When you look at the top five wide receivers (and the top two tight ends) heading to Southeastern Conference football programs during the 2016 recruiting cycle, four things stand out.
- Florida, which has been in dire need of explosive playmakers in the passing game for a half-decade now, signed the top prospect at the position (for now, unless five-star Demetrius Robertson, who has yet to decide, ends up in the SEC).
- It was a very good year in the state of Mississippi for receivers and tight ends.
- The top tight end heading to the SEC was the only five-star prospect at either position this cycle to sign with a conference program (again, if Robertson ends up at a non-SEC program).
- Auburn and Ole Miss are in good shape at the position as a whole and likely had the two best classes in the league.
Here’s a look at the five best receivers…
1. Tyrie Cleveland, Florida (Houston, Texas/Westfield)
The Skinny: The Gators went into Texas and nabbed Cleveland, a former Houston commit, beating out TCU and Arkansas, which were both closer in proximity. Cleveland is a 6-foot-3, 189-pound game breaker who has the talent to come in and make an impact during his first season in Gainesville.
2. A.J. Brown, Ole Miss (Starkville, Miss.)
The Skinny: Brown’s stock skyrocketed during his senior year and during an outstanding performance at the Under Armour All-America Game. The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder is one of several talented receivers that are built like linebackers heading to the SEC.
3. Nate Craig-Myers, Auburn (Tampa, Fla./Catholic)
The Skinny: Craig-Myers returned to the Tigers on National Signing Day and though not as stocky as some, he’s a big target at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds. He’s got the physical ability to step in and contribute early during his career on The Plains.
4. Kyle Davis, Auburn (Lawrenceville, Ga./Archer)
The Skinny: Davis, who is already at Auburn, is like Brown in that he’s huge. The 6-foot-1.5, 218-pounder has great ball skills and can be a freak player given his athleticism on top of his raw ability to catch the football.
5. DeKaylin Metcalf, Ole Miss (Oxford, Miss.)
The Skinny: Metcalf is a big receiver in more of the traditional sense. The 6-foot-3.5, 205-pound local product is a big target that has excellent athleticism and hands and is yet another talented target for the Rebels quarterbacks — Chad Kelly this coming year and very likely Shea Patterson after that — to throw to in the coming seasons.
And the top two at tight end…
1. Isaac Nauta, Georgia (Bradenton, Fla./IMG Academy)
The Skinny: Nauta, a Buford, Ga., native who is returning home to play college football for the Bulldogs, has been one of the best prospects in the country since his freshman season. He’s big, he’s physical and he’s college ready. No offense to any of Georgia’s current personnel, but he became the best player at the position the minute he stepped on campus.
2. Octavious Cooley, Ole Miss (Laurel, Miss.)
The Skinny: Cooley will remind Rebels fans of Evan Engram. He’s built more like a big receiver right now, but will grow. He’s got good hands and speed and can be a dynamic weapon in the passing game in time and perhaps as early as next season.
Recruiting writer for Saturday Down South
