My Top 5: Wide Receivers

By: Tre Bailey (@trebailey14)

College Football

My Top 5: Wide Receivers

Back at it again today hitting you with my top Wide Receivers going into the 2016 college football season. This is probably the hardest top 5 list simply because there are so many great receivers out there.

Honorable Mention

Jehu Chesson, Senior, Michigan

Corey Davis, Senior, Western Michigan

Thomas Sperbeck, Senior, Boise State

Gabe Marks, Senior, Washington State

Ryan Switzer, Senior, North Carolina    

       

Coming in at number 5

Calvin Ridley, Sophomore, Alabama

2015 Stats: 89 receptions, 1045 yards, 11.7 yards per catch, 7 Td’s

Reason: when you put up 1000 yards as a freshman, you deserve some recognition. Ridley adds the diversity needed in an Alabama offense that traditionally has been heavily reliant on the running game. In recent times you have seen Bama be more and more aggressive with the passing game and Ridley could see himself among Alabama greats if he stays on the same course he is currently on.

Number 4

KD Cannon, Junior, Baylor

2015 Stats: 50 receptions, 868 yards, 17.4 yards per catch, 6 Td’s

Reason: Cannon saw a drop in production between his freshman and sophomore years, partially because he was second on the roster behind first round draft pick Corey Coleman. Despite having 8 less catches and about 200 less yards, Cannon is still an explosive receiver. I would not doubt if he turns out to be the fastest player on the Baylor roster. The only negative is the whole situation with the program and some uncertainty about the coaching staff. While he will be Seth Russell’s number 1 target I expect to see the duo to put up huge numbers and for Cannon to be back above the 1000 yard mark.

        

Number 3

Christian Kirk, Sophomore, Texas A&M

2015 Stats: 80 receptions, 1009 yards, 12.6 yards per catch, 7 Td’s

Reason: Kirk is another young athlete who can absolutely ball out. While he isn’t the tallest out of the bunch, he has blazing speed that creates separation between defenders, and a threat in the open field. Hopefully A&M can see some more consistency at the Quarterback position to dish the ball out to Kirk who has the potential to end up the all-time leading receiver for the Aggies.

Number 2

James Washington, Junior, Oklahoma State

2015 Stats: 53 receptions, 1087 yards, 20.5 yards per catch, 10 Td’s

Reason: Let’s just take a second and marvel at the fact that this kid averaged 20 yards a catch. Theoretically if you threw to him 4 times on an 80 yard drive you’d score. This kid is absolutely explosive with the ball in his hand. While you can’t compare him to Dez Bryant or Justin Blackmon he is definitely has something special. He has outstanding top end speed and the ability to make tacklers miss. Don’t believe me,,, just watch his highlights.

Number 1

Juju Smit-Schuster, Junior, USC

2015 Stats: 89 receptions, 1454 yards, 16.3 yards per catch, 10 touchdowns

Reason: Between his Freshman and Sophomore Years Juju doubled his production between yardage, and touchdowns. That type of improvement is un heard of. Even with a quarterback who was pretty shaky at times this kid just made plays happen, He has great instincts, hands, speed, size, everything you could possibly want in a receiver. No matter who is lined up behind center for the Trojans, as long as the can deliver the ball to Schuster you can expect to see numbers consistent to if not better than the ones he put up this year.