Malik Nabers, Xavier Legette, Luther Burden and Tre Harris. These were some of the receivers that emerged for their respective teams in 2023. All of these players were a lot less known heading into the 2023 season than they were coming out of it. And some of them were not even known at all outside of their own fan base.
Expect this year to be no different as new talent is always emerging in the SEC which is a league that is always recruiting the top talent, in the college football playoff and consistently winning national championships.
Here are some Wide Receivers to Watch for that could Emerge in 2024
Kyren Lacey (LSU)
Lacey spent time last season in Baton Rouge behind Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers who have each moved onto the NFL.
In a press conference a few weeks ago, LSU head coach Brian Kelly stated of Lacy “he (Lacy) was easily distracted at times (before)...What has happened here more than anything else is he has found the right zone to be in as It relates to practicing a preparation.”
Well, Lacey appears to be proving Kelly right based on his performance during LSU’s spring game as quarterback Garrett Nussmeier hit Lacey for a 59-yard touchdown.
Time will tell, but the Tigers need a new top wide receiver, and all signs are definitely pointing to Lacey in Baton Rouge so far this offseason.
Andrew Armstrong (Arkansas)
Armstrong emerged last season for the Razorbacks after transferring from Texas A&M commerce following the 2022 season. Considering Armstrong came from the FCS level, it was quite the surprise that he would go on to lead the team in receiving in 2023 with 764 yards receiving and five touchdowns.
While these are not overly impressive numbers, the Hogs had well-documented struggles on offense and defense last season. The fact that Armstrong will have a proven passing quarterback in Taylen Green throwing to him in 2024, combined with newly hired offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, look for his production to skyrocket in 2024.