After featuring the top quarterbacks and running backs on the LSR Top 100 in the last two weeks, it's time to turn our attention to a position that the Longhorns have ibeen very active at, despite a lot of numbers on campus. Charlie Strong wants playmakers and if he chooses to tap into the 2016 in-state class, he'll find some prospects that can add playmaking ability to the Texas roster.
Here's the top 10 wide receivers in TexasL
1. Devin Duvernay (Sache)
5-10, 184
Offers from Texas, Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas A&M
Four-star (5.9 prospect via Rivals), No.116 overall nationally, No.11 in Texas via Rivals, No.7 in Texas via LSR)
Rivals Prospect Video
Ketch says: As far as I'm concerned, Duvernay is the most electrifying kid in the entire state. Coaches are always looking for kids that can apply pressure to opposing defenses and Duvernay's ability to touch the ball at any spot on the field and be a threat to score is second to none among his peers in the state of Texas. At 5-10, 184 pounds, he's not the biggest receiver prospects in this class by a long-shot, but his ability to make plays in space after the catch makes him a different type of receiver, as he's usually reaching the end zone if he gets a step beyond the defense. Duvernay is still developing his wide receiver skills, but he's an ace on screens and short throws near the line of scrimmage. If you're looking for a player comparison, think of a young Percy Harvin from a talent perspective.
2. Courtney Lark (Bellaire)
6-1, 163
Committed to TCU
Four-star (5.8 prospect via Rivals), No.159 overall nationally, No.18 in Texas via Rivals, No.12 in Texas via LSR)
Rivals Prospect Video
Ketch says: If Devin Duvernay is the king of the short passing game at the receiver position, Lark might be the king of the intermediate passing game in Texas. The first thing that really jumps out about Lark is the fact that his ball skills are as elite as anyone in this class. When the ball is in his zip code, he almost always finds a way to come up with the catch. While not quite as explosive as Duverney, Lark has a turbo button gear that allows him to apply pressure on opposing defenses after the catch. Lark seems like he's at his best when running skinny or deep posts, but don't mistake that as him having a limited arsenal. This is a kid that has a chance to be a dynamic college playmaker.
3. Dee Anderson (West Mesquite)
6-3, 175
Committed to LSU
Four-star (6.0 prospect via Rivals), No.60 overall nationally, No.8 in Texas via Rivals and No.27 in Texas via LSR)
Rivals Prospect Video
Ketch says: When I look at Anderson, I see a slightly bigger version of Courtney Lark, but perhaps without the turbo button that makes him impossible to corral once he gets a step on the defense. Like Lark, Anderson has some of the best ball skills in the state, especially when being targeted in the deep passing game. A lot of Anderson's success at the high school level is based on his ability to win battles when running go-routes and he'll probably need to continue to diversify his game is he wants to be an all-around threat at the position. Does a great job of setting up fade routes with a quick, hard inside step that he comes out of incredibly quick, making him a big-time threat in the red-zone.
4. Tren'Davion Dickson (Navasota)
6-0, 170
Offers from Texas, Baylor, OKlahoma, Texas A&M and TCU
Three-star (5.7 prospect via Rivals), No.42 in Texas via Rivals and No.24 in Texas via LSR)
Rivals Prospect Video
Ketch says: A born playmaker. Perhaps more than any player in the state at his position, Dickson's ability to do a little bit of everything at his position makes him perhaps the most complete player at the position coming out of high school. Although I don't think of him as an elite speed and quickness guy, he's not far off from that kind of territory and when he gets his hands on the ball in space, watch the hell out. Possesses top-end ball skills. One of my favorite aspects of his game is that you can watch seven minutes of Dickson at his best and you might not see any plays that look repetitive. He makes a lot of plays in a variety of plays and just knows how to get the damn job done.
5. Reggie Hemphill (Manvel)
6-1, 174
Committed to Texas
Four-star (5.8 prospect via Rivals), No.33 in Texas via Rivals and No.29 in Texas via LSR)
HUDL Prospect Video
2014 Rivals Challenge Spotlight
Ketch says: There might not be as much "wow" with Hemphill as there are with some of the other receivers at the top of the list, but it's easy to take Hemphill for credit sometimes because he makes playing the game look very easy at times. A terrific all-around receiver with a skill set that allows him to make plays in a variety of plays. At the high school level, Hemphill's strength at the position might be his greatest asset, as he just kind of bullies opposing cornerbacks all over the field, whether it's on a hitch, post route or something vertical. Owns plus-ball skills and he'll fight for his quarterback on balls that aren't thrown perfectly.
6. Kofi Boateng (Arlington Lamar)
6-1, 175
Offers from Arizona State, Texas Tech, Ole MIss, Washington and Kansas State
Three-star (5.6 prospect via Rivals), No.73 in Texas via Rivals and No.49 in Texas via LSR)
Rivals Prospect Video
Ketch says: Because he plays with the state's top quarterback prospect, it's easy to sometimes chalk up someone of Boateng's success to playing with Shane Buechele, but the more I've watched of this kid, the more it's impossible not to notice a terrific blend of overall playmaking ability. Although he's not a top-end burner, he makes a lot of plays on end arounds and short screens, displaying ability to make people miss in space and "good enough" speed to take it to the house once he gets a step on the defense. Boateng also has some of the nicest hands at his position in the state and shows the ability to create separation from defenders.
7. T.J. Vasher (Wichita Falls Rider)
6-5, 180
Offered by Ohio State, Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Houston and Colorado
Four-star (5.8 prospect via Rivals), No.35 in Texas via Rivals and No.50 in Texas via LSR)
Rivals Prospect Video
Ketch says: No receiver in the state brings more size to the table that the 6-5 Vasher, who just dominated defensive backs in the vertical passing game with his combination of mass and skill. Although he's at his best when he's going down the field as a receiver, Vasher actually brings more of an all-around skill set as a player than you might expect from a player that specializes in going vertical, as he possesses enough athletic ability and shiftiness to give defenses fits in the screen game, while his route running and ball skills make for a dangerous intermediate playmaker. Although he's a little raw, Vasher's upside at the position is among the highest of any player in this class.
8. Camron Williams (Dallas First Baptist)
6-3, 200
Offered by Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Wisconsin
Four-star (5.8 prospect via Rivals), No.184 overall nationally, No.23 in Texas via Rivals and No.58 in Texas via LSR
Rivals Prospect Video
Ketch says: At 6-3, 200 pounds, Williams, reminds me physically of a young John Harris, which is to say that there's a fair amount of athletic ability and playmaking in that big frame of his that projects really well at the next level. Doesn't have elite top-end speed or burst, but once he gets the moving with the ball he becomes a handful for opposing defenses who are trying to get him to the ground. Williams is really effective in the screen game, as he'll run through arm tackles and once he gets through the second level of the defense, there's enough overall athletic skill to create game-changing plays. Although he's a still putting the pieces of his game together, Williams has a chance to be a playmaker at the collegiate level with a little more development.
9. Tyrie Cleveland (Houston Westfield)
6-3, 180
Committed to Texas A&M
Four-star (5.8 prospect via Rivals), No.36 in Texas via Rivals and No.58 in Texas via LSR
Rivals Prospect Spotlight
Ketch says: A prospect that brings a little bit of everything to the table, including size, ball skills and the ability to make plays after the catch. Although he's more of a vertical threat than anything else at the high school level, I think his overall game might be a little underrated because there's not much at the position that he doesn't do pretty damn well. Although he might not ever win the combine, Cleveland has a chance to emerge as a top-end college player with a little more development.
10. Michael Irvin (Prestonwood Christian Academy)
6-2, 200
Offers from Miami and South Florida
Three-star (5.7 prospect via Rivals), No.65 in Texas via Rivals and No.62 in Texas via LSR
Rivals Prospect Spotlight
Ketch says: Irvin is kind of a poor man's version of his Hall of Fame father, as he's not ever going to wow you with his speed or explosiveness, but he can catch anything thrown in his direction and he is an incredibly physical target that can overwhelm defensive backs that haven't been spending much time in the weight room,. In fact, perhaps more than a true wide receiver prospect, Ievin has a chance to be a top-level H-back that can create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses, who try to stick a nickel corner or linebacker against him in coverage.
This post was edited on 3/13 10:21 AM by Ketchum
Here's the top 10 wide receivers in TexasL
1. Devin Duvernay (Sache)
5-10, 184
Offers from Texas, Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas A&M
Four-star (5.9 prospect via Rivals), No.116 overall nationally, No.11 in Texas via Rivals, No.7 in Texas via LSR)
Rivals Prospect Video
Ketch says: As far as I'm concerned, Duvernay is the most electrifying kid in the entire state. Coaches are always looking for kids that can apply pressure to opposing defenses and Duvernay's ability to touch the ball at any spot on the field and be a threat to score is second to none among his peers in the state of Texas. At 5-10, 184 pounds, he's not the biggest receiver prospects in this class by a long-shot, but his ability to make plays in space after the catch makes him a different type of receiver, as he's usually reaching the end zone if he gets a step beyond the defense. Duvernay is still developing his wide receiver skills, but he's an ace on screens and short throws near the line of scrimmage. If you're looking for a player comparison, think of a young Percy Harvin from a talent perspective.
2. Courtney Lark (Bellaire)
6-1, 163
Committed to TCU
Four-star (5.8 prospect via Rivals), No.159 overall nationally, No.18 in Texas via Rivals, No.12 in Texas via LSR)
Rivals Prospect Video
Ketch says: If Devin Duvernay is the king of the short passing game at the receiver position, Lark might be the king of the intermediate passing game in Texas. The first thing that really jumps out about Lark is the fact that his ball skills are as elite as anyone in this class. When the ball is in his zip code, he almost always finds a way to come up with the catch. While not quite as explosive as Duverney, Lark has a turbo button gear that allows him to apply pressure on opposing defenses after the catch. Lark seems like he's at his best when running skinny or deep posts, but don't mistake that as him having a limited arsenal. This is a kid that has a chance to be a dynamic college playmaker.
3. Dee Anderson (West Mesquite)
6-3, 175
Committed to LSU
Four-star (6.0 prospect via Rivals), No.60 overall nationally, No.8 in Texas via Rivals and No.27 in Texas via LSR)
Rivals Prospect Video
Ketch says: When I look at Anderson, I see a slightly bigger version of Courtney Lark, but perhaps without the turbo button that makes him impossible to corral once he gets a step on the defense. Like Lark, Anderson has some of the best ball skills in the state, especially when being targeted in the deep passing game. A lot of Anderson's success at the high school level is based on his ability to win battles when running go-routes and he'll probably need to continue to diversify his game is he wants to be an all-around threat at the position. Does a great job of setting up fade routes with a quick, hard inside step that he comes out of incredibly quick, making him a big-time threat in the red-zone.
4. Tren'Davion Dickson (Navasota)
6-0, 170
Offers from Texas, Baylor, OKlahoma, Texas A&M and TCU
Three-star (5.7 prospect via Rivals), No.42 in Texas via Rivals and No.24 in Texas via LSR)
Rivals Prospect Video
Ketch says: A born playmaker. Perhaps more than any player in the state at his position, Dickson's ability to do a little bit of everything at his position makes him perhaps the most complete player at the position coming out of high school. Although I don't think of him as an elite speed and quickness guy, he's not far off from that kind of territory and when he gets his hands on the ball in space, watch the hell out. Possesses top-end ball skills. One of my favorite aspects of his game is that you can watch seven minutes of Dickson at his best and you might not see any plays that look repetitive. He makes a lot of plays in a variety of plays and just knows how to get the damn job done.
5. Reggie Hemphill (Manvel)
6-1, 174
Committed to Texas
Four-star (5.8 prospect via Rivals), No.33 in Texas via Rivals and No.29 in Texas via LSR)
HUDL Prospect Video
2014 Rivals Challenge Spotlight
Ketch says: There might not be as much "wow" with Hemphill as there are with some of the other receivers at the top of the list, but it's easy to take Hemphill for credit sometimes because he makes playing the game look very easy at times. A terrific all-around receiver with a skill set that allows him to make plays in a variety of plays. At the high school level, Hemphill's strength at the position might be his greatest asset, as he just kind of bullies opposing cornerbacks all over the field, whether it's on a hitch, post route or something vertical. Owns plus-ball skills and he'll fight for his quarterback on balls that aren't thrown perfectly.
6. Kofi Boateng (Arlington Lamar)
6-1, 175
Offers from Arizona State, Texas Tech, Ole MIss, Washington and Kansas State
Three-star (5.6 prospect via Rivals), No.73 in Texas via Rivals and No.49 in Texas via LSR)
Rivals Prospect Video
Ketch says: Because he plays with the state's top quarterback prospect, it's easy to sometimes chalk up someone of Boateng's success to playing with Shane Buechele, but the more I've watched of this kid, the more it's impossible not to notice a terrific blend of overall playmaking ability. Although he's not a top-end burner, he makes a lot of plays on end arounds and short screens, displaying ability to make people miss in space and "good enough" speed to take it to the house once he gets a step on the defense. Boateng also has some of the nicest hands at his position in the state and shows the ability to create separation from defenders.
7. T.J. Vasher (Wichita Falls Rider)
6-5, 180
Offered by Ohio State, Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Houston and Colorado
Four-star (5.8 prospect via Rivals), No.35 in Texas via Rivals and No.50 in Texas via LSR)
Rivals Prospect Video
Ketch says: No receiver in the state brings more size to the table that the 6-5 Vasher, who just dominated defensive backs in the vertical passing game with his combination of mass and skill. Although he's at his best when he's going down the field as a receiver, Vasher actually brings more of an all-around skill set as a player than you might expect from a player that specializes in going vertical, as he possesses enough athletic ability and shiftiness to give defenses fits in the screen game, while his route running and ball skills make for a dangerous intermediate playmaker. Although he's a little raw, Vasher's upside at the position is among the highest of any player in this class.
8. Camron Williams (Dallas First Baptist)
6-3, 200
Offered by Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Wisconsin
Four-star (5.8 prospect via Rivals), No.184 overall nationally, No.23 in Texas via Rivals and No.58 in Texas via LSR
Rivals Prospect Video
Ketch says: At 6-3, 200 pounds, Williams, reminds me physically of a young John Harris, which is to say that there's a fair amount of athletic ability and playmaking in that big frame of his that projects really well at the next level. Doesn't have elite top-end speed or burst, but once he gets the moving with the ball he becomes a handful for opposing defenses who are trying to get him to the ground. Williams is really effective in the screen game, as he'll run through arm tackles and once he gets through the second level of the defense, there's enough overall athletic skill to create game-changing plays. Although he's a still putting the pieces of his game together, Williams has a chance to be a playmaker at the collegiate level with a little more development.
9. Tyrie Cleveland (Houston Westfield)
6-3, 180
Committed to Texas A&M
Four-star (5.8 prospect via Rivals), No.36 in Texas via Rivals and No.58 in Texas via LSR
Rivals Prospect Spotlight
Ketch says: A prospect that brings a little bit of everything to the table, including size, ball skills and the ability to make plays after the catch. Although he's more of a vertical threat than anything else at the high school level, I think his overall game might be a little underrated because there's not much at the position that he doesn't do pretty damn well. Although he might not ever win the combine, Cleveland has a chance to emerge as a top-end college player with a little more development.
10. Michael Irvin (Prestonwood Christian Academy)
6-2, 200
Offers from Miami and South Florida
Three-star (5.7 prospect via Rivals), No.65 in Texas via Rivals and No.62 in Texas via LSR
Rivals Prospect Spotlight
Ketch says: Irvin is kind of a poor man's version of his Hall of Fame father, as he's not ever going to wow you with his speed or explosiveness, but he can catch anything thrown in his direction and he is an incredibly physical target that can overwhelm defensive backs that haven't been spending much time in the weight room,. In fact, perhaps more than a true wide receiver prospect, Ievin has a chance to be a top-level H-back that can create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses, who try to stick a nickel corner or linebacker against him in coverage.
This post was edited on 3/13 10:21 AM by Ketchum
