https://n.rivals.com/news/five-wrs-that-could-be-breakout-stars-in-2020
Five WRs that could be breakout stars in 2020
Mike Farrell • Rivals.com
Recruiting Director
@rivalsmike
We don’t have spring football but we can still look ahead to next season. Here is a series we are starting of breakout players at each position for next season continuing with the running backs.
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
MORE: Five QBs that could be breakout stars in 2020 | RBs
CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
GARRETT WILSON, Ohio State
Garrett Wilson (AP)
RANK
6.0
32
NATIONAL
7
STATE
6
POSITION
GARRETT
WILSON
6'1" | 175 LBS | WR
LAKE TRAVIS
AUSTIN, TX
CLASS OF 2019
SIGNED LOI
4/29/2018
OHIO STATE
The skinny: Ohio State beat Texas and others for Wilson, who played at Austin (Tex.) Lake Travis but lived in the Columbus, Ohio area until he was 12 years old. He committed to the Buckeys during the spring before his senior season.
Expectations were high for Wilson coming into his true freshman season, and he responded with 30 receptions for 432 yards and five touchdowns. Playing on the outside last season, he may potentially move to the slot this fall, or play oppositive
Chris Olave on the outside. Either way, he has the skill set and the quarterback,
Justin Fields, to produce a memorable season.
Farrell’s take: Wilson was nearly a five-star coming out of high school who had good length, speed and body control. He showed flashes of greatness last season and he appears to be the No 1 option heading into this season on a loaded Ohio State team. He could emerge as one of the best receivers in college football.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OHIO STATE FANS AT BUCKEYEGROVE.COM
WAN'DALE ROBINSON, Nebraska
RANK
6.0
61
NATIONAL
1
STATE
0" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 10px; width: 7px; margin-bottom: 3px; background-image: url("https://cdn.rivals.com/production/a...bfb264f545034d3f8a342e9632778ca65a3af8278.svg"); background-position: left center; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"> 6
POSITION
WAN'DALE
ROBINSON
5'9" | 175 LBS | ATH
WESTERN HILLS
FRANKFORT, KY
CLASS OF 2019
SIGNED LOI
12/5/2018
NEBRASKA
The skinny: An early commitment to Kentucky, Robinson flipped his pledge to Nebraska in December during his senior season. Even when he was committed to the Wildcats, the Huskers remained very active in his process.
As with Wilson, plenty was expected from Robinson during his true freshman season and he also did not disappoint. He caught 40 balls for 453 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 340 yards and three touchdowns. Look for Nebraska to be creative in their methods in getting Robinson the ball, which should lead to a big season.
Farrell’s take: Robinson was expected to be the next
Rondale Moore in the Big Ten and he certainly showed flashes of that last season. His ability to make people miss and his sneaky speed intrigued us out of high school and we expected him to impact as a wide receiver, running back and return man. This could be the year he’s a difference-maker on a bowl-bound Nebraska team.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH NEBRASKA FANS AT HUSKERONLINE.COM
JEREMIAH PAYTON, Miami
RANK
5.9
76
NATIONAL
13
STATE
0" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 10px; width: 7px; margin-bottom: 3px; background-image: url("https://cdn.rivals.com/production/a...bfb264f545034d3f8a342e9632778ca65a3af8278.svg"); background-position: left center; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"> 11
POSITION
JEREMIAH
PAYTON
6'3" | 175 LBS | WR
FLETCHER
NEPTUNE BEACH, FL
CLASS OF 2019
SIGNED LOI
2/20/2018
MIAMI (FL)
The skinny: Payton committed to Miamiduring the winter after his junior season and stayed firm with the Canes throughout the remainder of his process.
With
Jeff Thomas and
K.J. Osbornmoving on, all eyes have already been on Payton to make a positive impression this fall after he redshirted in 2019. New offensive coordinator Rhett Lashleeshould give him the opportunity to flourish in his open style, which was already proven during the early stages of the Canes’ spring practices.
Farrell’s take: What impressed me most about Payton out of high school was his route-running and reliable hands and those will show this season.
D’Eriq King is in town now and he and Payton could team up to be a dynamic duo in the ACC with Payton’s smarts and ability to set up defenders.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MIAMI FANS AT CANESPORT.COM
JOE NGATA, Clemson
RANK
6.1
27
NATIONAL
4
STATE
5
POSITION
JOE
NGATA
6'4" | 210 LBS | WR
FOLSOM
FOLSOM, CA
CLASS OF 2019
SIGNED LOI
7/28/2018
CLEMSON
The skinny: Clemson, which emerged as Ngata’s favorite after his first visit to Death Valley, solidified his plans to become a Tiger when he took a follow-up visit for a summer cookout. He committed to Clemson over USC, Washington and Notre Dame. While there was plenty of talent and depth at the receiver position in 2019, Ngata still totaled 17 receptions for 240 yards and three touchdowns. Even though the cupboard will be far from bare this fall, Ngata has too many skills to not see increased playing time and production.
Farrell’s take: The next five-star at Clemson to dominate will be Ngata as the passing game keeps rolling under Dabo Swinney.
Trevor Lawrence is the best quarterback in college football and he’ll be looking to Ngata to replace some of the catches lost when
Tee Higgins left for the NFL Draft.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH CLEMSON FANS AT TIGERILLUSTRATED.COM
KYLE FORD, USC
RANK
6.0
65
NATIONAL
9
STATE
9
POSITION
KYLE
FORD
6'3" | 195 LBS | WR
LUTHERAN
ORANGE, CA
CLASS OF 2019
SIGNED LOI
1/5/2019
USC
The skinny: Ford committed to USC over Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Michigan at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The Trojans were considered the leader for several months, with the Huskies presenting the stiffest competition.
While the Trojans experienced a disappointing 2019 season, they have put together a young and talented aerial attack with Ford,
Amon-Ra St. Brown,
Bru McCoy and quarterback
Kedon Slovis. McCoy could very easily also be on this list, but Ford is the choice after he reeled in 39 receptions for 567 yards and five touchdowns last season. It will be interesting and fun to see how the trio of youngsters progress this fall.
Farrell’s take: St. Brown is the go-to guy for USC, but Ford will improve his numbers and this offense could be dynamic. He was a big receiver out of high school with downfield speed and he’s going to be a great target in the red zone this year.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH USC FANS AT TROJANSPORTS.COM
Five WRs that could be breakout stars in 2020
Mike Farrell • Rivals.com
Recruiting Director
@rivalsmike
We don’t have spring football but we can still look ahead to next season. Here is a series we are starting of breakout players at each position for next season continuing with the running backs.
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
MORE: Five QBs that could be breakout stars in 2020 | RBs
CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
GARRETT WILSON, Ohio State
Garrett Wilson (AP)
RANK
6.0
32
NATIONAL
7
STATE
6
POSITION
GARRETT
WILSON
6'1" | 175 LBS | WR
LAKE TRAVIS
AUSTIN, TX
CLASS OF 2019
SIGNED LOI
4/29/2018
OHIO STATE
The skinny: Ohio State beat Texas and others for Wilson, who played at Austin (Tex.) Lake Travis but lived in the Columbus, Ohio area until he was 12 years old. He committed to the Buckeys during the spring before his senior season.
Expectations were high for Wilson coming into his true freshman season, and he responded with 30 receptions for 432 yards and five touchdowns. Playing on the outside last season, he may potentially move to the slot this fall, or play oppositive
Chris Olave on the outside. Either way, he has the skill set and the quarterback,
Justin Fields, to produce a memorable season.
Farrell’s take: Wilson was nearly a five-star coming out of high school who had good length, speed and body control. He showed flashes of greatness last season and he appears to be the No 1 option heading into this season on a loaded Ohio State team. He could emerge as one of the best receivers in college football.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OHIO STATE FANS AT BUCKEYEGROVE.COM
WAN'DALE ROBINSON, Nebraska
RANK
6.0
61
NATIONAL
1
STATE
0" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 10px; width: 7px; margin-bottom: 3px; background-image: url("https://cdn.rivals.com/production/a...bfb264f545034d3f8a342e9632778ca65a3af8278.svg"); background-position: left center; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"> 6
POSITION
WAN'DALE
ROBINSON
5'9" | 175 LBS | ATH
WESTERN HILLS
FRANKFORT, KY
CLASS OF 2019
SIGNED LOI
12/5/2018
NEBRASKA
The skinny: An early commitment to Kentucky, Robinson flipped his pledge to Nebraska in December during his senior season. Even when he was committed to the Wildcats, the Huskers remained very active in his process.
As with Wilson, plenty was expected from Robinson during his true freshman season and he also did not disappoint. He caught 40 balls for 453 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 340 yards and three touchdowns. Look for Nebraska to be creative in their methods in getting Robinson the ball, which should lead to a big season.
Farrell’s take: Robinson was expected to be the next
Rondale Moore in the Big Ten and he certainly showed flashes of that last season. His ability to make people miss and his sneaky speed intrigued us out of high school and we expected him to impact as a wide receiver, running back and return man. This could be the year he’s a difference-maker on a bowl-bound Nebraska team.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH NEBRASKA FANS AT HUSKERONLINE.COM
JEREMIAH PAYTON, Miami
RANK
5.9
76
NATIONAL
13
STATE
0" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 10px; width: 7px; margin-bottom: 3px; background-image: url("https://cdn.rivals.com/production/a...bfb264f545034d3f8a342e9632778ca65a3af8278.svg"); background-position: left center; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"> 11
POSITION
JEREMIAH
PAYTON
6'3" | 175 LBS | WR
FLETCHER
NEPTUNE BEACH, FL
CLASS OF 2019
SIGNED LOI
2/20/2018
MIAMI (FL)
The skinny: Payton committed to Miamiduring the winter after his junior season and stayed firm with the Canes throughout the remainder of his process.
With
Jeff Thomas and
K.J. Osbornmoving on, all eyes have already been on Payton to make a positive impression this fall after he redshirted in 2019. New offensive coordinator Rhett Lashleeshould give him the opportunity to flourish in his open style, which was already proven during the early stages of the Canes’ spring practices.
Farrell’s take: What impressed me most about Payton out of high school was his route-running and reliable hands and those will show this season.
D’Eriq King is in town now and he and Payton could team up to be a dynamic duo in the ACC with Payton’s smarts and ability to set up defenders.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MIAMI FANS AT CANESPORT.COM
JOE NGATA, Clemson
RANK
6.1
27
NATIONAL
4
STATE
5
POSITION
JOE
NGATA
6'4" | 210 LBS | WR
FOLSOM
FOLSOM, CA
CLASS OF 2019
SIGNED LOI
7/28/2018
CLEMSON
The skinny: Clemson, which emerged as Ngata’s favorite after his first visit to Death Valley, solidified his plans to become a Tiger when he took a follow-up visit for a summer cookout. He committed to Clemson over USC, Washington and Notre Dame. While there was plenty of talent and depth at the receiver position in 2019, Ngata still totaled 17 receptions for 240 yards and three touchdowns. Even though the cupboard will be far from bare this fall, Ngata has too many skills to not see increased playing time and production.
Farrell’s take: The next five-star at Clemson to dominate will be Ngata as the passing game keeps rolling under Dabo Swinney.
Trevor Lawrence is the best quarterback in college football and he’ll be looking to Ngata to replace some of the catches lost when
Tee Higgins left for the NFL Draft.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH CLEMSON FANS AT TIGERILLUSTRATED.COM
KYLE FORD, USC
RANK
6.0
65
NATIONAL
9
STATE
9
POSITION
KYLE
FORD
6'3" | 195 LBS | WR
LUTHERAN
ORANGE, CA
CLASS OF 2019
SIGNED LOI
1/5/2019
USC
The skinny: Ford committed to USC over Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Michigan at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The Trojans were considered the leader for several months, with the Huskies presenting the stiffest competition.
While the Trojans experienced a disappointing 2019 season, they have put together a young and talented aerial attack with Ford,
Amon-Ra St. Brown,
Bru McCoy and quarterback
Kedon Slovis. McCoy could very easily also be on this list, but Ford is the choice after he reeled in 39 receptions for 567 yards and five touchdowns last season. It will be interesting and fun to see how the trio of youngsters progress this fall.
Farrell’s take: St. Brown is the go-to guy for USC, but Ford will improve his numbers and this offense could be dynamic. He was a big receiver out of high school with downfield speed and he’s going to be a great target in the red zone this year.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH USC FANS AT TROJANSPORTS.COM
