LEGACY WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Leaving A Mark

Leaving behind a legacy means more than just people remembering your name. For these WRs/TEs, it has meant/does mean that the kids sitting in the stands want to be like them, and while the numbers and stats are important, they aren’t everything. When we may not be able to recall their statistical prowess, we’ll still remember the fact that they got it done on the field under the Fright Night Lights.

CRITERIA

Years of Eligibility – C/O 2010-Present
Schools of Eligibility – Blitz territory only: Banks, Commerce, Dawson, Habersham, Jefferson, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White
Statistical Threshold – MUST include a minimum of 1,500 receiving yards and/or 20 total TD, AND at least 2 years as the starting WR/TE.
Ranked – by receiving yards (tie-breaker receiving TD). NOTE: This is not in order of the best WRs, just a rank by yardage first.

#1 · Jaden Gibson

Rabun County c/o 2023
5,124 REC YDS, 59 TD (62 Total TD)

Jaden Gibson was a great pass-catcher for two seasons at Dawson County, but he QUICKLY took it to a whole new dimension when going to play with Gunner Stockton and Rabun County. He had back-to-back-to-back near or 200-yard games (184, 197, 202), including a 3 TD performance against Pace Academy on ESPN to open his junior season. Gibson has 6 career 200-yard games, which is an elite figure in state history that few have ever seen. He led the state in all classifications in yards for much of his junior year. He put up a then career-high 260 yards against Banks County in 2021, which is 12th most in state history. He also had 238 in the second round of the playoffs against Jeff Davis. His junior season saw him put up the 2nd-most yards (1,878) in a single season in state history, and tied for 15th in a single season with 19 TD. Gibson is one of a few in history to eclipse 3,000 career yards and 30 TD as a wide receiver. He opened his senior campaign with a new career-best 273 yards and 4 TD in Week One. After plenty of big games throughout the season, on October 14 at Elbert County, he hauled in 13 catches for another new career-high of 285 yards (8th most in state history) and 4 TD. His 3rd TD of the game gave him the state’s all-time yardage record, and his 4th TD gave him the receiving TD record. He now stands alone at the top of both lists all time in Georgia history. In the state second round win over Social Circle, Gibson had a 201-yd, 2-TD performance and added a rushing TD. His final game, a quarterfinals loss at Swainsboro, including his 29th TD receiving on the year, a new single-season state record, and closed his career with 5,124 rec yds and 59 receiving TD. His senior year had a final tally of 1,950 receiving yards (2nd most in single-season in GA history) and 29 TD (1st) on 109 receptions.

#2 · Blake Gowder

Union County c/o 2010
4,002 REC YDS, 41 TD

Gowder was unstoppable at Union County. His senior year saw him go for 72 receptions for 1,237 yards and 14 TD. His 4,002 receiving yards still ranks third in state history (as it did when he graduated). As good as that senior year was, his junior year was better – 77 rec, 1,423 yds. He closed with 225 career receptions, 4,002 yards, and 41 TD. His TD total was the state career record until 2017. Gowder went on to play at Vanderbilt.

#3 · Braxton Hicks

Rabun County c/o 2020
3,490 REC YDS, 46 TD

Hicks left Rabun County as the state’s all-time leader in career TD catches. His career was spectacular, as he hauled in 183 catches for 3,490 yards and 46 TD. He averaged 19.1 yards per reception, and had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons as a junior and senior. His TD totals from freshman to senior year were 8-12-14-12, and he averaged 67.1 yards per game (9.3.5 as a senior). Hicks went on to play at UGA.

#4 · Tavarres King

Habersham Central c/o 2008
3,270 REC YDS, 37 TD

TK is the standard that every receiver in the North Georgia area tried to model themselves after. He was the man for quite awhile. His 37 career TD was the state record for a couple of years before Blake Gowder (above) surpassed him, and later Braxton Hicks (above). TK had a monster senior season, catching 100 passes for 1,641 yards. King had a brilliant career at UGA, and went on to play several seasons in the NFL, even catching a crucial TD pass for the New York Giants from Eli Manning in a playoff game.

#5 · Sawyer Drake

Union County c/o 2020
2,829 REC YDS, 27 TD

Sawyer Drake’s career at Union was marked with consistency. He simply was reliable as a target and was good for 2,829 yards and 27 total over an outstanding career for the Panthers.

#6 · Charlie Woerner

Rabun County c/o 2016
2,703 REC YDS, 30 TD

Woerner, who went on to a solid career as a TE at UGA and eventually to the NFL (49ers), is the most unique on this list as he also is a Legendary RB. He was a hybrid who had nearly identical stats as a runner (2,358-36) as a pass-catcher (2,703-30). He topped 1,000 total yards in 3 straight seasons at Rabun. Oh, by the way, Charlie also had 428 career tackles and 12 INT. Unbelievable talent. His stat line as a receiver was 2,703 yards and 30 TD.

#7 · Sam Gilbert

Union County c/o 2016
2,347 REC YDS, 19 TD

Sam Gilbert was a reliable target for Joseph Mancuso, as his career was tied closely to his. The WR caught 19 TD passes for a total of 2,347 yards.

#8 · Austin Jones

Rabun County c/o 2019
2,282 REC YDS, 24 TD

Austin Jones was the Swiss Army Knife. He was all-purpose, gathering well over 1,200 yards in punt and kick returns, had 354 career tackles, and 10 career INT. He hauled in 2,282 yards at the receiver position, and scored 24 times as a WR alone. Jones was one of two on this list (Braxton Hicks) to catch TDs from both GOATS, Bailey Fisher and Gunner Stockton. He went on to play at Furman University.

#9 · Cam Lacy

Stephens County c/o 2023
2,264 REC YDS, 22 TD (32 total TD)

The Stephens County standout was a homerun threat every time he touched the ball. He could change a game in an instant in the return game, running game, on defense, or most of all at the WR position. He tallied 2,264 yards and 22 TD, but added 238 rushing yards and 4 TD, and had 6 kick/punt return TDs and 1,270 K/P return yards. In Lacy’s senior year, the 3-star recruit put up 857 receiving yards and a career-high 11 receiving TD as well as 3 kick return TDs.

#10 · Darius Cannon

White County/Gainesville c/o 2023
2,249 REC YDS, 28 TD (36 total TD)

Darius Cannon burst onto the scene as a sophomore in 2020, tallying 734 receiving yards and 10 TD, and even adding a rushing score and 78 yards on the ground. He also had 204 kick/punt return yards and a TD that year and 5 interceptions (24 TKL, 3 TFL). In 2021, he had 785 receiving yards and 9 TD, adding 211 rushing yards and a TD, and had 4 kickoff returns for TDs, giving him 14 total TDs that season. Canon, fresh off his 3-star recruit status, left for Gainesville prior to his senior 2022 season.

#11 · Adriel Clark

Rabun County c/o 2021
2,200 REC YDS, 43 TD

Adriel Clark had about the most ridiculous season a WR could have – 1,557 yards and 28 TD (a state record that was held previously at 27 for over 10 years). He was an All-State talent even before going from Riverside Military to Rabun County, but it certainly helped to play with Gunner Stockton and the Cats. He went on to play at East Tennessee State University.

#12 · Bruce Clark

Dawson County c/o 2013
2,200 REC YDS, 30 TD

Bruce Clark was the first big pass-catcher Dawson truly had. He helped kickstart the golden age of Tigers football. He hauled in 2,200 yards and 30 TDs, and was the favorite target for one of the program’s best in Tyler Dominy. He went on to play at Shorter University.

#13 · Jacob Rogers

Union County c/o 2015
1,945 REC YDS, 25 TD

Jacob Rogers closed his career with close to 2K yards, coming in at 1,945. He was a dynamic receiver who tallied 25 total TD receptions for Union County.

#14 · Jim Barnett

Habersham Central c/o 2018
1,856 REC YDS, 14 TD

Barnett had a split career of two years at Gainesville sandwiched between years at Habersham Central. He had a stellar junior and senior year, and finished with 1,856 in the yardage and had 14 scores.

#15 · Dakohta Sonnichsen

Dawson County c/o 2021
1,840 REC YDS, 17 TD

Dakohta Sonnichsen was a do-it-all player for Dawson County. He finished with 1,834 yards in the receiving department, complete with 17 career TD on that end. He caught passes from two Tiger great QBs – the Dawson GOAT Coey Watson…and Zach Holtzclaw.

#16 · Donovan Curry

Habersham Central c/o 2019
1,839 REC YDS, 21 TD

Donovan Curry had a solid career for Stephens County and mostly with Habersham Central (his final two seasons). He put up 1,829 total receiving yards and 21 scores. He was a homerun threat, also having over 1,000 kick/punt return yards and tallying 80 tackles along the way.

#17 · Elijah Dewitt

Jefferson c/o 2023
1,775 REC YDS, 15 TD

Dewitt spent one season at Prince Avenue as part of a state runner-up season for the Wolverines, posting 1,181 receiving yards and 10 TD before going to Jefferson for his senior year. His senior season in 2022 saw him haul in 22 catches for 594 yards and 5 TD in Jefferson’s first 6 games. During their BYE week on October 5, Dewitt was tragically killed, crushing the hearts of the Jefferson community and the high school football community as well. Gone way too soon! Dewitt closed his high school career with exactly 99 receptions for 1,775 yards and 15 TD, adding 4 rushing scores and 114 yards rushing for a total of 1,889 yards and 19 TDs.

#18 · Cooper Turner

White County c/o 2021
1,683 REC YDS, 11 TD

Cooper Turner set program records with 1,683 receiving yards and 11 TD catches. He was one of J Ben Haynes’ favorite targets to throw to. He approached 1,000 yards as a junior and had a solid senior season as well.

#19 · Zeke Whittington

Habersham Central c/o 2025
1,618 REC YDS, 7 TD (10 total TD)

Zeke Whittington eclipsed 1,500 career yards in the final game of his sophomore season. After bursting on the scene with 631 yards and 5 TD as a freshman, he hauled in 97 catches for 987 yards as a sophomore with 2 TD. He also tallied 131 rushing yards and 2 more TD that season, with 306 kick return yards as well and 45 passing.

#20 · Cole Keener

Rabun County c/o 2018
1,600 REC YDS, 19 TD

Cole Keener was an All-State selection, and one of the Rabun greats. He hauled in 19 TD passes from Bailey Fisher and 1,600 yards. Oh, and he had 11 career INT as well.

#21 · Gamarion Carter

Stephens County c/o 2021
1,588 REC YDS, 13 TD

Gamarion Carter was big-time at Stephens. Too bad he didn’t get a full career to show it. For over a year in the program, Carter was the elite receiver who played in an offense that ran the ball about 80% of the time in his sophomore season. His last two years still gave him a chance, and he showed out to the tune of 1,588 yards and 13 TD. He was a highly-recruited WR who wound up going to Vanderbilt.

#22 · T’omas Colbert

Stephens County c/o 2013
1,577 REC YDS, 8 TD

T’omas Colbert was legit. He was way better than just 8 TDs. Those stats can’t be right. He had next-level talent, and proved it with 1,577 yards and 8 TD (known) for Stephens County. Shortly after his playing days, he was tragically shot and killed, leaving far too soon.

#23 · Robert Prunier

Union County c/o 2015
1,544 REC YDS, 19 TD

Who had Robert Prunier on their bingo card? Chances are, this one surprised you. He quietly, and consistently put up solid numbers for the Panthers, and was one of the top options for gun-slinger Joseph Mancuso. Prunier had 1,544 yards and 19 TD in a great career!

#24 · Tucker Maxwell

Dawson County c/o 2016
1,535 REC YDS, 25 TD

Tucker Maxwell may have been a DI baseball player (UGA), but wow did he put together a great senior season for the Quarterfinals-bound Dawson County Tigers. 892 yards and 16 TD in that season alone. Great WR.

#25 · Kyle Morlock

Union County c/o 2019
1,509 REC YDS, 18 TD

1,509 career yards and 18 TDs for Kyle Morlock at Union County, catching passes from Pierson Allison. He was often the second option to Sawyer Drake, but that 1-2 punch was pretty solid because Morlock would be a WR1 on most other teams. He went on to play at Berry College.

Mason Kinsey

Habersham Central c/o 2016
1,355 REC YDS, 10 TD

Mason Kinsey doesn’t have the statistical threshold to be on the list…BUT we’re putting him here anyway. Anyone who goes on to be an All-American, lead the country in TDs, and go on to the NFL…I mean, come on!

Up & Coming

These WRs are on the radar statistically and currently playing.

Jensen Goble – Union County c/o 2024 (1,113 yds, 9 TD)
Cal Faulkner – Lumpkin County c/o 2025 (943 yds, 10 TD)
Dom LeBlanc – Dawson County c/o 2024 (788 yds, 8 TD)
Aaron Scott – Banks County c/o 2026 (626 yds, 4 TD)
Willie Goodwyn – Rabun County c/o 2024 (448 yds, 8 TD)
Jasec Smith – Stephens County c/o 2024 (352 yds, 3 TD)
Tyler Grasty – Union County c/o 2024 (304 yds, 1 TD)
Cam Wilson – White County c/o 2024 (303 yds, 1 TD)
Julian Mosley – Towns County c/o 2024 (298 yds, 2 TD)
Harper Davenport – Lumpkin County c/o 2024 (272 yds, 3 TD)
Zach Taylor – Union County c/o 2024 (217 yds, 4 TD)
Von Dre Nelson – White County c/o 2024 (193 yds, 2 TD)
Sawyer Bearden – Dawson County c/o 2024 (180 yds, 1 TD)
Jarret Giles – Rabun County c/o 2024 (165 yds, 1 TD)
Paul Picciotti – Rabun County c/o 2024 (161 yds, 0 TD)

Notable Honorable Mentions (900+ yds)

Jonathan Gilreath – Lumpkin County c/o 2014 (1,490 yds, 12 TD)
Austin Young – Dawson County c/o 2017 (1,457 yds, 9 TD)
Marqueze Maddox – Banks County c/o 2011 (1,407 yds, 14 TD)
Isaiah Mighell – Stephens County c/o 2015 (1,321 yds, 14 TD)
Griff Young – Union County c/o 2023 (1,311 yds, 14 TD)
Baxley O’Brien – Rabun County c/o 2022 (1,234 yds, 18 TD)
Sammy Elegreet – Jefferson c/o 2019 (1,207 yds, 5 TD)
Dean Ewing – Banks County c/o 2011 (1,201 yds, 9 TD)
Ryan Glass – Dawson County c/o 2019 (1,176 yds, 12 TD)
Bailey Dameron – Dawson County c/o 2022 (1,171 yds, 7 TD)
Zez Steeple – Banks County c/o 2016 (1,135 yds, 18 TD)
Noah Legault – Rabun County c/o 2023 (1,125 yds, 6 TD)
Collin Crowder – Towns County c/o 2022 (1,077 yds, 12 TD)
Dalton Hill – Jefferson c/o 2015 (1,041 yds, 11 TD)
Corey Richie – Stephens County c/o 2023 (949 yds, 5 TD)
Tate Ramey – Rabun County c/o 2022 (933 yds, 17 TD)