school. As a prospect just entering his freshman season at Pasco High School, Craig was already showing the ability to be one of the top receivers in Florida. If not for an injury last year, Craig would most likely be standing at the top of the list. He is injured right now and we want to see how he responds this spring and into the fall. He has the size and speed to be a major matchup problem for defensive backs. He has good hands and runs solid routes. Look for Craig to get back onto the field and move up the list with an impressive senior season. He has elite level talent. Now Craig just needs to put it all together. (Comparison: Demaryius Thomas)

4-Keith Gavin-Wakulla-6’3-215-(Committed to Florida State)-Gavin is another big, physical receiver that can run. This is the year of the big receiver and Gavin fits the bill. He has the type of size to give defensive backs fits. He is already pushing 215 pounds and some feel Gavin may even end up at linebacker on defense. Gavin is another guy on this list you could argue could end up in the top 2-3 by seasons end. (Comparison: Martavis Bryant)

5-Cavin Ridley-Monarch Sr. High-6’1-190-Ridley has been on the recruiting radar since his freshman season at Chaminade. He is one of the more physically impressive looking receivers in this year’s class. Last year his brother Calvin Ridley was one of the top 2-3 receivers in Florida. Cavin is not as smooth as his brother, Calvin but he does bring a more physical style of play to the football field. Cavin has all the tools to be a special talent on the football field. (Comparison: Torrey Smith)

6-Elijah Stove-Niceville-6’1-190-Stove gets overlooked because he plays football in the Panhandle. Stove is another receiver that has the speed to go the distance anywhere on the field. Get him in open space and Stove makes things happen. He has been one of the premier players in North Florida for the past two seasons. He is a one cut type player. He puts his foot in the ground and goes. (Comparison: Jarvis Landry)

7-Darnell Salomon-Miami Central-6’2-195-First time we watched Salomon play he was a freshman over at Hollywood Hills High School. He is now at Miami Central after playing football at Champagnat Catholic last season. Here is another physically gifted receiver from the Sun-Shine State. We like how smooth Darnell is when running. The game of football looks so easy for Darnell. (Comparison: Terrance Williams)

8-Dredrick Snelson-American Heritage-5’11-195-Snelson is a stretch the field type receiver. He is one of the fastest receivers and if you don’t bring safety help over the top the odds are Snelson will be celebrating in the end-zone. He has the type of speed to change the momentum of a game on one play. (Comparison: Mike Wallace)

9-Keyshawn Young-Miami Sr-5’11-175-No matter what game we went to over the past two seasons, Young made a big play in every single one. He is a big time player that just loves the game of football. Some guys like football others love it. Young plays the game with passion that you love to see in a football player. He is a very good receiver but his best days may be at cornerback. If Young said he was going to play cornerback in college, he would be one of the top 2-3 players at his position this year. (Comparison-Herb Waters)

10-Dionte Mullins-Gulliver Prep-5’10-185-(Committed to Miami)-Mullins is another receiver that has the ability to make the big play. He is a receiver that you want to get into space. You get Mullins in the open field and not many defensive backs are going to catch him. We feel that Mullins is one of the better receivers in Florida but we like him even more on defense. (Comparison: Patrick Robinson)

11-Josh Hammond-Hallandale-6’0-175-Hammond last season went from a very good receiver to one that took his game to even a higher level. His biggest problem this year is coming out in a season that is loaded with top flight players. He has everything you want in a receiver. He has good size, speed and quickness. Hammond can also go up and get the football. With a big season look for Hammond to possibly move up this list. (Comparison: Harry Douglas)

12-Johnny Huntley-South Plantation-6’2-200-Not many know about Huntley right now. They will once spring football rolls around. Huntley is a prospect that has size and speed. He is going to cause opposing defenses fits this season. He is a very good athlete who can also play quarterback or possibly even safety or linebacker. Keep an eye on Huntley as he could blow up this year. (Comparison: Kevin White)

13-TJ Chase-IMG Academy-6’1-180-(Committed to Clemson)-Chase is another player that is getting hurt by the fact that this is a loaded year for receivers. You can line him out wide or put him in the slot and Chase will be very effective. He has deceptive speed. You watch him and all of sudden Chase is running behind your secondary. He has good hands and runs solid routes. (Comparison-Allen Hurns)

14-Freddie Pinder-Southridge-6’5-185-Pinder brings one thing everyone likes to the table and that is size. He is a legit 6’4 if not taller. He is going to cause matchup problems for defensive backs that are less than 5’11. Pinder is a bit of a long strider so it does not always looks like he is running fast. (Comparison: Tommy Streeter)

15-Rick Wells-Jacksonville Raines-6’0-190-(Committed to Florida)-Wells is another under the radar receiver. He has good size but lacks that top end speed to flip the field. He is going to be most effective as a move the chains-red-zone receiver. Get him the ball on third down and Wells will get you a first down. He has pretty good hands and continues to improve as a route runner every time we watch him play. (Comparison: Kamar Aiken)

16-Isiah Johnson-Dwyer-6’3-180-(Committed to Miami)- Johnson is a receiver we really like. He is getting overlooked because Dwyer did not have a great season. With Todd Centeio coming over from Royal Palm Beach look for Johnson to have a monster season. He has good hands, great body control and his speed is underrated. Johnson is one of the more underrated prospects in Florida this season. (Comparison: Jordy Nelson)

17-Tre Nixon-Vierra-6’0-175-Nixon comes from a high school that has not produced a ton of D1 football players. He is by far one of the best players in the Space Coast region of Florida this year. Nixon is much underrated. You watch him whether it is a 7 on 7 event or turn on his film and Nixon makes plays. He also carries a 4.0 GPA and that should also draw the attention of college scouts. (Comparison: Danny Amendola)

18-Brandon Johnson-American Heritage Plantation-6’3-170-Johnson is the son of Charles Johnson who played for the Florida Marlins. He gets overlooked because Heritage has been loaded with talent on offense the past two seasons. With Snelson going to draw most of the double teams this year we expect Johnson to have a break out season. He has size and relatively good speed. (Comparison: Brandon Marshall)

19-Jaquarius Bargnare-Dr. Phillips-5’10-185-Known has Q by those around him, Bargnare is a play maker with the ball in his hands. He has great body control and there is not a ball that is thrown near him that Q won’t catch. He has very good hands. His ability to separation is also what we like. He is a guy that you can put anywhere on the field and Q will make a play. He has the ability to get to top end gear quickly. (Comparison: Ty Hilton)

20-Tyrin Summers-Clewiston-5’9-160-Summers is another player who has flown under the radar. Turn on his film and Summers can change the game on one play. If he gets behind the secondary the odds are he is off to the races. He is not the biggest receiver but there are not many who are faster. (Comparison: Kermit Whitfield)

Don’t Overlook: CJ Riley-North Broward Prep-6’5-180, Eddie McDoom-West Orange-5’11-180, Demetrius White-Dillard-6’1-185, Jerron Rollins-Columbus-6’2-180, Freddie Swain-North Marion-6’1-175, Brandon Drayton-Largo-6’3-180, Neru N’Shaki-Hallandale-5’10-170, AJ Boldin-Bartram Trail-6’2-185, Kalen Riles-Rickards-5’11-175, Brandon Luckett-Palmetto-(Sarasota)-6’0-175, Phillip Benker-Sandalwood-6’2-190, Kjetil Cline-IMG-6’0-190, Dontay Mayfield-Gulliver Prep-6’1-180, Montray Smith-Carol City-6’3-175, Chris Cott0-Hallandale-5’11-180, Trey Fullwood-Sickles-6’2-190, Tony Gaiter-Westminster Christian-5’10-160, MC McGriff-Vero Beach-5’9-165, Hamp Cheever-Trenton-5’10-170, Devonte Burden-Glades Central-6’1-170, Billy Gaines-Raines-6’1-185, Demari Simpkins-Hallandale-5’11-180 and James Jackson-Dillard-6’3-210