Overlooked 2024 Florida receivers to watch this season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Electricity is in the air – the 2023 high school football season has begun. Across the country, players that have been putting their heart and soul into their game over the spring and summer months are now showcasing their skills for fans, family, and college scouts all while putting wins on the board.
Out of the Sunshine State, the following is a listing of some of the 2024 under the radar receivers to watch for this fall.
Jay’vier Johnson (6-4, 193) – Atlantic – Delray Beach
The Details: Johnson spent his junior season at The Benjamin School but is lacing up his cleats with Atlantic this fall. With the Buccaneers, Johnson played receiver and defensive end but will be highlighted with the Eagles in the passing attack. Offers have come in from Bethune-Cookman, Charlotte, South Florida, and Wright State with a mid-June visit to Illinois.
AJ Howard (6-0, 160) – Edgewater – Orlando
The Details: In a loaded receiver corps, Howard led the Eagles in receptions (22) and receiving yards (335) last fall. With a couple of seniors matriculating to the next level, Howard is set for a big senior season. The speed for Howard was utilized on special teams returning 10 kicks for 234 yards while taking five punts the other way for 55 more yards. Next level opportunities are there for Howard with Bethune-Cookman, Lake Erie, Massachusetts, Middle Tennessee, Richmond, South Dakota, UCF, and Wofford after him.
Latrell Taylor (6-2, 185) – Gaither – Tampa
The Details: Gaither was loaded a year ago on offense, but Taylor still stood out hauling in 39 passes for 667 yards with seven trips to the end zone. Taylor will have another season to shine for college coaches using his size and speed as mismatches. In the season opener for the Cowboys, Taylor secured four for 52 yards. UCF, South Florida, Florida, and Georgetown were among the teams to work with Taylor over the summer in a camp setting. Florida Atlantic, New Hampshire, Western Kentucky, Tennessee-Martin, Rhode Island, and Bowling Green are among the teams making a push for the 2024 prospect.
Fadrelle Andrus (6-2, 170) – Palmetto – Miami
The Details: Andrus picked up a ring during his junior season playing with Columbus. Contributing to the state championship run, Andrus produced 420 yards off 24 receptions with five scores. Playing in Palmetto’s offense, Andrus has the opportunity to pile on the stats in ’23. Akron, Bowling Green, Florida International, Marshall, and Tennessee-Martin have laid down offers with interest coming in from Wake Forest, Coastal Carolina, and Middle Tennessee.
Cris Thornton (6-6, 190) – Stranahan – Fort Lauderdale
With Hykeem Williams playing for Florida State this season, Thornton has the chance to be the go-to guy for the Mighty Dragons. Thornton has the wingspan, jumping skills, and hands to be a deadly red zone threat at the next level. His size screams chain mover in a collegiate offense. More game film is needed to move Thornton up boards. Offers are in from Akron, Bowling Green, and MTI Prep.
Javon Reid (6-0, 180) – Palmetto – Homestead
The Details: Reid started his Florida varsity career with Somerset Academy as a freshman making the move to Miami-Palmetto for his junior campaign. Last season with the Panthers, Reid was part of a four-headed receiver corps working against 4M competition that produced 1,990 total receiving yards. Reid secured 11 passes for 146 yards with two touchdowns. With two senior receivers graduating (Barney and Bohler) from the ’22 roster, Reid is in position to better showcase his overall skills. Akron, Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, and Grambling State have dropped scholarship opportunities.
CJ Bragg (5-11, 165) – Cocoa – Cocoa
The Details: Asked to do a little bit of everything for the Tigers, Bragg delivered throughout his junior season. Cocoa used Bragg at quarterback to close out big wins after Blake Boda was on the sidelines, and they fed him the rock in the passing game. Bragg caught 23 for 339 with seven receiving touchdowns, carried the rock for 65 yards off 10 totes with a score, and hit 2-of-3 attempts for 15 yards. Besides piling up the yards on offense, Bragg also split time on kickoffs and return kicks taking five back for 71 yards. Navy and Air Force have offered Bragg. The Tigers have another talented arm spreading the ball around this season in Brady Hart, which should mean a big season ahead for Bragg.