There are some high school pass catchers in Georgia who are simply special. They can dissect a defense, and their presence can draw more attention to one side of the field. The following receivers fit that description. Here are the 10 best high school wide receivers in Georgia returning for the 2022 season.
1. Adam Hopkins – Thomas County Central
2. Cayden Lee – Kennesaw Mountain
Lee has always found success, regardless of the school he plays at. Last season, he starred with QB RJ Johnson at Westlake, and the year prior he dominated at Hillgrove. Lee might have the best hands in the state. The 3-star receiver recruit has raked in offers from Georgia, Auburn, Tennessee, and other prestigious schools. He may be on pace for an explosive senior season with the Mustangs.
3. Paul Davis – Hart County
The Duke commit is deadly with his speed, especially after the catch. Davis has no trouble snagging contested passes, either. His leadership was on display last season as he helped Hart County improve from 3-7 in 2020 to 7-3. The Blue Devils may have themselves a steal on and off the field, but Hart County will rely on him for one last playoff push in 2022.
4. Debron Gatling – Milton
Gatling’s distinguishing feature is his control, especially in the air. He was Milton’s main receiving threat the last two seasons. In an offense that mainly ran the ball, Gatling still managed to score 13 times. With a new coach for the Eagles, expect a balanced attack that gets Gatling more involved. He may not have any stars now, but 41 schools have already extended an offer to the deep threat.
5. CJ Lockhart III – Langston Hughes
A potential breakout campaign last season for the speedy Lockhart was cut short by an ACL injury. Prior to the setback, he was considered one of the state’s most underrated threats, scoring in every 2020 game. Now, he returns as healthy as ever. With quarterback Air Noland, Lockhart will be able to open up the Hughes passing offense, paving the way for a standout year and a potential state championship.
6. Malik Leverett – Greenbrier
Leverett’s size has made him an invaluable threat on the outside. Defenders are rarely able to match up to his long strides and large catch radius. The rising senior caught for over 1,300 yards last season and even scored six times on the ground. The East Carolina commit won’t have the benefit of reliable QB Brooks Pangle next season, but he will still take the top off of opposing defenses at will.
7. Nakai Poole – Norcross
Poole will be a part of the state’s most talented receiving core in 2022. However, his status as a great wide receiver has already been solidified. He scored 11 times last season, leading the Blue Devils in receptions and yards as well. The 3-star recruit fielded 39 offers, but finally settled on Mississippi State. Playing beside tight end Lawson Luckie and fellow wide receiver Zion Taylor this season immediately puts Norcross in the conversation for a championship.
8. Hilton Alexander II – Douglas County
Alexander is one of the best route runners in his class. He caught for 670 yards last season, and his combination of route running and track speed will be deadly at the next level. Alexander has committed to Wake Forest, but he’ll have one more season chasing another county championship in the 400-meter dash.
9. Zion Taylor – Norcross
Taylor’s transfer from Parkview to Norcross was one of the most highlighted moves of the offseason. Against Caleb Downs and Mill Creek last season, Taylor put up 154 yards on seven catches. He scored seven times on the season. Paired with Nakai Poole and Lawson Luckie, Taylor’s production will sharply increase to match his true dominance on the field.
10. Christian Mathis – Marietta
Mathis has mostly flown under the radar on the field, but he is a well-rounded receiver who can burn defenses over the middle. Mathis stands at only 5-foot-8, but he broke out last season with five 100-yard games. His 17 yards per catch and 11 touchdowns label him as a serious threat to opposing teams, who must be wary of Mathis at all times. As one of the best high school receivers in Georgia, he can single-handedly change the trajectory of a game.
