Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
With 2019 in the rearview mirror, let’s take a look at the teams that brought in the best 1-2 punches at each position. Today we continue with the wide receivers.
RELATED: Best 1-2 QB punch in 2019 class | Best 1-2 RB punch in 2019 class
1. OKLAHOMA
The skinny: Oklahoma left no doubt with who put together the top wide receiver class this year. The tandem of Haselwood and Wease has the potential to make an immediate impact in Norman this fall, while the addition of Trejan Bridges, the No. 4 ranked receiver in the class, takes this group to an even more impressive level. With so much talent in this group, the only real question will be how the ball will be distributed among all of them in the coming years, but that is a good problem to have.
Farrell’s take: Has there ever been a better 1-2 punch than Haselwood and Wease? That’s debatable and when you add Bridges in there it’s an incredible receiver haul. This should set Oklahoma up for the future very well when it comes to the passing game and five-star quarterback Spencer Rattler will be the beneficiary.
2. GEORGIA
The skinny: The Bulldogs jumped to the No. 2 spot on this list after landing Pickens during a National Signing Day surprise. His flip from Auburn, which was one of the biggest stories of the day, also helped give the Bulldogs the top overall class in 2019. While Georgia has obviously performed exceptionally well on the field over the last couple of years, there has been some inconsistent play at the wide receiver position, so adding players of Pickens’ and Blaylock’s ability should help alleviate this issue.
Farrell’s take: Pickens is a future star if he can get his academics together and he’s arguably the best 50-50 ball receiver in this class. Blaylock has the speed to stretch the field and complements Pickens very well. Both players should be stars moving forward especially the way Georgia recruits at quarterback.
3. CLEMSON
The skinny: Already possessing an amazing amount of young talent at the position, Clemson further bolstered the group by adding both Ngata and Ladson. Pulling Ngata all the way from California was an especially impressive get for the Tigers, while adding Ladson gives the program yet another big recruiting victory in the Sunshine State. But how much will either of the two play in 2019? With Tee Higgins, Amari Rodgers and Justyn Ross all returning, Clemson may have to get very creative to get Ngata and Ladson involved in the offense this fall.
Farrell’s take: Clemson is WRU to me, at least recently, and Ngata and Ladson will keep that rolling. What’s most impressive is the level they can recruit at despite having stars at wide receiver already on the roster. Ngata has great speed and is a downfield threat while Ladson has great hands and body control.
4. OHIO STATE
The skinny: The Buckeyes only added two receivers in this class, but both have the potential to push for immediate playing time. This is especially true since Ohio State is losing its top receiver, Parris Campbell, to the NFL. Wilson and Williams are both explosive playmakers, who should make life easier on the probable new starter at quarterback, Justin Fields. Wilson comes in as the more polished receiver of the two, while Williams arrives in Columbus as one of the fastest recruits in the 2019 class.
Farrell’s take: Wilson is a great route runner and adjusts to the ball very well and was considered for that coveted fifth star. Williams is a speedster who will be hard to check from the slot or outside especially as he gets bigger and adds strength. These two are so talented it wouldn’t stun me if they ended up being the best duo on this list.
5. OREGON
The skinny: The Ducks experienced some inconsistencies at the wide receiver position in 2019, so the addition of Wilhoite and Pittman should give Oregon a much needed boost. The coaching staff did a great job gaining a summer commitment from Wilhoite, and an even better job keeping the Tennessee receiver in the fold. And then adding Pittman a few weeks later was the piece that put this group over the top. It is also worth noting that the Ducks added another four-star receiver in this class, Josh Delgado, so they definitely identified a weakness and tried to address the problem.
Farrell’s take: There’s a bit of a drop-off to Oregon here but that doesn’t mean it didn’t land talent. Both Wilhoite and Pittman have tremendous potential and bring different things to the table. In the wide open Pac-12 both could put up big numbers.
