Vote: Who is the best wide receiver in Central Florida midway through the 2023 season?

Central Florida wide receivers are catching the attention of college scouts and more this year.

Halfway through the 2023 season, area wide receivers are lighting up the scoreboard with spectacular catches and clutch play.

We took a look at schools in seven counties (Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, Volusia, Brevard and Indian River) and came up with 20 candidates that we nominated for Best Wide Receiver in Central Florida at the midway point of 2023.

We ask you, the fan, to decide who should be the top wide receiver selected. Voting will conclude on a date to be announced.

Editor’s note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. The poll is specifically for fans to vote on the players that have been nominated and in no way discredits any other player that may not be mentioned in our poll.

Here are the nominations:

Julian Anderson, Senior, The First Academy (Orlando): Big athlete (6-foot-4 210 pounds) leads Central Florida with 36 receptions for 621 yards and nine touchdowns. His efforts have helped the Royals get off to a 4-2 start.

Jaeden McMillan, Sophomore, Holy Trinity Episcopal (Melbourne): One of Brevard County’s top receivers has 40 catches for 618 yards and six TDs. He has put the Tigers (5-1) into prime position for a playoff run in Class 1S.

Lashawn Williams, Senior, Eustis: One of Lake County’s top receivers has 31 catches for 607 yards and five TDs. He has helped the Panthers race to a 4-2 start and stay in contention for a Class 2S playoff berth.

Jayvan Boggs, Junior, Cocoa: Exceptional athlete has given the defending Class 2S state champ a potent passing game with 41 receptions for 601 yards and 12 TDs. His play has helped the Tigers race to a 4-1 start.

Jermane Hayes, Junior, University (Orange City): One of Volusia County’s top receivers has 34 catches for 580 yards and six TDs, lifting the Titans to a 6-0 start and into first place in Class 4S, District 9.

Julian Nasco, Senior, Tohopekaliga (Kissimmee): Skilled route runner has been sophomore star quarterback Sabby Meassick’s top target with 37 catches for 579 yards and eight TDs. His efforts have helped the Tigers race to a 4-1 start.

Carson Hinshaw, Senior, Lake Mary: Superb athlete has been a force in the passing game, hauling in 28 catches for 567 yards and 11 TDs from sophomore star quarterback Noah Grubbs. The speedy athlete has helped the Rams rumble to a 5-0 start and into first place in Class 4M, District 2.

Tony Kinsler, Junior, Spruce Creek (Port Orange): The shifty athlete has played well for the Hawks with 32 catches for 540 yards and seven TDs. His play has helped Spruce Creek power to a 4-2 record and stay in the running for a Class 4S playoff berth.

Marquet Williams, Senior, Oviedo: Great athlete has benefited nicely from coach Greg Odierno’s offense with 38 receptions for 520 yards and eight TDs. He has helped the Lions roar to a 4-2 start and become one of Seminole County’s top teams.

Ramel Hernandez, Junior, Melbourne Central Catholic: Tough receiver has the Hustlers knocking on the door for a Class 1S playoff spot with 28 catches for 514 yards and seven TDs. His play has the Hustlers off to a 4-2 start.

Ernest Nunn, Junior, Poinciana (Kissimmee): Superb athlete has been a big factor in the Osceola County school’s climb to prominence with 26 receptions for 501 yards and five TDs. He has helped the Eagles to a 2-3 start.

CJ Bragg, Senior, Cocoa: A key part of the Tigers’ vaunted passing game, he has hauled in 37 passes for 494 yards and three TDs. Cocoa is the top-ranked team in Class 2S.

Braylon Knauth, Senior, Lake Minneola: Big-time playmaker has 29 catches for 481 yards and six TDs. He will be counted on heavily as the Hawks (3-3) make a playoff push down the stretch.

Mykel Calixte, Junior, Dr. Phillips (Orlando): Two-way standout has been quarterback Stanley Anderson-Lofton’s top target with 20 receptions for 467 yards and three TDs. His play has helped the Panthers get off to a 3-2 start.

Delvin Pryor, Senior, Tohopekaliga(Kissimmee): Another one of Meassick’s top targets, he has 29 catches for 440 yards and four TDs.

Evan Van Dyke, Senior, Winter Park: Fluid athlete has become one of Orange County’s top receivers with 22 catches for 432 yards and four TDs. He has helped the Wildcats roar to a 5-0 start.

Naeem Woulard, Junior, Tohopekaliga(Kissimmee): Solid receiver has 28 receptions for 430 yards and five TDs in the Tigers’ potent passing attack.

Lech Sweeney, Senior, Father Lopez(Daytona Beach): Versatile athlete has played well for the Green Wave with 21 catches for 419 yards and six TDs.

Alexander Springs, Junior, St. Cloud: Solid receiver has played big for the Bulldogs with 31 receptions for 399 yards and seven TDs.

Quavion Mincey, Senior, Freedom (Orlando): A two-way standout, he has hauled in 21 passes for 396 yards and three TDs for the Patriots.

-- Jeff Gardenour | jgardenour1962@gmail.com | @JMarkG1962