Throw it up there and wide receivers will go get it.
August is around the corner and Illinois high school footbal is almost here. This is the third of a five-part series highlighting Peoria-area quarterbacks, running backs, linemen , wide receivers and defensive players to watch during the 2024 season.
Here are 10 wide receivers to watch, with players listed alphabetically.
IHSA football preview: 10 top defensive players to watch around Peoria this 2024 football season
The 5-foot-11, 165-pound senior wide receiver was an all-Mid-Illini Conference second-team selection last season. Alexander was Morton's leading receiver in 2023, catching 32 balls with 458 yards and five touchdowns in just seven games. He averaged 14.3 yards a catch and will likely be the Potters top target in 2024.
The 5-foot-9, 145-pound senior wide receiver was an all-Mid-Illini first-team selection last season. Clark is back at EP's No. 1 option, catching 33 balls for 412 yards and two TDs during the 2023 campaign. He was also a standout defensive back with 25 tackles and three interceptions for the Raiders.
The senior was an all-Big 12 Conference honorable mention selection as a wide receiver last season. Johnson scored three TDs, while accounting for 333 receiving yards off 32 catches for a 10.4 yards per catch average. He also showed off his speed on special teams last season with a kickoff return for a touchdown.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound junior wide receiver is back with the Panthers following last season at Bolingbrook. Jones averaged 41.2 yards a catch last season, catching 17 balls for 700 yards and six TDs during his sophomore season. The Division-I recruit was Washington's top receiver as a freshman with 143 yards and two TDs off 11 catches.
Background: Why this Division-I prospect transferred back to play football at Washington
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound senior was an all-Heart of Illinois Conference second-team pick as a wide receiver. Lapp will see a bulk of targets this season following a 2023 campaign where he hauled in 14 receptions for 341 yards and two TDs. He also posted 54 tackles and an interception on the other side of the ball.
The 6-foot-5, 210-pound senior was an all-Three Rivers Conference-East Division unanimous first-team selection as a tight end. LaPorte gave his verbal commitment to Northwestern in June after offers from the likes of Michigan State and Kansas. He had 34 catches for 517 yards and eight TDs, plus 46 tackles, four picks and a TD.
IHSA football: 10 top linemen to watch around Peoria this 2024 season
The 6-foot-5, 175-pound senior was an all-Heart of Illinois Conference second-team pick as a wide receiver. Meiss was the Titans' top target last season, grabbing 16 receptions for 217 yards and a TD. He averaged 13.6 yards a catch, then played defense where he picked off a pass and recovered a fumble.
The 5-foot-11 senior was an all-Mid-Illini second-team selection as a wide receiver. Sanders was the 2023 top receiver for the Rockets, posting team-highs in yards (275) and receptions (18). He also added two receiving touchdowns for Limestone, which also used Sanders as a defensive back.
The 6-foot-6, 225-pound junior was an all-Mid-Illini first-team pick as a linebacker. Sutter, who will line up as tight end, is one of the nation's most sought after recruits, having 33 scholarship offers from Power 4 including Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, LSU and Oregon . He's looking potentially making a college decision at the end of the season.
Mack Sutter: Inside the process: Dunlap football star is one of the nation's top recruits
The 5-foot-10, 162-pound senior was named all-Big 12 Conference second-team offense as a wide receiver. Webb went for 568 yards and five TDs off 27 catches through eight games last season. Look for him to get even more opportunities this season as the No. 1 target for the Lions, who debut Breon Green at quarterback.
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: 10 top receivers to watch around Peoria this 2024 IHSA football season
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