College football has always been a stage for explosive wide receivers. They bring the speed, athleticism, and highlight plays that define the modern game. Yet the greatness of a receiver unit is never about one player alone. It’s about depth, versatility, and the constant pressure a defense faces when multiple playmakers are on the field at once.
The question is what makes these groups truly special. Is it the pure talent, the quarterback delivering the ball, or the offensive system that maximizes their skills? The truth is that it usually takes all three. A dominant wide receiver core doesn’t guarantee a championship, but it can transform an offense and elevate a program into something unforgettable.
This list looks back at the ten best wide receiver units in college football history. These are the groups that not only piled up stats and wins but also left a lasting impact on how the position is viewed at the highest level of the sport.
LSU 2019
Wide Receivers: Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, Terrance Marshall, Trey Palmer
NFL Draft Picks: 6
NFL Draft Picks 1st & 2nd Round: 3
Pro Bowlers: 2
Quarterback: Joe Burrow
When you talk about elite wide receiver cores, the conversation has to start with the 2019 LSU Tigers. This group featured two future NFL All-Pros in Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, who are now widely considered among the very best receivers in the league.
Chase and Jefferson formed as dominant a duo as college football has ever seen, and they were paired with Joe Burrow, arguably the best quarterback on this entire list. That combination powered LSU to one of the greatest single seasons in the history of the sport. The Tigers went 15–0, captured a national championship, and shattered offensive records that may never be touched.
Having two future NFL superstar wideouts on the same roster is rare. Pair them with a Heisman-winning quarterback and you have one of the most unstoppable passing attacks the game has ever seen. Jefferson finished the year with 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns, while Chase exploded for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns, winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver.
And it wasn’t just a two-man show. Terrace Marshall, then only a sophomore, hauled in 13 touchdowns and was later selected in the second round of the NFL Draft. Trey Palmer, a future sixth-round pick, played a rotational role, while Racey McMath (another sixth-round pick) added valuable depth.
The talent pipeline didn’t stop there. Just one year later, LSU welcomed Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., two more future NFL standouts, further proving that this era of Tiger receivers set a new standard for the position.
Ohio State 2021
Wide Receivers: Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxson Smith, Emeka Egbuka, Marvin Harrison Jr
NFL Draft Picks: 5
NFL Draft Picks 1st & 2nd Round: 5
Pro Bowlers: 1 (So Far)
Quarterback: CJ Stroud
The 2021 Ohio State Buckeyes might have had the deepest wide receiver room in college football history. Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson were already established stars and future first-round picks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba would break Rose Bowl records with 347 yards against Utah. And behind them were two more names who would eventually become household stars in the NFL: Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr.
This wasn’t just a great duo or trio. This was a five-man rotation of NFL-level talent, with the potential for multiple future All-Pros. It’s not far-fetched to say this group could ultimately produce five Pro Bowl wideouts once their NFL careers play out.
The numbers alone don’t even tell the full story. Olave finished with 65 catches and 13 touchdowns, Wilson added 70 catches and 12 scores, and Smith-Njigba led the team with 95 receptions for 1,606 yards. All three are now first-round NFL draft picks, with Harrison Jr. expected to join them as a top-five selection.
Led by C.J. Stroud, another future NFL star, this Buckeye offense went 11–2 in 2021. While they didn’t capture a national championship, the raw talent of this receiver room was unmatched. In fact, Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams was still on the roster in 2020 before transferring to Alabama, which means Ohio State nearly had six future Pro Bowl receivers in the same program at once.
Simply put, this was as close as college football has come to an NFL wide receiver roster.
Miami 2000
Wide Receivers: Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson, Santana Moss, Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Wilsow
NFL Draft Picks: 5
NFL Draft Picks 1st & 2nd Round: 5
Pro Bowlers: 5
Quarterback: Ken Dorsey
The 2000 Miami Hurricanes featured one of the most talented wide receiver rooms in college football history. Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson were future All-Pro NFL receivers, leading a group that also included the explosive Santana Moss, a deep-threat specialist who could change a game with a single play. Wayne was a model route runner who almost never dropped a ball. Johnson was a physical nightmare for other teams at 6'4 230, he actually won the Big East 100 meter sprint in college. Wayne, Johnson, Moss, Shockey and Winslow were all 1st round NFL draft picks.
Wayne, Johnson, and Moss rank among the top 50 in NFL history for receiving yards at #10, #11, and #45. Together they produced 2,864 receptions, nearly 39,000 yards, and 221 touchdowns at the professional level. This kind of NFL-caliber production from a single college receiving corps is nearly unmatched.
Quarterback Ken Dorsey orchestrated the offense, setting the stage for Miami’s passing attack and later leading the Hurricanes to a national championship in 2001. While the 2000 team did not win it all, the sheer talent and depth of this receiving unit left a lasting mark on college football and set a standard for wide receiver excellence.
Both tight ends Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow would go on to be Pro Bowl players in the NFL.
This was a room defined by future NFL stars, explosive playmakers, and a level of production that few programs in history can match.
Alabama 2018
Wide Receivers: Henry Ruggs III, Devontea Smith, Jerry Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle, Irv Smith Jr
NFL Draft Picks: 5
1st & 2nd Round Picks: 5
Pro Bowlers: 1
Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa
The 2018 Alabama Crimson Tide featured one of the fastest wide receiver rooms in college football history. This group went 14-1 and powered a record-breaking passing offense behind quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, a future first-round pick who threw for 3,996 yards and 43 touchdowns that season.
Jerry Jeudy, the main target, led the way with 1,315 yards and 14 touchdowns. Henry Ruggs III added 741 yards and 11 touchdowns, showcasing his game-breaking speed. Freshman Jaylen Waddle made an immediate impact with 848 yards and 7 touchdowns, while DeVonta Smith contributed 693 yards and 6 scores. Together, they formed a versatile and explosive receiving unit that could stretch any defense vertically and horizontally.
Irv Smith Jr., the 6-foot-4 tight end and future second-round NFL pick, added another weapon for the Crimson Tide, giving Alabama a dimension that complemented the speed and skill of its wide receivers.
This room was defined by unmatched speed, precision route running, and NFL-level talent. Few college programs have ever had a receiving corps capable of impacting a game in so many ways.
USC 2019
Wide Receivers: Michael Pittman, Amon Ra St Brown, Drake London, Tyler Vaughns, Velus Jones
NFL Draft Picks: 6
1st & 2nd Round Picks: 2
Pro Bowlers: 1
Quarterback: Kedon Slovis
The 2019 USC Trojans featured a wide receiver room loaded with future NFL talent. Michael Pittman, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Drake London led the way, with Tyler Vaughns and Velus Jones providing additional depth and production. Pittman and St. Brown are already established stars in the NFL, while London is showing signs of becoming a top-level receiver.
Despite their talent, this group was often limited by inconsistent quarterback play, both in college and now in the NFL. Even so, the trio of Pittman, St. Brown, and London has shown they have the skills to succeed at the highest level. Amon-Ra St. Brown in particular has emerged as one of the best wideouts in the league, while Drake London has proven capable of being a team’s number one target.
USC 2019 may not have had the same record-breaking stats as the Alabama 2018 group, but the sheer talent and NFL potential in this receiving room make it one of the most impressive in recent college football history.
LSU 2011
Wide Receivers: Odell Beckam, Jarvis Landry, Ruben Randle
NFL Draft Picks: 2
1st & 2nd Round Picks: 3
Pro Bowlers: 2
Quarterback: Jarrett Lee
The 2011 LSU Tigers fielded a wide receiver group that combined youth, talent, and NFL potential. The rotation featured Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, and Rueben Randle, with Russell Shepard adding versatility as a hybrid weapon. Two future Pro Bowlers, Beckham and Landry, would go on to form one of the most productive duos in NFL history, giving this unit historic pedigree.
Rueben Randle was the established playmaker during the season, finishing with 917 yards and eight touchdowns while serving as the Tigers’ primary target. Beckham, a freshman, showed flashes of the elite route-running and explosiveness that would later define his NFL career. Landry, also in his first year of significant action, contributed in a smaller role but was clearly a rising star. Shepard, a former five-star recruit, provided value as a gadget player who could line up in multiple spots and create mismatches.
The Tigers were led by head coach Les Miles and played their home games at Tiger Stadium. They went 13-1 overall and 8-0 in SEC play, capturing the Western Division and then the SEC Championship with a decisive 42-10 win over Georgia. Ranked number one in the final BCS poll, LSU earned a berth in the national title game after beating Alabama 9-6 in the regular season. The rematch ended differently, as Alabama shut LSU out 21-0 in the BCS National Championship Game—the only shutout in the history of the BCS.
While the season ended in disappointment, the presence of Beckham, Landry, and Randle gave LSU one of the most talented receiver rooms in school history. With three early-round draft picks and two eventual Pro Bowlers, this unit helped fuel a 13-1 campaign that remains one of the most dominant regular seasons of the modern era.
Clemson 2012
Wide Receivers: DeAndre Hopkins, Sammy Watkins, Martavis Bryant, Jaron Brown, Charone Peake
NFL Draft Picks: 5
1st & 2nd Round Picks: 2
Pro Bowlers: 2
Quarterback: Tajh Boyd
The 2012 Clemson Tigers featured a historic collection of wide receiver talent, blending elite star power with remarkable depth. The group was led by DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins, both future NFL first-round picks and Pro Bowlers, supported by Martavis Bryant, Jaron Brown, and Charone Peake. Together they created matchup nightmares for opposing defenses and powered one of the most explosive offenses in school history.
Hopkins delivered one of the greatest individual seasons ever by a Clemson receiver, finishing with 1,405 yards and 18 touchdowns in his junior campaign, setting a new school record. His body control, contested catch ability, and consistency made him nearly impossible to defend. Watkins, though limited by injuries early in the season, still produced 805 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore, flashing the speed and route-running precision that would later make him an NFL star. Bryant contributed 305 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore, showcasing his combination of size and deep-play ability.
The supporting cast gave Clemson enviable balance. Jaron Brown provided leadership and steady production as a senior, while young receivers like Charone Peake and Adam Humphries added depth and versatility off the bench. With so many options, the Tigers were able to maintain a high level of production even when key players were slowed by injuries or covered heavily by defenses.
This group thrived within offensive coordinator Chad Morris’s up-tempo spread system, which was designed to get the ball into the hands of playmakers quickly and often. Quarterback Tajh Boyd was the perfect trigger man, throwing for over 3,800 yards and 36 touchdowns while spreading the ball across his arsenal of weapons. The presence of All-ACC running back Andre Ellington and tight end Brandon Ford added further stress for defenses, ensuring that opposing coordinators could not key solely on the receivers.
Clemson finished the season 11-2, including a win over LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, marking the program’s first 11-win season since 1981. They averaged 41 points per game, set a school record with 12 straight home victories, and cemented themselves as Atlantic Division co-champions alongside Florida State. Although they missed out on the ACC Championship Game, the 2012 Tigers established themselves as a true national power, with their wide receiver unit standing at the heart of their success.
Clemson 2017-2018
Wide Receivers: Tee Higgins, Hunter Renfrow, Ray-Ray McCloud, Amari Rodgers, Cornell Powell, Deon Cain
NFL Draft Picks: 6
1st & 2nd Round Picks: 3
Pro Bowlers: 1
Quarterback: Trevor Lawrence
The 2017 and 2018 Clemson Tigers featured one of the deepest and most balanced wide receiver groups in college football. Even with the loss of leading receiver Mike Williams and veteran leader Artavis Scott, the Tigers reloaded with a rotation that included Tee Higgins, Hunter Renfrow, Ray-Ray McCloud, Amari Rodgers, Cornell Powell, and Deon Cain. They went 12-2 in 2017 with six future NFL receivers on the roster, a rare level of depth that gave the offense options at every level of the field.
Deon Cain emerged as the top target in 2017 with 734 yards and six touchdowns. Hunter Renfrow remained a steady slot presence, contributing over 600 yards and three scores. Ray-Ray McCloud added more than 500 yards, and a young Tee Higgins flashed his future stardom with 345 yards at over 20 yards per catch. Rodgers and Powell rounded out the rotation, giving the Tigers reliable depth even when injuries hit key players.
By 2018, Higgins had fully broken out as the go-to playmaker with 936 yards and 12 touchdowns. Renfrow continued to serve as a dependable chain-mover in big games, while Rodgers, Powell, and others provided valuable support. The group’s ability to thrive no matter who was on the field reflected just how much talent Clemson had accumulated at wide receiver.
This corps not only helped Clemson to a 12-2 record in 2017 but also set the stage for the national championship run that followed under Trevor Lawrence. With six future NFL draft picks, including three in the first two rounds, this unit stands as one of the most gifted and balanced receiver groups in program history.
Ole Miss 2018
Wide Receivers: Aj Brown, DK Metcalf, Elijah Moore, Braylon Sanders, DaMarkus Lodge
1st & 2nd Round Picks: 3
NFL Draft Picks: 3
Pro Bowlers: 2
Quarterback: Jordan Ta'amu
The 2018 Ole Miss Rebels had one of the most talented wide receiver rooms ever assembled, even if their overall record did not reflect it. Branded the “NWO” (Nasty Wide Outs), the group featured future NFL stars A.J. Brown and D.K. Metcalf, along with veteran DaMarkus Lodge and young contributors Elijah Moore and Braylon Sanders.
Brown, an All-American, led the SEC with 1,320 receiving yards and added 6 touchdowns, setting single-season school records for receptions and yardage. Metcalf, a future first-round pick, chipped in 564 yards and 5 scores despite an injury-shortened season. Lodge provided steady production with 698 yards and 7 touchdowns, while Moore and Sanders flashed the talent that would carry them into larger roles in the years ahead.
Together, Brown, Metcalf, and Lodge combined for nearly 2,600 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns, making Ole Miss one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the nation. Despite finishing just 5-7, the Rebels’ receivers struck fear into SEC defenses every week and proved to be one of the most gifted collections of talent in recent memory.
This unit is remembered for producing two of the best wideouts of the modern NFL era in Brown and Metcalf, while also laying the foundation for Elijah Moore’s rise. Few receiver groups in history combined this level of star power, production, and future success.
Ohio State 2005
Wide Receivers: Santonio Holmes, Ted Ginn Jr, Antonio Gonzalez, Brian Hartline, Brian Robiskie
1st & 2nd Round Picks: 3
NFL Draft Picks: 4
Pro Bowlers: 2
Quarterback: Troy Smith
The 2005 Ohio State Buckeyes featured a remarkably deep and versatile wide receiver corps led by Santonio Holmes and Ted Ginn Jr., one of the most electric duos in program history. Holmes was the reliable go-to target, finishing the season with 53 receptions for 977 yards and 11 touchdowns. Ginn, known for his blazing speed, added more than 800 receiving yards while also making his mark as one of the most dynamic return men in college football.
What set this group apart was its balance. Holmes provided polished route running and consistency, Ginn brought elite speed and game-changing ability, and the supporting cast of Anthony Gonzalez, Brian Hartline, Brian Robiskie, and Roy Hall gave quarterback Troy Smith a wide array of weapons. Gonzalez developed into a dependable slot presence, while Hartline and Robiskie went on to become NFL draft picks, with Hartline later establishing himself as one of the top wide receiver coaches in the country.
The long-term accomplishments of this unit speak for themselves. Holmes became a Super Bowl MVP with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ginn enjoyed a 14-year NFL career as one of the league’s fastest players, and Gonzalez went on to serve in the U.S. Congress after his playing days. Collectively, this group showcased speed, physicality, route-running precision, and depth that made Ohio State’s offense one of the most feared in the nation.
This was not just a talented receiver room, but a group that combined college production, NFL longevity, and even off-field legacy, cementing its place among the all-time greats.
Honorable Mention College Football Wide Receiver Cores of All Time
Michigan 2004
Players: Braylon Edwards, Steve Breaston, Jason Avant, Adrian Arrington
1st & 2nd Round Picks: 3
NFL Draft Picks: 3
Pro Bowlers: 2
Quarterback: Chad Henne
This unit was led by Biletnikoff Award winner Braylon Edwards and supported by versatile playmakers Jason Avant and Steve Breaston, with Adrian Arrington providing additional depth. Edwards was the clear number one receiver, putting together a legendary season with 97 receptions for 1,330 yards. He dominated with size, athleticism, and precise route-running, making him a matchup nightmare for any defense and setting school records for career catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
Jason Avant served as a dependable possession receiver who could work the middle of the field, move the chains, and contribute as a blocker, stretching defenses and complementing Edwards’s dominance. Steve Breaston added speed and agility as a slot receiver and dynamic return man, creating problems for defenses with his versatility in the passing game and special teams. Together, this group powered one of the most explosive passing offenses in Michigan history.
While Edwards’s performance stood out nationally, Avant and Breaston also made significant contributions and later enjoyed productive NFL careers. The combination of star power, complementary skills, and depth made the 2004 Michigan receiver corps one of the most formidable units of the BCS era.
Florida State 1999
Players: Peter Warrick, Anquan Boldin, Laverneus Coles, Ron Dugans, Snoop Minnis, Talman Gardner
1st & 2nd Round Picks: 3
NFL Draft Picks: 3
Pro Bowlers: 2
Quarterback: Chris Weinke
Just stacked with talented they had 1 first round pick, 1 second round pick, 3 third round picks and a 7th round pick. Just a freshman at the time Anquan Boldin would go on to be the best player of the group.
The 1999 Florida State Seminoles featured one of the most talented wide receiver units in college football history, nicknamed "The Unit." The group was led by superstar Peter Warrick, a versatile and dynamic playmaker who excelled as a receiver, punt returner, and occasional rusher, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Warrick was complemented by Laveranues Coles and Anquan Boldin, who brought size, speed, and precise route-running to the offense.
This group formed the backbone of an undefeated, national championship-winning team under quarterback Troy Smith. Each receiver contributed in unique ways, creating mismatches at every level of the field. Boldin provided a physical presence downfield, Warrick added explosive speed, and Coles offered precise route-running and reliable hands.
All three players continued their success at the professional level. Boldin became a standout NFL receiver, contributing to three different Super Bowl contenders, while Warrick and Coles also enjoyed productive careers in the league. The 1999 Florida State receiving corps combined star power, depth, and versatility, cementing its place as one of the most dominant groups in college football history.
Oklahoma 2013
Players: Ceedee Lamb, Hollywood Brown, and Mark Andrews
1st & 2nd Round Picks: 3
NFL Draft Picks: 3
Pro Bowlers: 2
Quarterback: Blake Bell
The 2013 Oklahoma Sooners featured one of the most explosive wide receiver units in college football, led by Ceedee Lamb, Hollywood Brown, and tight end Mark Andrews. Lamb and Brown formed a dynamic duo that drew national attention, combining speed, route-running, and big-play ability that put constant pressure on opposing secondaries. Lamb would go on to become a first-round NFL pick and is now the go-to receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. Brown also carved out a successful NFL career as a deep threat and playmaker.
Mark Andrews added a powerful dimension to the passing game as a physical tight end with reliable hands and the ability to win contested catches. His presence gave Oklahoma a multi-dimensional attack and forced defenses to account for both vertical threats and tough possession targets.
Quarterback Blake Bell effectively distributed the ball to the trio, and the group’s chemistry helped Oklahoma finish the season 11-2. The combination of Lamb, Brown, and Andrews showcased extraordinary talent and versatility, making this receiver corps one of the most talented in recent Sooners history.
Miami 1986
Players: Michael Irvin, Brett Perriman, Brian Blades
1st & 2nd Round Picks: 3
NFL Draft Picks: 3
Pro Bowlers: 2
Quarterback: Vinny Testaverde
The 1986 Miami Hurricanes featured one of the most explosive and powerful wide receiver rooms in college football history. The trio of Michael Irvin, Brett Perriman, and Brian Blades provided quarterback Vinny Testaverde with a dynamic set of weapons that challenged any defense. Irvin led the team with 53 receptions for 868 yards, Perriman added 34 catches for 647 yards, and Blades contributed 18 receptions for 392 yards.
Irvin was the standout playmaker, combining size, speed, and toughness to dominate games. Perriman offered a smooth, reliable target, while Blades brought experience and consistency. Together, they created mismatches that helped Miami’s offense operate at a high level all season.
Under third-year head coach Jimmy Johnson, the Hurricanes played their home games at the Miami Orange Bowl and outscored opponents 420 to 136. Miami defeated the defending national champion and top-ranked Oklahoma Sooners 28 to 16, completing an undefeated regular season at 11-0. Ranked number one heading into the postseason, the Hurricanes earned a Fiesta Bowl berth but fell 14-10 to undefeated Penn State. They finished the season 11-1 and ranked second in the final AP poll.
This receiver corps combined elite talent with professional potential, and along with Testaverde at quarterback, helped define Miami as a national powerhouse during the 1980s. Irvin and Perriman would go on to long NFL careers, and Blades also enjoyed a successful professional tenure.
Notre Dame 2008
Players: Golden Tate, Kyle Rudolph, Michael Floyd
1st & 2nd Round Picks: 3
NFL Draft Picks: 3
Pro Bowlers: 2
Quarterback: Jimmy Clausen
The 2008 version of the Golden Domers featured one of the most talented wide receiver groups in school history. The team was led by Golden Tate, Michael Floyd, and tight end Kyle Rudolph, providing quarterback Jimmy Clausen with multiple top-tier targets. Tate and Floyd brought complementary skill sets, while Rudolph added a dominant presence in the middle of the field.
Golden Tate had a breakout sophomore season, catching 58 passes for 1,080 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns. He recorded 18 receptions of at least 20 yards and 15 that went for 30 yards or more. Known for his instincts and athleticism, Tate could make spectacular contested catches and create big plays, a skill sharpened by his experience as a multi-sport athlete in high school. Michael Floyd contributed 719 yards and seven touchdowns despite missing two games due to injury. His size and physicality allowed him to consistently create separation and remain a deep threat for the Irish.
Tight end Kyle Rudolph complemented the receivers with his 6-foot-6 frame and reliable hands, giving Clausen a versatile option in the passing game. Additional contributors like Duval Kamara provided depth and flexibility in the slot, ensuring the offense could maintain production even when facing tight coverage.
The 2008 Notre Dame team struggled to finish the season, going 7-6 under head coach Charlie Weis, but the talent at wide receiver was undeniable. Tate and Floyd emerged as the team’s primary weapons, each offering unique abilities that made covering them a constant challenge. Both players would go on to have successful NFL careers, cementing this group as one of the most gifted receiving units in Notre Dame history.
Santa Monica Community College 1997
Players: Chad Johnson (Ocho Cinco), Steve Smith
1st & 2nd Round Picks: 1
NFL Draft Picks: 2
Pro Bowlers: 2
The 1997 Santa Monica Corsairs may not have been a powerhouse program, but their wide receiver room was unmatched at the junior college level. The team featured two future NFL Pro Bowlers in Chad Johnson, later known as Ocho Cinco, and Steve Smith, who would both go on to star in the league. Together, they formed what is often regarded as the greatest JUCO wide receiver duo of all time.
Smith quickly stood out after arriving at Santa Monica, earning a starting spot and showing the competitiveness and toughness that would define his career. Johnson transferred in 1997 and immediately became a dynamic playmaker, giving the Corsairs a pair of receivers that shocked fans who never expected to see this level of talent at a community college.
The duo benefited from the steady guidance of head coach Robert Taylor, who emphasized discipline, education, and humility. Taylor encouraged Smith and Johnson to avoid showboating, focus on their academics, and use football as a path to earn Division I scholarships. Smith took this advice seriously, never missing a day of class while refining his craft on the field.
Both players later transferred to Division I programs before achieving long NFL careers. Johnson became one of the league’s most charismatic and productive wideouts, while Smith established himself as one of the toughest and most relentless receivers of his generation.
Santa Monica’s 1997 receiver corps stands as a reminder that elite football talent can come from anywhere. At the JUCO level, no group has ever matched the combination of star power and eventual NFL success that Johnson and Smith provided.
Junipero Serra (Gardena) High School 2009
Wide Receivers: Robert Woods, Marquise Lee, Paul Richardson, George Farmer
1st & 2nd Round Picks: 3
NFL Draft Picks: 4
Pro Bowlers: 0
At the high school level, few receiving corps can match the sheer talent of the 2009 Junípero Serra Cavaliers. Their wide receiver room featured Robert Woods, Marqise Lee, Paul Richardson, and George Farmer, a quartet of nationally ranked prospects who would all go on to play Division I football and reach the NFL.
Three of the four, Woods, Lee, and Farmer, were rated as five-star recruits, while Richardson was a highly regarded four-star. Woods became a standout at USC and went on to carve out a long NFL career. Lee, also a Trojan, won the Biletnikoff Award in 2012 as the nation’s top receiver. Richardson emerged as a reliable deep threat at Colorado before being drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft. Farmer, the most highly touted of the group, unfortunately battled injuries throughout his college and professional career, preventing him from reaching his full potential.
In total, the group produced four NFL draft picks, including three taken in the first two rounds. While none became Pro Bowlers, their recruiting pedigree and eventual college impact made this one of the most stacked high school wide receiver rooms ever assembled.
Had all four attended the same college program together, this unit might have appeared on a list of the greatest college wide receiver groups of all time. Even at the high school level, the 2009 Serra receivers remain a legendary collection of talent.
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