The Winter Grind: Top 10 Wide Receivers For 2015
by MoCoFootball Staff on 01/23/15
Sherwood WR Marcus Simms. photo credit: Jack Armstrong, thewarrioronline.com
1. Marcus Simms,
6'1" 175, Sherwood
Highlights:
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2477314/marcus-simms
Passion flows from Marcus on every play, sometimes it can flow over too much, but no one can deny how much this kid loves to compete. Simms is a threat to score from any part of the field because of his acceleration at the top of his routes and his running back-like skills in the open field. Marcus has legit track speed that he can convert to quickness on a stop of a dime making him a very good route runner as well. After his 200+ yard performance on week one versus Gaithersburg last year, he almost never saw single coverage again and the few times he did; the opposing team paid. With the continuing growth of Travis Levy at the RB spot, it might be pick-your-poison next year with the Sherwood Warriors.
2015 Projections: 45 Receptions, 1,170 Rec Yards, 200 Rushing Yards, 18 Total
TDs
2. Christian
Greaves, 5'11" 160, Northwood
Highlights:
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2935042/christian-greaves
Defensive coordinators better get their kids really familiar with the pursuit
drill the week they play Northwood because this kid fly! Consistently out runs
the angles of defenders that are attempting to catch him, may just be the
fastest player with the ball in his hands in MoCo. The 2014 first team All-MoCo
selection is a part of a really big-time sophomore class for Northwood that
everyone there is excited about. If he and Jason Maxwell Clingman grow from last
years breakout season, Northwood's transition to the 4A might be smoother than
most think.
2015 Projections: 41 Receptions, 1,105 Rec Yards, 150 Rushing Yards, 16 Total
TDs
3. J.D.
Guerrero, 6'0" 160, Paint Branch
Highlights:
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3151529/jd-guerrero
Looks like Paint Branch got another one. The Panthers are slowly developing the
reputation as, "Wide Receiver U" because of the great players that Paint Branch
has produced over the last six-seven years. J.D. may not be the speed burner
that the first two on the list are, but his route running is superior to almost
anyone in the county. Guerrero seems to have a really good grasp on the WR
position, demonstrating a great feel for the game ie when to sit down in a hole
in a zone or how to run routes with the proper depth and timing. J.D. is only
going to be a junior next year so the best has yet to come.
2015 Projections: 57 Receptions, 1,260 Rec Yards, 25 Total TDs
4. Chris
Green, 6'1" 168, Blair
Highlights:
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3222766/chris-green
One of the first things that you'll notice about Chris is his strong hands. One
of the few who can catch the ball at its highest point and maintain control all
the way to the ground without it hitting his body. Green has really good speed
as well especially when he makes up ground versus a corner who is playing off
coverage and when he is in press man situation, he shows the ability to get off
the line. I think he is going to be a special player in 2015 with a continuous
development of chemistry with Colby.
2015 Projections: 40 Receptions, 1,002 Rec Yards, 15 Total TDs
5. Cortez
Ervin, 6'3" 200, Gaithersburg
Highlights:
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3346753/cortez-ervin
The first big body, jump ball WR on this list. Cortez has excellent ball skills
when he is in the air and does a great job high pointing the ball and coming
down with it. Very physical, one of the few WRs who love to block in the running
game and likes to use his body to position himself for the ball on shorter
routes. Gaithersburg also has a very good, recent history with WRs, especially
big physical ones; Cortez Ervin fits into that role perfectly.
2015 Projections: 37 Receptions, 930 Rec Yards, 20 Total TDs
6. Antonio
Fox, 6'1" 165, Seneca Valley
Highlights:
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2012621/antonio-fox
Seneca is loaded with talent this Fall; they may just have a top 10 player in
each position group that we do. We already know about Adrian Feliz-Platt and
Zack Robinson, but if Seneca wants to compete with Damascus, guys like Antonio
must step up and become a big time threat on the outside. Antonio is a very
dynamic playmaker that gives you a little bit of everything. Antonio turns into
a running back when he gets the ball in his hands with great moves and vision
thus making him valuable in the return game. Very tough, also doubles as a
safety on defense and is not afraid to go over the middle to catch balls in
traffic. You can tell this kid loves to compete.
2015 Projections: 34 Receptions, 930 Rec Yards, 12 Total TDs
7. Ricky
Washington, 5'11" 165, BCC
Highlights:
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3271827/ricky-washington
I have BCC as a possible sleeper playoff team, they will be a problem for anyone
they face in '15. They are a spread team that loves getting their kids into open
space and with multiple weapons returning next year, this could be the start of
something special in Bethesda. Ricky Washington might be one of the best players
that no one has talked about. He is a deep threat with a good stride and strong
hands. You can also swing him a bubble screen or a short route and he can get
loose on you. He understands how to run his routes in that system and how to get
separation. Don't be surprised to see this kid as an All-MoCo selection this
year.
2015 Projections: 32 Receptions, 798 Rec Yards, 17 Total TDs
8. Jamal
Lodge, 5'11" 160, Einstein
Highlights:
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3336666/highlights/213869380
Our first wideout at the slot. Very shifty, does good work up the seams. Very
competitive and does well getting in and out of his brakes. Also has scheme
versatility, does good work on the outside traditional X and Z positions as
well. With Einstein having a top 10 QB and WR, look for them to lean on the air
attack a little more.
2015 Projections: 36 Receptions, 652 Rec Yards, 13 Total TDs
9. Devonte
Bruff, 6'0" 155, Watkins Mill
Highlights:
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3369166/devonte-bruff
Devonte was a go to guy for Watkins Mill last year after one of their best
players transferred out before the season started and while breaking in a
talented freshman QB. Watkins Mill is often times the forgotten team in that
area, but with what they have coming back that might be changing. Bruff can run
routes over the middle of the field and also has the speed to beat you deep as
well. He is a great target in the red zone, another jump ball threat who has
really strong hands. If Bruff and the rest of the Watkins Mill offense can grow
off of last year, they could be another surprise team in 2015.
2015 Projections: 38 Receptions, 670 Rec Yards, 10 Total TDs
10. Kingsley
Ofori, 6'3" 190, Wootton
Highlights:
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3514341/kingsley-ofori
You have to love this kid's size, 6'3" 190, you can't teach that. Wotton still
had a great passing game last year even though they lost their top two wideouts
from a record-setting year in 2013. Ofori gives Wootton a large target to throw
to in the red zone and in jump ball situations. Not a speed guy, but he is a
long strider and can do good things with the ball in his hands. Wootton looks
like they may have another good year on the offensive side of the ball with
Kingsley and other key pieces coming back.
2015 Projections: 44 Receptions, 800 Rec Yards, 14 Total TDs
By Kevin Grant | Twitter: @MocoFBPodcast
Email: inthecountyfootball@gmail.com
The 2015 Winter Grind Series:
