Sports Illustrated’s All-American staff released their top-five wide receiver groups in the 2021 class on September 2, with the Florida Gators earning recognition.
Before we dive in, a quick note: Star rankings are courtesy of the 247Sports Composite.
Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide, who feature two wideouts in the SI99 – a comprehensive ranking of the publication’s top-99 players in the cycle – led the way.
Orlando four-star slot receiver Christian Leary and IMG Academy five-star Jacorey Brooks, who checked in at No. 42 and 46 on the SI99, respectively, are the Tide’s top-two players at the position in the cycle; Valrico’s Agiye Hall, another four-star, was also mentioned.
Although none of Florida’s four commits at the position made the SI99, the program still slotted in at No. 2 on the website’s rankings.
Ocala four-star Trevonte Rucker, who pledged to the Gators on February 11, is the school’s highest-rated wide receiver in the class, with a trio of fellow four-stars, Loganville, Georgia’s Daejon Reynolds, Jacksonville’s Marcus Burke, and Seffner’s Charles Montgomery, who might also see some snaps at running back in Gainesville, following closely behind.
“Rucker is a prospect we’ve tracked since he was a freshman, and while he currently plays quarterback, we project a similar role to current Gator Kadarius Toney in Dan Mullen’s offense,” SI began of their Florida breakdown.
“Montgomery is another versatile prospect who can play running back, as well as H-receiver for Florida. Reynolds is a thick-bodied receiver with impressive ball skills and body control, plus he can develop into a solid blocker, something Mullen asks of his receivers.
“However, the most intriguing player amongst this group is Burke. At 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, Burke possesses length and long speed to become a vertical threat for the Gators as an X-receiver.”
The Michigan Wolverines, who, as of September 2, do not have a firm start date for their upcoming season, were No. 3 on SI’s list.
Jim Harbaugh’s program possesses four wideout pledges in the cycle, and two of them made the SI99, headlined by Fresno, California four-star Xavier Worthy, who does most of his damage out of the slot. The other Wolverine to make the cut, Santa Ana, California’s Cristian Dixon, also a four-star, holds the unique distinction of occupying the No. 99 spot on the SI rankings.
Clayton, Ohio’s Markus Allen and East Lansing, Michigan’s Andrel Anthony, both three-stars, are Michigan’s two other commits for offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Josh Gattis, who joined the program in 2019 following a one-year stint on Saban’s staff.
The Clemson Tigers, featuring three wideouts in the SI99, and Oregon Ducks, who hold a commitment from one receiver on the list, rounded out the list.
Manny Diaz’ Miami Hurricanes, Dave Aranda’s Baylor Bears, and Mark Stoops’ Kentucky Wildcats earned honorable mention.
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