Sunshine State burns bright at receiver
The state of Florida is generally loaded with playmakers at wide receiver. In fact, over the last five years, the state has produced at least eight ESPN 300 prospects in every class.
This year’s group of wide receivers just might top them all. An astounding 15 wideouts from the Sunshine State are listed in the ESPN Junior 300. It’s the deepest wide receiver class to come out of Florida in recent memory.
“There are so many guys in the state, especially in South Florida this year, it just pushes us to be better,†ESPN Junior 300 wide receiver Binjimen Victor, a standout at the Miami Nike regional camp, said after the camp. “That’s why you see so many guys out here. We just want to compete and get better.â€
Victor, who earned an invited to The Opening after his performance in Miami, is reluctant to name any top schools at this point but admits he stays in contact regularly with Florida, Ohio State, Miami, Georgia, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Louisville and Ole Miss.
Dredrick Snelson, No. 11 in the ESPN Junior 300, is the top-ranked receiver in the country. The 6-foot, 192-pound athlete, however, is not satisfied with his lofty ranking.
"There are no days off,†Snelson said. “Everybody in Florida wants to take each other's spot to become the best. It’s a good thing to be the best, but everybody is coming for you so you can’t take days off. I’m friends with a lot of these guys, which is a good and bad thing. We have friendly competition but at the same time I know they are coming for my spot and I have to keep working hard every day.â€
Just a few short weeks ago Snelson had a top three of Florida, Auburn and Florida State. After a few other schools made a strong push, his list of favorites has changed.
“Schools like Louisville, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Florida State and Florida have been on me hard,†Snelson said. "Auburn fell off a little bit. I’m still open though.â€
Here’s the latest recruiting news for some of the other top wide receivers in Florida this year.
Dionte Mullins (No. 24) - Committed to Miami in July.
Nate Craig-Myers (No. 37) - Committed to Auburn in July, but remains open and considering other schools such as Florida, Florida State, Alabama, LSU and USC.
Sam Bruce (No. 42) - Committed to Miami in July but remains open to other schools including Florida. His close friend, Jordan Scarlett, signed with the Gators in February and has been pushing Bruce to visit the Gators.
Darnell Salomon (No. 59) - The 6-3, 198-pound receiver has shown considerable interest in Alabama, Clemson, LSU and Miami.
Josh Hammond (No. 62) - Ohio State, Florida and Notre Dame are recruiting Hammond the hardest. Hammond is familiar with the coaching staff at Ohio State because his older brother Frankie Hammond Jr. played for Urban Meyer at Florida. The Gators are also near the top because of his familiarity with the program.
Eli Stove (No. 63) - The 6-1, 183-pound wideout likes Auburn and Florida State early on, with Florida and Clemson still in the picture.
Tavares Chase (No. 135) - Committed to Clemson in January. Clemson has landed several wide receivers from the Tampa area recently, including Artavis Scott, Ray Ray McCloud III and Deon Cain.
Keyshawn "Pie" Young (No. 141) - Florida State and Alabama appear to be the two early favorites, with the Seminoles slightly in front.
Keith Gavin (No. 165) - Committed to FSU in July.
Ahmmon Richards (No. 205) - Committed to Miami in July.
Tre Nixon (No. 209) - Education will play a big role for Nixon. Duke and Notre Dame are near the top of his list, with Georgia and Florida also in consideration.
Freddie Swain (No. 214) - Swain lives about 20 minutes from Gainesville, and the Gators appear to be the leader for the talented pass catcher.
Cavin Ridley (No. 264) - Ridley is the younger brother of Calvin Ridley, who signed with Alabama last year. The Crimson Tide have offered the younger Ridley, and Alabama appears to be the team to beat early on.