Arkansas' top high school football players: Meet the state's best wide receivers

Some of the top wideouts in Arkansas prep football

By Kyle Sutherland 

With a new football season approaching, SBLive will be taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Arkansas high school football. This list focuses on the wide receivers.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are many standout wide receivers in Arkansas, and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive. With multiple athletes competing at different positions, some might be listed at their secondary spot. You can discuss the other wide receivers worthy of fans’ attention in 2023 by connecting with us on Twitter at @SBLiveARK or by emailing nate@scorebooklive.com. 

Feature photo of Bentonville's CJ Brown 

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Jackson Anderson | Conway | 6-3, 170 | SR 

The very fast Anderson (4.4 speed) is the second-leading returning receiver for the Wampus Cats after solidifying himself as one of their Top 3 targets in 2022. Anderson hauled in 29 passes for 445 yards and three scores. 

Jace Birkes | Lincoln | 6-0, 155 | SR

The three-year starter is back for one more round after averaging an outstanding 25 yards per reception in 2022. He led the Wolves with 1,045 receiving yards and was second on the squad with 12 touchdowns.

Cade Bowman | Little Rock Christian | 5-8, 160 | SR

Bowman was a hero for the Warriors on the diamond in May helping them win their first ever state title, but he also was the top receiver for last fall, hauling in 45 passes for 690 yards and eight touchdowns. 

TJ Brogdon | Hot Springs | 6-1, 175 | SR

Brogdon is a three-year starter and has played a key role in Hot Springs' notable progress. He averaged 20 yards per catch as a junior, hauling in 27 passes for 533 yards and three touchdowns.

CJ Brown | Bentonville | 6-0, 185 | SR

The Arkansas commit helped Bentonville to its first state finals appearance since 2017 while catching 75 passes for 1,284 yards and 16 scores. Brown, the state's sixth-best prospect per 247Sports for 2024, has additional offers including Kansas State, Louisville, Oklahoma State, Purdue, and Tennessee. 

Jaxson Brust | Bentonville West | 5-10, 160 | SR 

Brust helped the Wolverines complete one of their best seasons in school history matching a record nine victories. He has received some attention from Division I programs after hauling in 66 catches - his longest being 68 yards - for 729 yards and eight touchdowns. 

Deandre Burnell | Arkansas High | 6-0, 180 | SO

Burnell was one of many underclassmen forced into battle for the Hogs, but he was prepared for the challenge as he was tabbed all-conference as a freshman. He was the team's top receiver, leading in all categories with 28 catches for 334 yards and five touchdowns. 

Dyelon Caradine | Malvern | 6-2, 170 | SR

The Air Force pledge is one of three Division I commits on the Leopards' roster, and has proven to be one of the most efficient athletes in all of Arkansas prep football. He caught 52 passes for 1,080 yards and 10 scores, but also dominated in the secondary snagging five interceptions. 

Graycen Cash | Rogers | 6-3, 180 | SR

Cash made a name for himself as a sophomore earning 7A-West Newcomer of the Year. He built on that  progress last season, hauling in 48 passes for 559 yards and five touchdowns. He has been receiving interest from multiple Division I programs. An anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in May will keep him sidelined to start the season, but hopes to play at some point this fall. 

John Mark Charette | Pulaski Academy | 6-3, 220 | SR

Charette has already had a highly productive career with the Bruins and will take over as the team’s primary go-to target in his final prep season. He helped PA win its first state title in Class 6A - and fourth consecutive overall - while leading the team in yards per reception (22.2). For the 2022 season, Charette caught 60 passes for 1,330 yards and 10 touchdowns.

DeOnte Clark | Stuttgart | 5-11, 175 | JR 

Clark makes a difference for the Ricebirds on both sides of the ball, and essentially everywhere on offense. He lined up at quarterback (14-24, 257 yards, 3 TD), running back (150 carries, 1,085 yards, 8 touchdowns), and of course receiver (20 receptions, 368 yards, 4 touchdowns). Clark also collected 15.5 tackles and two interceptions on defense. 

Courtney Crutchfield | Pine Bluff | 6-2, 175 | SR

Few would argue the Arkansas commit is the state's top multi-sport athlete, but his stock on the gridiron has soared to four-star status and the nation's 62nd-best player for 2024 per 247Sports. As a junior, Crutchfield caught 17 passes for 517 yards, an incredible average of 30.4 yards per reception, and nine scores. He collected 30 tackles (3 for loss), three forced fumbles and an interception defensively. 

Dalton Daniels | Bismarck | 5-10, 160 | SR

Daniels expected to play a big role in 2022, and he did not disappoint, establishing himself as the team's top receiver. He caught 42 balls for 602 yards and 11 scores while also averaging 10.1 yards per carry on the ground. Daniels also collected two interceptions defensively.

Maddox Davis | Benton | 5-10, 160 | JR

Davis was used in multiple spots as a sophomore, including quarterback (3-for-4, 70 yards, 1 touchdown) and running back (9 carries, 49 yards, two touchdowns). However, he proved to be a trustworthy wideout as evidenced by leading the squad with 44 catches for 723 yards and five touchdowns. 

Jaison Delamar | Fayetteville | 5-10, 190 | JR

The Arkansas baseball commit stepped up as a sophomore and became one of the Top 3 pass catchers in a high-flying Fayetteville offense. Delamar caught 53 passes for 754 yards and five scores for the Purple Dogs. 

Austyn Dendy | Pine Bluff | 6-1, 195 | SR

Dendy is a playmaker whether it consist of catching passes, lining up at running back, and even on defense. He has Power 5 offers from Michigan State, Mississippi State Missouri and Purdue along with a host of others DI's. As a junior, Dendy hauled in 26 passes for 347 yards with three touchdowns and snipped three interceptions on defense.

Greyson Ealy | Quitman | 6-1, 175 | SR

The speedy Ealy already has offers from Air Force, Henderson State, and Hendrix, but is quickly gaining more and more attention at the next level. He caught 28 passes for 551 yards and a team-leading nine scores in 2022, while also contributing on defense grabbing an interception and compiling 18 tackles. 

Oquoieah Earl | Beebe | 6-3, 200 | SR 

The Central Arkansas commit battled injuries and missed three games last season after transferring in from Riverview  but succeeded when he was on the field. Earl, who also holds also holds FBS offers from Arkansas State and Liberty, surpassed 300 receiving yards and four touchdowns while averaging an impressive 24.4 yards per catch. 

Monterrio “Money” Elston | Parkview | 5-9, 180 | JR 

Elston scored one of the Patriots' six touchdowns in the 5A state finals, helping them win the program's first title in nearly a half century. He finished the year with 61 catches for 1,012 yards and  15 touchdowns 

Lane Franks | Glen Rose | 5-10, 170 | SR

Franks was clutch as a junior earning all-state honors and cemented himself as the Beavers' top target. He hauled in 46 catches for 613 yards and five touchdowns, while also succeeding on the ground with 68 carries for 351 yards and four touchdowns.

Caiden Gipson | Vilonia | 5-8, 160 | JR

Gipson earned a role in the senior-heavy receiving rotation as a sophomore and returns for his junior season as the leader in all statistical categories. He caught 30 passes for 311 yards and four touchdowns, along with scoring five touchdowns on the ground.

Kayden Glenn | Hoxie | 5-11, 175 | SR

Glenn has received plenty of attention from college programs, and it should continue assuming he finishes his prep career with a strong senior season. He led the Mustangs in all receiving categories as a junior, catching 31 passes for 463 yards and nine touchdowns. 

Denham Gooden | Lonoke | 6-1, 175 | SR

Gooden will be heavily relied on during his senior year as the Jackrabbits' most experienced returning receiver. He caught 22 passes for 522 yards and four touchdowns, while also collecting 21 tackles, an interception, and a 25-yard fumble recovery on defense. 

Dylan Greer | West Memphis | 5-10, 165 | SR

West Memphis hopes to continue the progress from last season and Greer is aiming for another huge year after thriving for the Blue Devils as a junior. Greer hauled in 41 passes for 894 yards and seven touchdowns, all of which ranked second on the team. 

PJ Gulley | Prescott | 6-1, 170 | SR

Gulley is the senior leader of the Curley Wolves' receiving corps after averaging a team-leading 21 yards per reception in 2022. He was second on the team with 26 receptions for 544 yards, while leading the squard with eight scores. 

Brycen Hamilton | Hackett | 6-1, 170 | JR

Hamilton was quietly one of the more productive receivers in Class 3A as a sophomore and expects that to continue in 2023. He led the Hornets in all categories with 39 receptions for 665 yards and seven touchdowns. 

Trent Haygood | Camden Fairview | 5-9, 160 | JR

The Cardinals advanced to the 5A semifinals in 2022 and Haygood led them in receiving as a young sophomore, while also proving to be effective in the ground game. He hauled in 42 passes for 871 yards and seven scores, along with averaging 9.4 yards per carry out of the backfield. 

P.J. Henderson | Hector | 6-0, 160 | SR

Henderson also contributed some in the rushing attack averaging 8.2 yards per carry, but he had a great junior year while leading the Wildcats in receiving. He eclipsed 1,000 yards and hauled in 52 passes, along with 14 touchdowns.  Henderson also snagged an interception on defense and compiled 29 total tackles.

Jacob Henry | CAC | 5-10, 170 | SO

It is up for debate on whether Henry's future is on the offensive or defensive side of the ball, but he has plenty of time to figure it out. Contributing for the Mustangs as a freshman, Henry caught 23 passes for 320 yards and five touchdowns, while pounding out 311 yards and three scores on the ground. Defensively, Henry collected 64 tackles with an interception and a fumble recovery. 

Carter Holman | Shiloh Christian | 5-10, 160 | SR

Holman and the Saints are aiming for a fifth consecutive December trip to Little Rock as he returns as team's top receiver. He hauled in 34 passes for 552 yards and nine scores while also collecting 21 tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions defensively. 

Gabriel Holmes | Gravette | 6-0, 215 | JR

Holmes was involved in every part of the Lions' offense contributing at quarterback (153 yards, touchdown) and also got the ball out of the backfield (42 carries, 393 yards, 9 touchdowns), all while leading the team in every receiving category as a sophomore. Holmes caught 40 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns.

Kyler Hoover | Harding Academy | 5-9, 165 | SR

The Harding baseball commit was the No. 1 target for a Wildcats team that advanced to the state finals for the fourth straight year in their first time competing in Class 4A. He caught 82 passes for 1,206 yards and 19 scores, while also contributing on the ground averaging 8.6 yards per carry. 

Keenan Jackson | Osceola | 6-3, 180 | SR

Certainly one of the state's more underrated players, Jackson owns Division I offers from Alabama-Birmingham, Arkansas State, Buffalo, Liberty, and UNLV. He led the Seminoles in receiving as a junior, catching 42 passes for 725 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

Ne’Taveus Johnson | Barton | 5-9, 180 | SR 

A true athlete, Johnson essentially can do anything you ask him to on the field. He helped Barton to the 3A playoffs getting it done in multiple phases of the game, but led the Bears in receiving with 775 yards, while adding 260 out of the backfield and 16 total touchdowns. Johnson also returned four kickoffs for scores.

Antonio Jordan | Warren | 6-4, 210 | JR

Warren has produced as many quality outstanding wideouts as just about any town in the country and Jordan is one of the next in line having already earned Power 5 offers from Arkansas, Florida State, South Carolina and Tennessee. He led the Lumberjacks with 43 catches for 1,043 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore.

Grant Karnes | Greenwood | 6-1, 175 | JR

The SBLive Arkansas baseball Underclassman of the Year, as well as football first team all-state selection, had a sophomore season to remember. He led the Bulldogs in all receiving categories, hauling in 96 passes for 1,297 yards and 16 touchdowns, along with 472 kickoff return yards and a score. 

Jabron Lewis | Little Rock Southwest | 6-1, 200 | SR 

Lewis was previously one of the featured backs in the Gryphons' run-first approach, but with the switch the the spread he will move out wide. Lewis rushed 130 times for 789 yards (6.1 YPC) as a junior with seven touchdowns and four two-point conversions. He has Division I offers from Alcorn State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Texas A&M Commerce, and Tennessee-Martin. 

Omar McCuiston | East Poinsett County | 6-3, 165 | SR

EPC has high goals in 2023 after winning 10 games and advancing to the 2A semifinals a year ago. The Warriors will rely heavily on the ground game, but McCuiston is a trust threat through the air after averaging 25 yards per catch in 2022 and eight touchdowns. He also snagged five interseptions and collected 54 total tackles on defense. 

Endy McGalliard | Harding Academy | 6-4, 160 | JR

McGalliard displayed what he could do with his length as a sophomore and will take an even larger role in 2023 with the departure of Landon Koch, who eclipsed 1,000 yards last year. McGalliard hauled in 51 passes for 781 yards and six touchdowns for the Wildcats. 

Lach McKinney | Fayetteville | 5-10, 180 | SR

McKinney finished second on the Purple Dogs' roster in all major receiving categories, only to Arkansas preferred walk-on Kaylon Morris. He will again be another fixture in a potent offense after hauling in 57 catches for 793 yards and 10 scores as a junior.

Joseph McVay | Earle | 6-1, 185 | SR

Vanderbilt got a steal when they earned a pledge from McVay, the nation's 74th-ranked overall athlete for the Class of 2024 per 247Sports. McVay also owns Division I offers including Arkansas State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Colorado State, Penn State, Purdue, South Carolina and Texas A&M. He hauled in 69 passes for 1,573 yards (23 YPC) and 22 touchdowns in 2022, along with multiple interceptions defensively.

Cris O’Neal | Conway | 5-11, 160 | SR

Yet another speedster in the Wampus Cats' arsenal, O'Neal was one of two Wampus Cats who had over 700 receiving yards - 771 to be exact - and led the team with 10 touchdowns on 40 receptions for a solid averaged of 19.3 yards per reception.

Taylin Paskel | Crossett | 6-2, 170 | SR

As a sophomore, Paskel helped Crossett win three of its final four contests after a slow start and he returns as one of the top contributors. He led the Eagles in receiving with an incredible 27.2 yards per catch, snagging 16 passes for 435 yards and six touchdowns. He collected 20 tackles and five interceptions on defense.

Elias Payne | Benton | 5-9, 160 | JR

Payne was an essential part of the Panthers' gameplan as a sophomore and he returns as one of the team's leading receivers. He hauled in 29 passes for 456 yards and five touchdowns while helping Benton reach the 6A semifinals. 

Peyton Presson | Greenwood | 6-2, 190 | SR

Presson was one of four Greenwood receivers with over 500 receiving yards, despite missing some time due to injury, and returns as the Bulldogs' second-leading receiver from 2022. He hauled in 50 catches for 500 yards and three touchdowns. 

Kellar Price | Lincoln | 5-9, 160 | SR

Price is one of two returning three-year starters at receiver for the Wolves and has over 1,200 career yards. He led Lincoln with 14 touchdowns through the air on 58 receptions for 781 yards as a junior. 

Jaquavus Purifoy | Arkadelphia | 5-8, 160 | JR

The Badgers graduated a receiving trio that combined for almost 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2022, which means Purifoy will be heavily counted on after a highly productive sophomore campaign. He finished the year with 24 catches for 340 yards and four touchdowns with only one dropped pass, while also averaging 10.5 yards per carry on the ground.

Michael “ Deuce” Rainer | Rivercrest | 5-10, 160 | SR

Another example of versatility, Rainer was outstanding as a sophomore eclipsing over 1,000 yards in receiving with 16 touchdowns on 47 catches while averaging 22.4 yards per reception. He also ran for 876 yards and 10 scores while averaging 7.8 yards per carry, and had two passing touchdowns. 

Octavious Rhodes | Hot Springs | 6-4, 160 | SR

Rhodes, who is also a standout on the basketball court, returns as the Trojans' leading receiver following a breakout junior campaign. He averaged a team-leading 21 yards per reception while hauling in 39 passes for 810 yards and nine touchdowns. 

LJ Robins | Greenwood | 5-11, 165 | SR

Robins has proved to be highly effective when healthy and he brings a ton of experience to a Bulldog receiving corps that is possibly the best in Class 6A. He was one of two Greenwood wideouts to surpass 1,000 yards, earning 1,050 on 83 catches with 14 scores.

Cayden Rose | Russellville | 5-11, 160 | SR 

 He caught 31 passes for 552 yards and 7 touchdowns while also snagging five interceptions defensively. 

Justin Schlenker | Hazen | 5-9, 160 | SR

Schlenker was one of the key playmakers on the Hornets' 2022 squad that won the first state championship in program history. He averaged nearly 20 yards per touch while contributing both on the ground and through the air, totaling over 1,000 yards and 29 touchdowns on the season. He hauled in three passes for 102 yards and two scores in the state championship game.

Mytorian Singleton | Bryant | 6-0, 180 | SR

Singleton is back for one more round of prep football as one of the state's top playmakers and hopes to lead the Hornets to an unprecedented sixth consecutive 7A state championship. He led the Hornets in receiving by a wide margin hauling in 41 passes for 646 yards and eight touchdowns. Singleton has offers from Arkansas State and North Alabama, while multiple other Division I schools have shown interest.

Anthony Smith | Hamburg | 6-1, 190 | JR

Another up-and-coming one to watch for the Lions, Smith still has plenty of room to grow after already proving to be a consistent receiving threat. He finished his sophomore year with 25 receptions for 450 yards and three touchdowns. 

Curtez Smith | Nettleton | 6-1, 175 | SR

Smith had a start to remember to his prep career leading the Raiders in receiving as just a sophomore. While helping the Raiders earn a trip back to the 5A playoffs, Smith hauled in 63 passes for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns, and also contributed on the ground leading the team in scores (11) and second in yards (534). 

Jaiden Stewart | Lafayette County | 5-10, 160 | SR

It was not the greatest season collectively for Lafayette County, but they did some positive things through the air and Stewart returns as the Cougars' top receiver. As a junior, Stewart caught 25 passes for 517 yards (20.7 YPC) and two scores. 

Renalson Sullivan | CAC | 5-6, 155 | JR

Sullivan is the third member of his family to play football for the Mustangs and if his sophomore season was any sign, then he is due for a big prep career. Sullivan led CAC in receiving, hauling in 40 passes for 441 yards and two scores, while also ranking third on the team in rushing with 199 yards and a score on 28 carries. Defensively, Sullivan collected 48 total tackles and an interception. 

Neondre Thomas | Warren | 6-0, 150 | JR

He is still growing but from a talent standpoint, the same things that were mentioned about teammate Antonio Jordan should be echoed regarding Thomas. He shined as a sophomore, finishing second in receiving only to Jordan, catching 27 passes for 578 yards (21.4 YPC) and eight touchdowns. 

Q Thompson | Nettleton | 5-8, 140 | SR

Thompson will be the senior leader of the Raiders' offense and looks forward to another season of giving opponents fits alongside his counterpart, Curtez Smith. Thompson led Nettleton in yards per catch (16.3 YPC) while snagging 48 passes for 782 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

Alan Timmons | Maumelle | 5-8, 150 | SR

Timmons was the go-to guy for the Hornets last year and he looks to help them continue to improve in his senior season. He contributed some on the ground (9 carries, 50 yards), but most of his production came through the air, leading the team by a big gap in all receiving categories with 42 receptions for 518 yards and four touchdowns. 

Mabry Verser | Rogers | 6-4, 210 | SR

Expect the Rogers offense to light up the scoreboard as Verser offers yet another lengthy target in the Mounties' arsenal. He led the team with 54 catches for 746 yards and six touchdowns while helping the squad to the 7A quarterfinals. 

Ben Vincent | Hot Springs Lakeside | 5-10, 170 | JR

Lakeside's passing attack expects to be one of the top strengths of the team and Vincent quietly led the Rams in all categories as a sophomore. He caught 50 passes for 747 yards along with six scores, all of which led the team. 

Dax Widger | Shiloh Christian | 5-11, 175 | SR

Widger moved over to wideout after primarily playing defense during his sophomore season and it proved to be a good decision. He was one of four Saints with over 400 yards receiving, finishing with 410 and four touchdowns on 22 catches. Defensively, Widger collected 20 tackles, two sacks, and batted down three passes. 

Cam Williams | Gosnell | 6-1, 180 | SR

Williams' recruitment has exploded over the past month as he has become what many people within state lines already viewed him as - a legit Power 5 prospect. A unanimous all-state selection, Williams caught 55 passes for 1,041 yards and eight touchdowns. He equally dominated on defense, intercepting eight passes, deflected 10 balls, caused two fumbles and collected 66 total tackles. 

Brooks Ward | Catholic | 6-2, 200 | SR

A member of both the SBLive Arkansas All-State football and baseball teams, Ward was a key cog in the machine that propelled the Rockets to being one of the top turnaround teams of 2022, making it all the way to the 6A semifinals. ward led Catholic with 51 catches for 1,048 yards and 15 touchdowns. 

Dwayne White | Prescott | 6-4, 195 | JR

Based on his on-field production it was very hard to tell that White was only a sophomore last season. He led the Curley Wolves in receptions (31) and yards (578), while finishing second on the team with five touchdowns. 

Grant Wren | Melbourne | 6-3, 170 | JR

Wren's future will be spent with the Arkansas baseball team, but he has at least another two years to shine on the gridiron. Wren was one of the top targets for a Bearkatz squad that finished in the 3A semifinals, hauling in 51 passes for 721 yards and 11 scores.

Greyson York | Fort Smith Southside | 5-9, 160 | SR 

Southside is certainly a strong candidate to be a sleeper team in the 7A-West and having York back is crucial considering he led the team in all receiving categories by a long shot as a junior. He hauled in 52 passes for 747 yards and six touchdowns.