Leading up to the 2025 season, AL.com is highlighting the top high school football players in Alabama.

We looked at the best running backs in 1A, and now it’s time for the best wide receivers in 1A.

We contacted coaches across the state and asked them to fill out a survey requesting information about their team. These lists were compiled primarily based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.

If you are an Alabama high school football coach who did not receive the survey, email [email protected] or [email protected]. We will continue to add to these lists throughout the summer.

BEST WIDE RECEIVERS, ALABAMA 1A

Aidan Abbott, sr., Maplesville

A second-team all-state selection for two consecutive years, Abbott recorded 40 catches for 537 yards and five touchdowns last season. Red Devils coach Brad Abbott praises Abbott’s ability to catch passes in traffic despite facing frequent double coverage. Abbott never leaves the field, excelling as a linebacker on defense and dangerous punt returner on special teams.

Julian Barnes, sr., McIntosh

Barnes showed his receiving skills last season with 20 receptions and two touchdown catches. The senior will try to increase his production in his final campaign for the Demons.

Brady Baxter, sr., Meek

Described by Tigers coach Daniel Evans as a “Swiss Army knife” who has played multiple positions during his time at Meek, Baxter has worked hard this offseason to prepare for his senior season.

Michael Billups, sr., Pickens County

Billups returns to his original position at wide receiver for the Tornadoes after earning second-team all-state honors as a defensive back last season with 57 tackles and five interceptions. His combination of offensive skills and defensive instincts makes him one of the region’s most versatile players.

Jaxon Brown, sr., Meek

Brown achieved a remarkable feat last season that Tigers coach Daniel Evans has never seen before: He didn’t drop a single pass all year. Described as “the most competitive kid ever coached,” Brown brings determination and reliability to the receiving corps. He also contributes at outside linebacker.

Kannen Cheatham, so., Hackleburg

At 6-foot-2, Cheatham brings good size to the wideout position. Panthers coach Rod Hudson describes him simply as a “good athlete” with promising potential entering his sophomore season.

Javarian Davis, jr., Cherokee

Davis demonstrated his playmaking ability last season with five touchdown receptions and two interceptions. Cherokee coach Ben Floyd expects to see even greater production in Davis’ junior campaign.

Damien Dickerson, jr., Autauga Academy

Dickerson excelled for the Generals and received honorable mention all-state at wide receiver in 2024, establishing himself as one of the classification’s top returning pass-catchers.

Parker Ferguson, jr., Meek

Described by Tigers coach Daniel Evans as a “tall, athletic player,” Ferguson is expected to be a “matchup nightmare” for opposing defenses. He’ll also make it difficult to throw against him when he plays defensive back in his first year of varsity action.

Joshua Harris Jr., fr., McIntosh

Though just a freshman, Harris brings “big-play capability” to the receiver position, according to father and Demons coach Joshua Harris Sr. As a first-year varsity player, Harris Jr. will try to make an immediate impact in the McIntosh passing game.

John Marc Hobbs, so., Fruitdale

Hobbs made significant contributions as a freshman last season, with nine catches for 120 yards, plus 12 pass deflections and 41 tackles on defense. Pirates coach Lane Brown expects Hobbs to emerge as a leader on both sides of the ball this fall.

Cam Ingram, sr., Hackleburg

A four-year starter at wide receiver and cornerback, Ingram enters his senior season as the Panthers’ leading returning receiver. His experience and skill set make him a valuable piece of the puzzle for coach Rod Hudson and the Hackleburg squad.

Hank Johnson, so., Brantley

Johnson brings physicality to both sides of the ball, playing wide receiver and middle linebacker. Bulldogs coach Andrew Lowery highlighted Johnson’s ability and skills, noting that offensively “he is a guy that blocks really well and also is good with the ball in his hands.”

Conner Lane, so., Addison

A transfer entering his sophomore year with the Bulldogs, Lane brings “great hands and speed” per first-year Addison coach Mark Hastings. Lane is expected to provide depth and strength to the receiver and defensive back groups.

Javian Marshall, so., Georgiana

Marshall enters his sophomore season with what Panthers coach Berry Bess calls “huge upside.” A multi-position player (WR/QB/DB), Marshall has earned praise as a great teammate, hard worker and student of the sport who has “studied and developed at each aspect of his game.”

Cayson McElrath, sr., Valley Head

Dubbed an “all-around athlete” by Tigers coach Charles Hammon, McElrath brings game-changing speed to the receiver position. He has clocked a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash at multiple camps and boasts a bench press max of 240 pounds. His combination of size and speed makes him a constant vertical threat downfield.

Jamari Nicks, so., Winterboro

Despite being a sophomore, Nicks has established himself as a big-play threat with 31 receptions for 568 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. He added 86 carries for 636 yards and 10 touchdowns. With elite route-running skills and a varsity veteran’s work ethic, Nicks has attracted offers from Arkansas and Tennessee, among others. Bulldogs coach Skylar Mansfield expects Nicks to “double his production” this season.

Jyrese Presley, sr., Georgiana

Panthers coach Berry Bess praises Presley’s athleticism and work ethic: “Jyrese is extremely athletic and works hard to develop his overall game. He has developed into a much better team leader and teammate heading into his final season.”

Dequavion Ray, fr., Billingsley

At 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds, Ray brings impressive size to the wideout position despite being an underclassman. He gained valuable experience playing varsity some as an eighth-grader last season. Bears coach Lanny Jones notes that Ray is “starting to grow into his big and athletic frame” and will need to step up to replace Kyle Boice, who has moved to quarterback.

Elijah Reed, so., Fruitdale

As a freshman, Reed planted himself as the Pirates’ go-to receiver, starting all 10 games and earning Washington County All-County honors. He finished with impressive numbers: 41 catches, 594 yards and eight touchdown receptions. Fruitdale coach Lane Brown describes Reed as a sure-handed target. “If you throw the ball his way, it is going to be caught,” Brown said.

Josh Reed, sr., Leroy

A three-year starter at defensive back, Reed is described by Bears coach Chan Lowe as a “huge target that has potential to change the game with his deep-threat ability.” His size and experience make him a matchup problem for opposing secondaries.

Frisco Robertson, sr., Wadley

Described by Bulldogs coach Dake Rivers as possibly “the best athlete in Class 1A,” Robertson is a dual threat at wide receiver and safety. Wadley plans to get the first-team all-state athlete around 10 touches per game, recognizing his quick-strike scoring ability. On defense, Robertson is approaching the Alabama state record for career interceptions, making him a game-changer on both sides.

Carson Rutledge, jr., Brantley

Rutledge uses his speed and agility to stretch the field vertically for the Bulldogs. Coach Andrew Lowery noted his receiver’s reliable hands and tackle-breaking ability after the catch. Rutledge also excels as a defensive back, covering significant ground in the secondary.

Demon Spraddling, sr., Wadley

Bulldogs coach Dake Rivers describes Spraddling as “electric with the ball in his hands.” Spraddling will serve as a wide receiver and backup quarterback (behind his twin brother, Damarious) and will play cornerback on defense.

Julius Sylvester, sr., Brantley

Size and speed make Sylvester a matchup problem for opposing defenses, particularly in vertical passing situations. Bulldogs coach Andrew Lowery also highlights his effectiveness in coverage and run support on defense, making Sylvester a valuable two-way contributor.

Zamerre Taylor, jr., Fruitdale

This will be Taylor’s first year playing football, but Pirates coach Lane Brown is excited about his potential. Described as “a big kid” with “great size and speed,” Taylor has shown his commitment by being in the weight room “any time it has been open.” The junior will split time between wide receiver and defensive end.

Max Westbrook, sr., Berry

Westbrook brings production on both sides of the ball, recording 28 catches for 331 yards and adding 72 tackles and four interceptions as a defensive back in 2024. His all-around game makes him one of the classification’s most complete players.

Judah Wilkins, so., Addison

Despite being a freshman last season, Wilkins earned a starting role and proved his versatility with 10 receptions for 206 yards and two touchdowns, plus 20 rushes for 92 yards. Bulldogs coach Mark Hastings describes him as “one of the most talented players on the team with great vision, speed, strength and exceptional hands.”

Kristofer Witherspoon, sr., Pickens County

Witherspoon was a reliable red zone target last season, turning 21 receptions into 229 yards and five touchdowns. He also contributed 48 tackles, showcasing his versatility and rooting himself as a key two-way player for the Tornadoes.

Cory Yelder, jr., Leroy

After emerging as a significant receiving threat last season, Yelder is expected to form a dangerous duo with teammate Josh Reed. His continued development will be central to the Bears’ offensive success in 2025.

For complete coverage of Alabama high school football, including schedules, scores, recruiting news and additional player spotlights, visit AL.com’s high school sports section throughout the season.