Entering your college career as a five-star prospect brings with it pressure that less heralded signees do not experience. These five wide receivers handled the pressure the best and lived up to the high billing they received in high school.
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Why he’s No. 1: Jones was a first-round draft pick and has been selected to the Pro Bowl in three of his first five NFL seasons. Jones made massive impact as a true freshman at Alabama and hasn’t left the spotlight since. He’s been a dominant force at every level and he’s just now entering his prime. On Sunday, Jones became just the sixth player in NFL history to accumulate 300 receiving yards in a single game.
Back when we met him: Jones was a Signing Day decision and his commitment was aired live on ESPNU. The fanfare it brought was certainly warranted. Rivals National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell remembers scouting the NFL star. “He was one of the most physically gifted and powerful wide receivers I've ever scouted, he had hands like a vice and bowled opponents over after the catch,” Farrell said.
Why he’s No. 2: A two-time first-team All-SEC selection, Green’s college career propelled him to be the No. 4 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Since turning pro, Green has been selected to five Pro Bowls. He’s currently considered one of the NFL’s top wide receivers.
Back when we met him: Green was in the same class as Jones and pushed him in the rankings, though he was never able to overtake him for the top spot. “Battling Jones for No. 1 at wide receiver in his class all season long, he was prolific in high school and had arguably the best body control I've seen,” Farrell said.
Why he’s No. 3: Jackson was a two-time All-American at Cal and ranks third in school history in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He skipped his senior year to enter the 2008 NFL Draft, in which he was selected in the second round. Jackson is a three-time Pro Bowler.
Back when we met him: Like Jones, Jackson also waited until late in the process to announce his commitment. He chose Cal over USC in a regionally televised announcement. Farrell remembers Jackson as an overachiever. “He was one of our smallest five-star wide receivers, but also one of the best,” Farrell said. “He reached top speed so quickly and was an outside guy with a slot receiver body, making him impossible to cover.”
Why he’s No. 4: Twice a first-team All-American at Clemson, Watkins one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the history of college football. He broke multiple school records before being selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He set franchise rookie records for both catches and receiving yards in his first season with the Bills. Watkins has battled injury issues since.
Back when we met him: Watkins decided to leave the state of Florida relatively early in the process, as he committed to Clemson is November of his junior year. He was a track star in addition to his football prowess.
Why he’s No. 5: Harvin won a pair of SEC titles and a pair of national titles while in college. He’s also captured a Super Bowl title with the Seahawks. Following being selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, Harvin took home Rookie of the Year honors. Harvin played in the 2009 Pro Bowl. He currently holds the Minnesota Vikings record for kick return touchdowns in both a season and a career.
Back when we met him: Harvin was suspended for part of his senior season following a couple of on-field scuffles. He committed to Florida in December of 2005 and is remembered by many, including Farrell for his speed. “He’s the fastest player I've ever seen turning the corner,” Farrell said. “When he got a step on anyone, he was gone. He could take over games like no one else.”
