Final season marked a down yr for freshman receivers within the SEC as Florida’s Eugene Wilson III was the one wideout from the Class of 2023 within the league to catch greater than 25 passes. Simply 4 freshman receivers totaled 15 or extra grabs, and all of them performed for groups that completed with dropping data.
Anticipate a unique look in 2024 in what’s shaping as much as be a major bounce-back season for freshmen receivers. It ought to look extra like 2022 when 9 true freshman receivers caught 15 or extra passes for SEC groups.
That class included extremely touted prospects similar to Evan Stewart (Texas A&M, now at Oregon), Luther Burden (Missouri) and Barion Brown (Kentucky), all of which burst onto the scene with 40 or extra catches. Others similar to Alabama’s Kobe Prentice and Isaiah Bond (now at Texas) and Georgia’s Dillon Bell additionally made significant contributions as true freshmen for high-caliber groups in 2022.
So, who’re the freshman receivers to observe from the convention for 2024? This is the rundown of the largest names to know:
Cam Coleman, Auburn
247Sports place rating: 2
Auburn has been determined for a star receiver for years. It might lastly have one now in Coleman, who does not flip 18 till August. The Phenix Metropolis, Alabama native gained offensive MVP honors within the Tigers’ spring sport with 4 catches for 92 yards, stoking the hype surrounding what he could contribute in 12 months 2 of the Hugh Freeze period on The Plains. Whereas looking forward to the 2027 NFL Draft class, 247Sports nationwide scouting analyst Gabe Brooks pegged Coleman as a first-round candidate and famous that his “6-foot-3 body and basketball-influenced athletic capacity make him a nightmare matchup.”
Ryan Wiliams, Alabama
247Sports place rating: 3
Williams will play the 2024 season at 17 years previous after reclassifying from the Class of 2025. Whereas it appears virtually unfathomable that he may make a direct affect at a spot like Alabama, all indications are that the Saraland, Alabama native is able to go. “It is simply been so wonderful to see the transformation on high of simply how shortly he slot in,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer informed WKRG this week. Bama247 ranked Williams No. 6 on its listing of most vital Alabama gamers for the 2024 season, noting the dearth of “confirmed commodities” on the roster to interchange departed stars Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond.
Ryan Wingo, Texas
247Sports place rating: 7
Wingo made 4 catches for 81 yards with a few touchdowns within the Texas spring sport, which suggests he is acquired the mettle to play an early position. Texas’ receiver room is immensely gifted however vastly overhauled following the departures of Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell and Jordan Whittington. Wingo could have a shot to determine himself inside the place’s evolving hierarchy. He brings elite velocity and has caught the attention of No. 2 quarterback Arch Manning, who could sling loads of passes in Wingo’s route through the 2025 season. “Wingo goes to be a stud,” Manning mentioned. “He’ll play rather a lot this yr. He is simply every part you need in a large receiver.”
Mario Craver, Mississippi State
247Sports place rating: 42
In an overhauled receiver corps headlined by transfers, Craver may sneak up as a weapon. Look no additional than the spring sport for proof as he led the Bulldogs with 5 grabs for 96 yards. Chris Hummer named the 5-foot-11 speedster one of many “100 first-year gamers who will affect the 2024 faculty soccer season,” calling Craver “a super slot risk in a Jeff Lebby offense.”
Mazeo Bennett, South Carolina
247Sports place rating: 40
It’s a largely new forged of characters operating, passing and catching the soccer for South Carolina. That spells alternative for Bennett, who drew reward for his spring apply efficiency. The Massive Spur included Bennett in its prediction of which Gamecocks freshmen will play probably the most in 2024. His velocity has drawn rave opinions.
Hardley Gilmore, Kentucky
247Sports place rating: 89
Gilmore is one other former Class of 2025 star who graduated early and is raring to shine. Barion Brown and Dane Key excelled as a freshman on the place for the Wildcats in 2022, and Gilmore could also be able to comply with of their footsteps. “Hardley’s gonna be an excellent one,” Brown mentioned. “I promise he is gonna be an ideal one.”
Terry Bussey, Texas A&M
247Sports place rating: 1 (as an ATH)
There is not any assure that Bussey will even play receiver for the Aggies contemplating that he was ranked because the No. 1 athlete within the Class of 2024, per 247Sports. He may simply as simply slide in at cornerback. But when he traces up on offense, he has all the abilities wanted to make an early distinction.
Others to observe
Perry Thompson, Auburn
247Sports place rating: 8
Mike Matthews, Tennessee
247Sports place rating: 9
Courtney Crutchfield, Missouri
247Sports place rating: 10
Kylan Billiot, LSU
247Sports place rating: 13
Braylon Staley, Tennessee
247Sports place rating: 15
