The trend towards more prolific passing attacks at the college football level has created a much greater need at wide receiver and while some teams have loaded up at the position (with at least three or four potential No. 1’s) there are a select few players that have separated themselves as the best in the game. Here is a look at the top five candidates with the potential to be the top wide receiver in college football for the 2015 season.
Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
Treadwell had more than lived up to expectations as a five-star recruit at Ole Miss before a devastating season-ending leg injury forced him out of action last season. We’ve all seen the injury by now as he was bent backwards just before reaching the end zone.
However, he has worked hard to make a comeback and expectations are higher than ever for him heading in to 2015. At 6’2’’ and 210 pounds, Treadwell is an impressive physical specimen with the height, wingspan and athleticism to absolutely dominate at the college football level. As long as he can stay healthy, he should have another very productive season with the potential to be the nation’s best wide receiver for 2015.
Rashard Higgins, Colorado State
It took Higgins being named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award and an All-American for college football fans to realize just how dominant his stats were from last season. He finished 2014 with 96 catches for 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns. Expectations will be even higher for his junior season as the Dallas, Texas native has all of the physical tools to dominate. Higgins is 6’2’’ and 190 pounds and after consistently putting up big numbers throughout his sophomore year there is no doubt the Colorado State receiver will be among the best in the nation this season.
Tyler Boyd, Pittsburgh
Running back James Conner was the focus of the Pittsburgh offense last season as they relentlessly pounded opponents in to submission but even with the emphasis on the run game, Boyd separated himself as one of the top receivers in college football. Boyd finished 2014 with 78 catches for 1,261 yards and eight touchdowns and there is every reason to expect big things from him once again heading in to his junior season. At 6’2’’, 200 pounds, Boyd is both a big-play threat and a reliable possession receiver and if the Panthers feature him a little more – even with Conner back this season – he will have the potential to be the top receiver in the country.
Corey Coleman, Baylor
Coleman is coming off a breakout season at Baylor where he recorded 64 catches for 1,119 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore. The stage is set for an even more productive junior season. Coleman isn’t as big or as strong as some of the other wide receivers on this list as he is only 5’11’’ and 190 pounds but his speed, quickness and elusiveness makes him an extremely dangerous weapon in the Bears spread attack. Coleman stepped up as Baylor’s most effective receiver a year ago and despite some changes at quarterback and receiver, he has the potential to be the top college football receiver in the country for the 2015 season.
[related_post_one]
Duke Williams, Auburn
Williams put up decent numbers as a JUCO transfer at Auburn last season and while the raw skill is certainly there, he made the right decision by returning for his senior year with the potential to refine his skills and thrive at an SEC school. Williams has all of the tools as a 6’2’’, 224-pound receiver that is both fast and strong and he has earned a role as a starter in the Tigers offense for this season. Williams will benefit from the presence of a better passer in quarterback Jeremy Johnson as there was a bit of inconsistency at the position last year.He’ll be one of the nation’s top receivers this season.
