Southern Pigskin's ranking of the top five SEC receiving corps for 2019
May 20, 2019, | southernpigskin.com
1. Alabama -- Not many programs in history have returned production like this. Jerry Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle, Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith are back after combining for 202 receptions for 3,597 yards and 38 touchdowns last season. Remarkably, they all ranked in the top eleven in the SEC yards per catch. Jeudy was the 2018 winner of the Biletnikoff Award given to the best receiver in the nation. With all of the aforementioned talent, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returns after setting the game's single-season passer rating record.
2. Florida -- There is great depth in Gainesville, where the Gators' top six receivers all return. After transferring from Ole Miss, Van Jefferson led Florida with 35 catches, 503 yards and six touchdowns. Ohio State-transfer Trevon Gimes added 26 grabs. Exciting playmakers dot the rotation, including veterans Tyrie Cleveland, Josh Hammond and Freddie Swain, 18.9 yards per reception and five scores, and the versatile Kadarius Toney. Expectations are high for athletic rising tight end Kyle Pitts.
3. LSU -- Justin Jefferson is one of the nation's most talented receivers. His sophomore production, 54 catches for 875 yards and six touchdowns, speak to that ability. Jefferson had two big scores in the Fiesta Bowl victory over Central Florida. Stephen Sullivan is a major matchup problem at 6'7'', one of many notable athletes on the perimeter. Ja'Marr Chase is fresh off an impressive freshman debut.
4. Missouri -- Albert Okwuegbunam is college football's best tight end. Even after missing late last season due to injury, he has 72 catches and 17 touchdowns the past two years. With 1,896 career yards, Johnathon Johnson is one of the most productive receivers in the SEC. Jalen Knox leads a talented young core of pass-catchers. The Tigers have also added Arkansas-transfer Jonathan Nance, who led the Razorbacks with 37 grabs, 539 yards and five touchdowns in 2018.
5. Texas A&M -- A number of talented rising juniors will lead the way for the Aggies out wide. Quartney Davis, Camron Buckley, Jhamon Austin, Kendrick Rogers and Hezekiah Jones combined for 152 catches in 2018. Seven of Davis' 45 receptions went for touchdowns. Quarterback Kellen Mond will have plenty of options on the perimeter, proven producers ready for even more.
May 20, 2019, | southernpigskin.com
1. Alabama -- Not many programs in history have returned production like this. Jerry Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle, Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith are back after combining for 202 receptions for 3,597 yards and 38 touchdowns last season. Remarkably, they all ranked in the top eleven in the SEC yards per catch. Jeudy was the 2018 winner of the Biletnikoff Award given to the best receiver in the nation. With all of the aforementioned talent, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returns after setting the game's single-season passer rating record.
2. Florida -- There is great depth in Gainesville, where the Gators' top six receivers all return. After transferring from Ole Miss, Van Jefferson led Florida with 35 catches, 503 yards and six touchdowns. Ohio State-transfer Trevon Gimes added 26 grabs. Exciting playmakers dot the rotation, including veterans Tyrie Cleveland, Josh Hammond and Freddie Swain, 18.9 yards per reception and five scores, and the versatile Kadarius Toney. Expectations are high for athletic rising tight end Kyle Pitts.
3. LSU -- Justin Jefferson is one of the nation's most talented receivers. His sophomore production, 54 catches for 875 yards and six touchdowns, speak to that ability. Jefferson had two big scores in the Fiesta Bowl victory over Central Florida. Stephen Sullivan is a major matchup problem at 6'7'', one of many notable athletes on the perimeter. Ja'Marr Chase is fresh off an impressive freshman debut.
4. Missouri -- Albert Okwuegbunam is college football's best tight end. Even after missing late last season due to injury, he has 72 catches and 17 touchdowns the past two years. With 1,896 career yards, Johnathon Johnson is one of the most productive receivers in the SEC. Jalen Knox leads a talented young core of pass-catchers. The Tigers have also added Arkansas-transfer Jonathan Nance, who led the Razorbacks with 37 grabs, 539 yards and five touchdowns in 2018.
5. Texas A&M -- A number of talented rising juniors will lead the way for the Aggies out wide. Quartney Davis, Camron Buckley, Jhamon Austin, Kendrick Rogers and Hezekiah Jones combined for 152 catches in 2018. Seven of Davis' 45 receptions went for touchdowns. Quarterback Kellen Mond will have plenty of options on the perimeter, proven producers ready for even more.