The PNJ released its top quarterbacks to watch entering the 2024 season.
But how about the players they’ll be throwing to in the fall? With some top field generals in the area, that also comes some top receivers. These players could cause some havoc for defenses during the year.
Here’s a list of wide receivers to watch from the Escambia and Santa Rosa County area for the 2024 season.
Quality QBs: High school quarterbacks to watch for in Escambia, Santa Rosa counties entering 2024 season
Top Tailbacks: Running backs to watch for in Escambia, Santa Rosa counties entering 2024 season
Pensacola-area wide receivers to watch for in 2024 season
Jake Hooten
High school: Gulf Breeze
Class: Senior
Jake Hooten is Gulf Breeze’s top returning receiver, after a couple players graduated – Bryson Rouillier and Gavin Quenneville. With a new quarterback, who’s described as a field general, Hooten should benefit from a strong pass game. In the 2023 season, Hooten hauled in 485 yards with six touchdowns on 45 receptions. Hooten was also relied heavily on the kick return (116 yards returned).
Joeseph Skipworth
High school: Pace
Class: Senior
Recently committed to Kansas University, Joeseph Skipworth – who’s relied on heavily at the tight end position, primarily – is Pace’s top receiver coming back after 11 receptions for 240 yards and five touchdowns. Typically a run-heavy team, Skipworth, who stands at 6-foot-5, is a strong option to expand into the pass game for Pace.
Diego Dukes
High school: Escambia
Class: Senior
Escambia’s offense was a highlight during the 2023 season, and having Diego Dukes at receiver was no exception. Behind Joshua Jackson and Cam Mayo, who both graduated, Dukes caught 40 passes for 538 yards and three touchdowns. He’ll join a strong receiver core that returns a few other players, including Ladarian Clardy, who will be relied on heavily as a two-way player this season.
Tristan Keigley
High school: Pensacola Catholic
Class: Senior
Tristan Keigley is one of two receiver transfers that Pensacola Catholic boasts this coming fall. At Gulf Breeze last season, Keigley caught 382 yards for three touchdowns in 29 receptions. He’s, again, part of a prolific offense that’s returning to Gorecki-LeBeau Stadium.
Christian Neptune
High school: Tate
Class: Senior
The 2023 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, Christian Neptune had a breakout year for the Aggies. Helping lead Tate to its first .500 record since 2017, Neptune had a team-high 56 receptions for 863 yards and seven touchdowns. He caught a little less than half of quarterback Taite Davis’ completions during the 2023 season.
Josh Spears
High school: Pensacola Catholic
Class: Senior
The second transfer for Pensacola Catholic, Josh Spears joins a strong Crusader squad. Last year while at West Florida, Spears had 715 yards receiving on 38 receptions for eight touchdowns. He averaged 79.4 yards per game for the Jaguars.
Tamyron Thomas
High school: Booker T. Washington
Class: Senior
After losing a handful of seniors, Tamyron Thomas returns to Booker T. Washington after nine receptions for 177 yards and a touchdown. He’s also part of an incoming senior class that’s looking to add to off-field chemistry, according to head coach Ryan Onkka.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: WRs to watch for in Escambia, Santa Rosa counties in 2024
Pensacola News Journal
