These things are difficult to compose and it's incredibly difficult to say what you value. There's plenty of guys who take off post high school, but these lists are ranking these players for what they were in high school. It changes every year, but here we go the Top 50 over the past 25 years.
Brenden Webb just finished his high school career, but what a player he was in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, Webb took us on a run on incredible plays made during the playoffs. As a junior, he caught 60 passes for 886 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a senior, Webb came back with 50 more catches for 727 yards and 9 touchdowns. Webb was a two way star, where he also brought in 9 interceptions throughout his career. He signed with Northwestern State this spring.
Recruited as a DB, Morton showed potential on both sides of the ball as a Buckeye. As a sophomore and junior, Morton flashed his offensive prowess with a slight 8 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown to 34 catches for 589 yards and 7 touchdowns. His senior year, Morton exploded. He caught 67 passes for 1,368 yards and 15 touchdowns. For a career, Morton had 109 catches for 2,108 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns.
Mount Vernon's offense in 2021 was one of the more special units to play across East Texas History. One of the biggest reasons why was their star receiver Caydon Coffman. In 2021, Coffman exploded on the scene with one of the biggest single productive receiving years. Coffman caught 79 passes for 1,638 yards and 24 touchdowns. With numbers that big, Coffman got it done in everyway. Deep balls, big tops in the endzone, and plenty of yac yards. Mount Vernon went 14-1 in 2021, mainly because of Coffman.
Jake Parker is all over the record books for his performances in both 2012 and 2013. In 2012, Parker had 55 catches for 976 yards and 9 touchdowns. In 2013, Dylan Cantrell had graduated and Parker starred as the new number one receiver. 71 catches and a school record 1,629 yards, and 14 touchdowns later Parker cemented himself as one of the greats at Whitehouse.
If you played for Whitehouse from 07-13 you wanted to play wide receiver. The Wildcats were the Texas Tech Red Raiders of East Texas, slinging the ball all over the place and one of the biggest beneficiaries was Jonathan Aldridge. As a junior he had 81 catches for 1,416 yards (both 3rd all time for a total season) for 17 touchdowns (4th all time for a season). His Senior year he split time with Dylan Cantrell; his catches went down to 70 (8th all time for a season) for 1,256 yards (6th all time for a season) for 18 touchdowns (3rd all time for a season.) For a career Aldridge caught 151 passes (3rd all time) for 2,672 yards (3rd all time) for 35 touchdowns (3rd All-Time).
Octavius Evans was a 4 year varsity player for the Center Roughriders who amassed over 3,200 yards and 26 touchdowns during that time period. Evans' best years were his latter, going for over a rack in back to back years. As a junior he had 76 grabs for 1,016 yards and 9 touchdowns. As a senior, he caught 78 passes for 1,046 yards and 7 touchdowns. At 6'1 195, Evans played big and was a great target down the field. He went on to Boise State, where he played 5 years there.
TJ Gray was an absolute dude for Texas High from 2021-23. As a junior, Gray made my top 100 for East Texas at number 70 after 30 catches for 731 yards and 7 touchdowns. Texas High has flexed a strong run game over the past 5 seasons, and Gray has been one of the beneficiaries amounting over 24 yards per catch his junior season. As a senior, Gray came back with 42 catches for 837 yards and 6 touchdowns. Once again, Gray showed how he could stretch the field, that year averaging over 19 yards per catch. Gray went on to Louisiana Tech, where in 2024 he redshirted.
Deuce dominated competition 3 years in a row at Chapel Hill. As a sophomore, McGregor got the ball early and often. He caught 56 passes for 1,266 yards and 10 touchdowns with Cameron Ford in a special 2020 season for the Bulldogs. In '21 and '22 Chapel Hill made it to the 5th round and McGregor was a key reason with his timely plays. As a junior, Deuce caught 53 passes for 1,003 yards and 9 touchdowns, and as a senior he put up his best stat line. With 52 catches for 1,154 yards and 15 touchdowns McGregor concluded his career. In 3 years that's 161 catches for 2,423 yards and 34 touchdowns.
The numbers aren't there, but the plays and memories reign supreme when thinking of Juice. As a junior, Carey had 28 catches for 628 yards and 9 touchdowns, averaging 22.6 yards per catch. As a senior, Fortson saw that production grow to 43 catches for 801 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 18.6 yards per catch. Fortson was a deep threat, but also get loose on short screens. His numbers suffer because of the system, but Fortson is one of the best.
Known more for holding a sign outside of Reliant Stadium, Joe Anderson actually was a baller for the Texas High Tigers during his days. Anderson went off as a senior totaling 63 catches (4th all time for a season) for 1,195 yards (2nd all time for a season) for 13 touchdowns (5th for a season). Anderson finished with 1,943 career yards (3rd All Time.)
As a freshman and sophomore Trae Davis played tailback for Troup. He had good success, rushing for 810 yards in those 2 seasons. As a junior, Davis made the move out wide and benefitted greatly. He caught 44 passes for 839 yards and 10 touchdowns, but that was just a warmup for what was to come. As a senior, Davis caught 67 passes for 1,245 yards and 20 touchdowns. He earned first Team everything that season, coming on my list at #22. Davis is at Kansas State, vying for an opportunity on the field.
One of the best stat lines in ETX history, but with no tape it's harder to argue higher for Trai Gardener. Gardner went slap off his last two seasons at receiver. Gardener dominated 2A his junior year with 74 catches 1,410 yards and 21 touchdowns in just 13 games. The next year, Gardner returned to help Tenaha win the crown. In a 15-1 season, Trai caught 64 passes for 1,324 yards and 20 touchdowns. That's 138 catches 2,734 yards and 41 touchdowns. Yikes.
A 3 year career producer, Montrel Hatten's legacy places him amongst the top 5 players at Carthage at receiver. As a sophomore, HAtten helped lead Carthage to a state title after going for 702 yards on 35 catches and 8 touchdowns. As a junior, Hatten doubled back with a 61 catch 1,054 yard and 14 touchdowns in 12 games. For a grand finale Hatten caught 56 passes for 960 yards and 16 touchdowns in 14 of Carthage's 16 games. For a career, Hatten caught 152 passes for 2,716 yards and 36 touchdowns.
Luca Kozev had one huge senior season with Jackson Rainey for Van in 2021. That year Kozev caught 64 passes for 1,087 yards and 21 touchdowns for the 13-1 Van Vandals. Luca had a knack for the spectacular catch bringing impressive one handers throughout the season. At 6'5 he was a rezone mismatch, noting his 21 touchdowns throughout the year.
Carthage has had tons of players leave marks on their program, but Tee Goree left there statistically the best. As a sophomore he caught 5 passes for 23 yards, but his junior year was remarkable, catching 66 passes for 1,261 yards and 16 touchdowns. Goree's senior year he stepped his game up another notch, catching 89 passes for 1,744 yards and 28 touchdowns, all records when he left Carthage. For a career, Goree caught 160 passess for 3,078 yards and 44 touchdowns.
Not too many times do you see athletes excel in 5A/6A football on both sides of the ball. Miller was a standout safety for the Lions as well as a dominant receiver during his varsity stint. As a sophomore Miller totaled 26 catches for 614 yards and 8 touchdowns. His junior and senior seasons were almost identical as he went for 41 catches both years, and 912 his junior and 922 yards his senior year. He had 9 touchdowns his junior season, while 8 his senior. For a career, the CUJO star caught 108 passes for 2,448 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Brown's varsity career started out as a sophomore when Brown started full time at cornerback. In 2004, for the State Champion Buckeyes, Brown made 46 tackles, 18 pass break ups, and 5 interceptions. Offensively, he contributed with 16 catches for 239 yards and a touchdown and rushed 15 times for 104 yards.
As a junior he spent the majority of his time on offense, and Curtis was the man. Brown recorded 63 catches for 974 yards and 10 touchdowns while also rushing for 750 yards on 47 carries for 8 touchdowns. In his senior Curtis Brown went for 970 yards and 14 touchdowns on 40 catches in 11 games. He added another 168 yards and a touchdown on the ground on 16 carries. Brown went on to Texas where he became a 4th round pick by the Steelers at cornerback.
Denarious Moore's numbers don't belong on this list, but he's one of the most talented people on this list. Moore played for Tatum in the mid 2000s where they were a heavy run team, but out-wide was the burner of all burners in Denarious Moore. As a junior he had 27 catches for 423 yards and 8 touchdowns, and as a senior he caught 32 passes for 501 yards. Moore's speed was his calling card as he became an impact player for the Tennessee Volunteers immediately. Moore went on to play a few years for the Oakland Raiders after his time in the SEC.
Hampton has been that man since he stepped on the field for the Daingerfield Tigers. He's one of the biggest recruits in the '24 class, and his game matches all of the noise off the field. As a sophomore Hampton dominated at both corner and receiver. He caught 44 passes for 1,029 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a junior he doubled down and caught 55 passes for 1,161 yards and 13 touchdowns. Hampton's senior year lived up to the billing as well, catching 42 passes for 907 yards and 6 touchdowns. He signed with Alabama, and in 2024 redshirted for the Tide.
Bowser was 2nd on the team in receptions in 2004, but he was first on the team in receiving yards for the State Champion Buckeyes. Bowser made 47 catches for 1,120 yards and 12 touchdowns, but showed up huge in the playoffs with 2 bombs against Tatum in the quaterfinals and had the game winning catch against Jasper in the State Championship game. His 1,120 yards rank 4th All-Time for yards in a season, and what makes even more impressive is that it happened in 2004, where teams didn't pass as much as they do now.
One of many miniature receivers to make a huge impact for the Cartage Bulldogs over the course of the year. Dee Bowens, 5'7 150 lbs. was impossible to cover racking up 120 catches over his career with 2,301 yards and 34 touchdowns. The bulk of those yards and touchdowns came his senior year as Bowens caught 62 passes for 1,444 yards and 23 touchdowns. Those 1,444 yards stand 4th in school history for yards in a season, while those 23 touchdowns stand 2nd for most touchdowns in a season.
Polk emerged on the scene as a sophomore, totaling 40 catches for 667 yards and 6 touchdowns. His junior year he took a step back, only catching 37 passes for 695 yards and 9 touchdowns. His entrance on this list was because of the huge senior year he had, prior to a season ending shoulder injury. Through 8 games Polk had 54 catches for 1,050 yards (4th in school history) and 9 touchdowns. For a career Polk caught 131 (third all-time) passes for 2,812 yards (1st All-Time) and 24 touchdowns (3rd All-Time).
As electric as any slot receiver to come through Carthage, Noah Paddie lit defenses up in 2021 and 2022. In 2021, Paddie had a warm up year with just 29 catches for 409 yards and 8 touchdowns. Paddie was also an electric returner as well. In 2022, Noah put on a show. He went for 1,354 yards on 65 catches for 19 touchdowns, at 21 ypc. He made play after play on Carthage's epic state title run, as well as 3 touchdowns in the state game.
After a huge sophomore season, District Newcomer of the Year. He had 33 tackles, 9 pass break ups and 6 interceptions. On offense he had 67 catches, 965 yards and 7 touchdowns. As a junior, Fluellen shined brighter than ever. Finishing 4th on my top 100, Rohan had 88 catches for 1,420 yards and 11 touchdowns. As a senior, Fluellen played a multitude of spots, lining up at safety, receiver, and QB. He finished that season with 32 catches for 411 yards and 5 touchdowns. He added another 125 yards through the air and 191 on the ground.
Quan Hampton is one of the most electric players from Texas High. At 5'8 160 pounds he was a human joystick with the ball in his hands. He had a huge senior season, racking up 71 catches (1st all-time for a season) for 1,224 yards (1st all-time for a season) and 10 touchdowns in 11 games, all while sharing with Tevailance Hunt.
Younger brother to Keontay Ingram, Dixon brings great electricity to the receiver position. Dixon started out making plays as a sophomore before losing the year to an injury. In his first full action at receiver, Dixon exploded for 84 catches, 1,288 yards and 17 touchdowns. As a senior, Dixon returned to elite status with 74 catches, 1,240 yards and 20 touchdowns, while rushing for 232 yards and 3 scores as well. For a career, Dixon finished with 159 catches (3rd All-Time) 2,528 yards. (3rd All-Time).
The numbers that Nate Jones has throughout his high school career are pretty phenomenal considering the years he played. For a career, Jones caught 151 passes for 2,437 yards (2nd All-Time) and 21 touchdowns (2nd All-Time). 2001 was his best season. That junior year he caught 59 passes for 978 yards and 8 touchdowns. Jones went on to be a very productive receiver at Texas and received chances in the NFL.
Maybe not the Lufkin receiver you remember, but JaBryce Taylor is definitely one of the Pack's best. As a junior, Taylor introduced his self to the world with 40 catches for 494 yards and 4 touchdowns. That modest season turned into a monster season as JaBryce caught 87 passes (1st All-Time) for 1,628 yards (1st All-Time) and 16 touchdowns (2nd All-Time) . For a career, Taylor finished with 127 (3rd All-Time) receptions for 2,122 yards (5th All-Time) and 20 touchdowns.
Devin McCuin may not have had the most talented team around him, but he was a standout receiver and safety for Jacksonville from 2020-22. As a sophomore, McCuin had 47 catches for 871 yards and 6 touchdowns. As a junior, McCuin had 63 catches for 890 yards and 9 touchdowns. As a senior, McCuin produced 67 catches for 976 yards and 8 touchdowns. For a career, McCuin produced 177 catches for 2,737 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Javon Towns played like a 6'1 190 pound slot at 5'7 165 pounds. Towns can literally do it all from the receiver position. Quick game and bubbles he thrives in, but if you throw the ball up, Towns had the ability to catch it at his highest point and bring it in. His sideline catches are amazing, and for 2 years at Kilgore he was a big time threat. As a junior, Towns finished with 5 rec tds, and as a senior he recorded 49 catches for 802 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Jaylan Brown emerged out of nowhere in 2023 to become one of the best contested catchers of the football in East Texas history. Brown had 55 catches for 908 yards and 11 touchdowns, but it was the dominant fashion that brought in schools from all around the country. Brown signed with Michigan State after that huge senior year. At 6'1 185, Brown has elite jumping ability, and can go up and snag the ball at the best and highest level.
For the first two years of Keyarris Garrett's career his numbers were pretty pedestrian. Garrett only produced 10 touchdowns on 2 state championship teams. He was the second receiver to Chris Jones who went to Texas in 09. As a senior though, Keyarris was the main target. Garrett's senior year he caught 68 passes for 1,380 yards and 25 touchdowns, and owns Daingerfield's career touchdown receptions with 35, including the game winning State Championship touchdown on a deep post and run with seconds remaining.
Tuminello spent his time at 3 different high schools, but was a baller at each and every single one of them. In 2005, for Canton, Tuminello was the top receiver in the state, finishing with 87 catches for 1,208 yards and 18 touchdowns. In 2006, Tuminello was found ineligible to play for Gilmer so lit up the world on the private school scene. In 2007, Tuminello caught 73 passes for 1,018 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Gilmer Buckeyes. A first team All East Texas selection at Canton in 05, he repeated that effort in 2007 at Gilmer. Tuminello signed with Louisiana Tech out of high school.
At 6'3 180, Chris Love was an outstanding mismatch for several defenses during his career at Jefferson High. Love was a jump ball machine, routinely and easily making it happen for Tihmyus Taylor. He can stretch the field, and can score from anywhere. As a freshman, Love played in 1 varsity game and caught 2 passes for 102 yards and 1 td. As a sophomore, Love had 9 catches for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns. As a junior in 2023, Love made the top 100 at 79 after catching 31 passed for 641 yards and 7 touchdowns. As a senior in 2024, Love came in at 28 on my top 100 after 713 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The most physically imposing receiver to come through Longview, Malcolm Kelly. Before leaving us with the freestyle heard around the world, Kelly left his mark as a 3 year letterman at Longview. His numbers are modest, just the career record of 17 Lobo Touchdowns, the 6'4 just calmly and smoothly ran post and jump ball fades at LHS. After leaving Longview he continued his dominance at OU, starting as a freshman, wearing #2 making an one handed catch at Oregon. He returned to number 4 and continued dominance for another 2 years at OU before being drafted in the 2nd round by Washington. His career was damned by hamstring and quad issues, but his legacy in Longview forever remains.
Coutee was an animal for the Lufkin Panthers, the same way he was for the Raiders at Texas Tech and the Houston Texans and now Indianapolis COlts. Through his 3 year stint, Coutee was a baller each year. As a sophomore, Coutee caught 60 passes for 864 yards and 5 scores. As a junior, Coutee caught 69 passes for 995 yards and 8 touchdowns. As a senior he continued his great play catching 56 passes for 841 yards and 12 touchdowns. For his career, Coutee caught 185 passes (1st All-Time) for 2,700 yards (2nd All-Time) and 25 touchdowns (2nd All-Time). Coutee went on to become 2nd all time in receiving yards at Texas Tech and is the slot for the Houston Texans.
Playing with one of the best QBs in the NFL in high school is remarkable luck and Cantrell took full advantage of his buddy Pat Mahomes. As a junior Cantrell caught 87 passes (2nd all time for a season) for 1,414 yards (4th all time for a season) and 21 touchdowns (2nd all time for a season). His senior year was just as stout, catching 66 passes for 1,396 yards (5th all time for a season) and 15 touchdowns (5th all time for a season). For a career Cantrell finished with 153 catches (2nd all time) for 2,810 yards (2nd all time) and 36 touchdowns (2nd all time.)
John Tyler's best teams of this century were led by 3 rockstar players from the same class: Greg Ward Jr. Tyus Bowser, and Fred Ross. All 3 had stints in the NFL, and Ross is the first member of the Top5 for great reason. As a sophomore Ross caught 23 passes for 313 yards and 5 touchdowns. Those modest numbers catapulted him to a huge junior year, catching 99 passes for 1,335 yards and 15 touchdowns. His senior year, the catches went down, but the yards went up. Ross caught the ball 86 times for 1,594 yards and 21 touchdowns. For a career, Ross caught 208 passes for 3,242 yards and 39 touchdowns.
Hunt was an absolute baller in his 2 seasons as a receiver for the Tigers. In 2016, Hunt had 31 catches for 701 yards and 10 touchdowns. That was merely a warm up for 2017. As a senior, Hunt went off for 69 catches (2nd all-time for a season) for 1,157 yards (3rd all-time for a season) and 18 touchdowns. For a career, Hunt had 100 catches for 2,858 yards (1st All-Time) and 28 Touchdowns (1st All-Time.)
Through the first 17 games of Kamden Perry's career it seemed he wouldn't sniff this list. But as the playoffs came approaching, Perry's game was starting to rise. As a sophomore, Perry caught 8 passes for 118 yards and 1 touchdown. Those numbers/fame/clout rose his junior year. He caught 42 passes for 600 yards and 4 touchdowns, including the best catch in program history in the 4th round versus rival Lufkin. His senior season is as good as they come on this list. Perry caught 87 passes for 1,896 yards, 18 touchdowns as well as becoming Texas All time leader in receiving yards in the state game with 218. For a career he caught 137 passes for 2,614 yards and 23 touchdowns. Kamden is the career leader in receptions and yards for a career.
As a sophomore DJ Allen made noise on the district level, but was still relatively unknown across Texas. As a junior though, he let his self be known. Allen had 59 catches for 1,316 yards and 17 touchdowns as well as being a menace in the return game as well. DJ is the ultimate burner and is an absolute problem with the rock in his hands. As a senior, he slid over to play quarterback. He still had 12 catches for 288 yards and a touchdown, as well as adding over a 1,000 yards on the ground and over 700 as the QB.
A very productive wide receiver for Carthage during his tenure, Claiborne was a 3 year letterman, winning District Newcomer of the year after a 23 catch 420 yards and 3 touchdown season as a sophomore. His junior and senior seasons saw that production multiply as he had 58 catches for 1,066 13 touchdowns and 104 catches for 1,571 yards and 18 touchdowns. For a career, Claiborne had 185 receptions 2,657 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Doing these type of lists over the last 5 years you find guys you didn't know. Quentin Holman is the OG of great Lufkin receivers. If it weren't for Dez Bryant he'd be the number 1 receiver in Lufkin, and there's some who will whisper Holman was even better than Bryant. Holman was the main target for a State Championship and State Semi-Finalist team. He finished his career with 117 catches for 2,394 yards (4th All-Time) and 20 touchdowns. In 2002, Holman went off with Parks for 12 touchdowns. Imagine Holman in a 2020 style offense. OP.
When Trey Metoyer left Whitehouse he was considered the best player from Texas, and 3rd best receiver in the nation behind Sammy Watkins and Jarvis Landry. Metoyer was a god in high school but just couldn't live up to those standards in college. As a sophomore, Metoyer finished the season with 74 catches, 1,105 yardsa and 14 touchdowns. Somehow the next year he improved to 75 catches for 1,185 yards and 14 touchdowns. His senior year was the biggest year, catching 108 passes for 1,540 yards and 23 touchdowns. For a career, Metoyer amounted 257 receptions for 4,265 yards and 51 touchdowns, all school records.
KD Cannon lands on the Mt. Rushmore of Receivers after an incredible career at MP. KD Cannon rewrote the record books and was truly a once and a lifetime player for Mount Pleasant. As a sophomore, KD made like his name and cannoned on the scene with 61 receptions for 1,004 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those numbers continued to climb posting 104 catches for 1,597 yards and 25 touchdowns. His finale was impressive as well, posting 1,252 yards and 16 TDs on 80 receptions. For a career, Cannon had 245 receptions for 3,853 yards and 51 touchdowns. He went on to Baylor and did great things while having a brief stint with the Cowboys.
First freshman ever to ever start the year off at Longview High on varsity. His 7 catches and 3 touchdowns may seem pretty modest, but for him to touch the field and play in meaningful snaps as a freshman should show you the talent. As a sophomore, he did almost everything except eclipse the GOAT. 39 catches for 699 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore, but he did it every way possible. Screens, deep balls, short catches and runs.
Junior Year: There's no doubt. As a junior, Hale saved his best performances for the playoffs. IN the playoffs Hale put up 17 catches for 395 yards and 5 TDS. Talk about a damn near perfect conclusion for Hale as a senior. Hale, who arguably was still underused, caught 50 passes for 1,154 yards and 14 touchdowns in 15 games. He put up monster performances in the 2nd round going over 100 yards and 2 touchdowns against Jesuit, 3rd Round over 150 yards and 2 touchdowns versus Port Arthur Memorial, and 5th round against Aledo he provided the only points in a heartbreaking 17-14 loss.
Dez Bryant was a 4 star recruit and got his first varsity action in the playoffs as a sophomore. In those games Bryant had 103 receiving yards for 4 touchdowns in 2 playoff games. His 2 full varsity years at Lufkin he put up great numbers. His junior season Dez caught 48 passes for 1,025 yards and 16 touchdowns. Those numbers improved his senior year when he caught 53 passes for 1,207 yards and 21 touchdowns (1st All-Time). For a career Bryant finished with 121 catches (3rd All-Time), 2,398 yards (3rd All-Time) for 41 touchdowns (1st All-Time)
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