Last week, we kicked off our position-by-position breakdown of the 2022 high school football season starting with the
quarterbacks and
running backs.
Wide receivers are next, led by Zachariah Branch of Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas). The five-star USC pledge was named the
Nevada MaxPreps Player of the Year after leading the Gaels to a 5A state title and MaxPreps Top 25 finish. He finished his junior season with over 1,000 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns.
Seven of the 10 wide receivers selected are already committed. Shelton Sampson of Catholic (Baton Rouge) and Chaminade-Madonna's (Hollywood, Fla.) duo — Jeremiah Smith and Joshisa Trader — are the three undecideds.
Smith and Trader are the only non-seniors featured and when looking at the group of wide receivers in the Class of 2023, it's one of the deepest positions in the country.
Five different states have at least one selection with Florida leading the way with four followed by California and Texas with two each. Louisiana and Nevada both have one.
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 175
Status: Committed to USC | Class: Senior (2023)
A first-team selection on the 2021 MaxPreps Junior All-America squad after hauling in 48 receptions for 1,094 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215
Status: Committed to Notre Dame | Class: Senior (2023)
Has been a first-team selection on the MaxPreps Freshman, Sophomore and Junior All-America squads in back-to-back-to-back seasons.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190
Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2023)
Had to play quarterback for the majority of last season because of team injuries but expect the five-star to have a monster year at wideout in 2022.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180
Status: Committed to USC | Class: Senior (2023)
Big-time playmaker on all three phases. Finished his junior season with 65 receptions for 1,065 yards and 15 touchdowns to go with four interceptions on defense and averaged nearly 30 yards per kick return.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2023)
One of the most polished and complete wideouts in the country.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 175
Status: Committed to Texas | Class: Senior (2023)
As good a route runner as any wide receiver in the Class of 2023 and will be a huge playmaker for one of the best teams in Texas.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 185
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)
The first of two selections from the defending 3A state champs will be a key piece for the No. 13 team in the MaxPreps Top 25.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 210
Status: Committed to Oregon | Class: Senior (2023)
Selected to the MaxPreps Junior All-America second team after hauling in 78 receptions for 1,300-plus yards and 19 touchdowns.
Height: 6-1.5 | Weight: 170
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2024)
The former Miami Central (Fla.) standout transferred to Chaminade-Madonna earlier this month and in his last game as a Rocket he had two touchdown receptions and a 94-yard pick-six in a 49-14 win over Merritt Island in the 5A state championship.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 180
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2023)