Around the SEC: Best WR

A conference that tends to produce some of the top wide receivers in every draft, has some stars this season, once again. A week after one of the youngest players in college football took over against one of the top defenses, it’s time to see where he falls, as well as the rest of the top receivers in the SEC.

1. Luther Burden III, Missouri

Burden is one of the nation’s top receivers and he is a major factor in Missouri’s success this season.

He is maintaining his absurd yards per reception from a season ago as he currently sits at 13.5 yards per reception. A season ago, he was just over 14 yards per reception. If he stays at this mark, he will almost certainly hear his name very early in the draft.

2. Ryan Williams, Alabama

The 17-year-old superstar is impressively, not only one of the top receivers in the conference but also one of the top receivers in the nation. He should still be in high school, but instead is dominating the collegiate game.

It’s better to look at yards per reception this early in the season rather than total yards. Williams’ mark of 28.9 yards per reception is the best in the nation for receivers with more than 10 receptions.

3. Tre Harris, Ole Miss

Harris is one of the most versatile receivers in the country. Standing at 6’3 and having the speed that Harris does, makes him an incredibly dangerous receiver for opposing defenses.

Despite just mentioning how yards are not something to necessarily look at, this early in the season, it’s different for Harris. He currently leads the country in total receiving yards with 804 on 49 receptions.

The high-powered offense of the Rebels benefits a star receiver like Harris.

4. Antwane Wells Jr., Ole Miss

Speaking of the high-powered offense, Wells Jr. is a perfect complementary receiver to Harris.

In his first season as a Rebel, he’s averaging just under 20 yards per reception while only catching 14 passes. He’s proven he can be a star receiver and as the season continues, he should become more of the offense as defenses begin to give more attention to Harris.

Wells Jr. has a chance to hold his spot on the rankings as he continues to get more targets.

5. Isaiah Bond, Texas

One of the top teams in the country’s top receiver, Bond deserves to get the final spot on the rankings after transferring from Alabama in the offseason.

The numbers aren’t fully there yet, but he’s working with a new quarterback in his first career action as a quarterback with some of the biggest pressure ever for a young quarterback.

Bond has 364 yards this season while averaging 18.2 yards per reception. He had an incredible connection with injured star Quinn Ewers and once he returns to the field, the Alabama transfer should start to see the numbers improve.

Andrew Deal is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email asd5765@psu.edu