2018 Louisiana's Top 20 WR/TE (10-01)
This summer kicks off our annual top 20 pass catchers in the state of Louisiana. The staff at Pelicanpreps.com put together a list includes wide receivers as well as tight ends and H-backs. The fall is fast approaching and these rankings are just the first of 3 installments (summer, mid-season & final). Here are Pelicanpreps.com's list 10-01.
#10 Jaray Jenkins (Jena HS/ Jena, LA) Jenkins is easily a gigantic fish in a little pond during most games at Jena. The younger sibling to former LSU star David Jenkins, has some shoes that he wants to fill of his own. Once the ball is in his hands he gets up field in a hurry. The Tigers currently have the star athlete’s verbal commitment, but will it hold until NSD?
#09 Sheldon Jones (Warren Easton HS/ New Orleans, LA) Jones had a great 2016 season and looks to build on it. The man they call “Sticks” will be the featured receiver in a wide open Eagles offense this fall. He runs very good routes to create separation from defenders. He uses his hands to haul in everything thrown his way, even it is not intended for him. Jones also doubles as his team’s starting defensive back. He has given his pledge to UTSA to play for fellow New Orleans native, head coach Frank Wilson.
#08 Yo’Heinz Tyler (Warren Easton HS/ New Orleans, LA) This may be the first time in the history of our rankings that two teammates are listed one behind the other. Nevertheless, the big wide-out wastes little time establishing himself as the go to presence on the field. He does an excellent job of shielding defenders off and high pointing balls thrown his way. Tyler is a true red zone scoring machine, but is still very raw as a route runner.
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#07 Jorien Vallien (Alexandria HS/ Alexandria, LA)- Vallien is the unquestioned leader on the field when his team is on offense. He will out muscle most defenders for position and isn’t afraid to go across the middle. Every time he touches the ball he is looking to score, turning a tunnel screen into a 50+ yard touchdown. His selection of routes is limited, but he has no shortage of speed to use to his advantage.
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#06 Lawrence Keys (McDonogh 35/ New Orleans, LA) – Lawrence Keys is a special talent and is poised for an even bigger season in 2017. Keys is without a doubt the best route runner of all the other players on this list. He has the ability to set defensive backs up and give his quarterback a target every time. He is not a big receiver, but makes up for size with pure talent. The New Orleans native has embarrassed a slew of defenders during 7-0n-7’s over the years, but can he put it all together to dominate 2017? O��
#04 Jaylon Smith (Barbe HS/Lake Charles) – Smith is undersized, but lines up all over field. The Lake Charles native is very shifty & speedy; causing defenders to cringe at the thought of an open field tackle. His greatest attribute has to be his ability to make defenders miss after catch. Look for his team to continue to utilize him in every way possible.
#03 Ja'Marr Chase (Archbishop Rummel HS/Metarie, LA) – Ja'Marr Chase is a very good route runner and knows how to get open. He has good hands, but more importantly he attempts to make all his catches away from his body. Chase is stronger than his body frame would indicate on first sight. Make no mistake he will not hesitate to do away with puny defenders. Chase gave his pledge to the Florida Gators, but with national signing day over six months away, don’t be surprised to see some movement in his recruiting. �oP�\(
#02 Terrace Marshall (Parkway HS/Bossier City)- Terrace Marshall catches the ball well in traffic. He has a knack for finding a crease a breaking the long one and is definitely the guy you with the ball in his hands. Marshall came in at #2 on our list, but it wouldn’t alarm anyone if he rises to our top spot before season’s end. Coaches say he has sneaky speed. He runs a lot faster on field than the numbers support. He needs to get as many touches as possible and is just that good in open field. Exactly what you expect from a stud player and our #2 receiver for 2018.
#01 Devonta Jason (Landry-Walker HS/New Orleans) – Big body wide receiver who makes a living coming down with the jump ball. Jason isn’t the fastest player, but does get good separation from defenders. He plays physical and displays great RAC skills. He has a lot of work to do in the route running department, but that is not uncommon for high school players. Currently the big play wide-out is committed to Kansas, but that hasn’t stopped the onslaught of coaches looking to steal him away.
Why is Jason our #1 wide receiver? Well, not only is he producing at an elite level on a consistent basis, but he has improved substantially every season. His ability to be the difference maker in big moments is second to none. See film from the 2016 LHSAA 5A Playoffs and you will see why Jason tops our list.