Arizona high school football 2024: The Republic's Top 15 receiving corps

As we continue our expanded coverage of Arizona high school football this summer, we take a look at the top teams that have the best position groups. Such as offensive lines, defensive lines , linebackers, secondaries, backfields and special teams.

Today we look at the top 15 teams with the best receiving corps. This comprises two or more talented receivers who will light up scoreboards during the 2024 season. The Republic received input from high school coaches.

The Republic's Top 15 receiving corps

1. Gilbert Higley

The Knights return a group that combined for 142 catches, 2,149 yards and 33 touchdowns from a 5A championship season. And they return two of the state's top quarterbacks in Luke Haugo and Gunner Fagrell. It sets up for what could be a record-breaking season. The ball is going to be spread out mainly among Jaden Taylor (73 catches, 1,045 yards, 16 TDs), J.D. DeCausemaker (19, 364, 7), Taveon Sueing (28, 510, 7) and Drake Walton (12, 178, 3).

2. Tempe McClintock

This has a chance to be one of the most dynamic passing attacks in Arizona with quarterback Jaxon Knutson having the luxury of throwing to Khalil Bender, Kemon Jackson and Amari Scroggins. Bender is coming off a season in which he caught 66 passes for 1,145 yards and 11 TDs. Scroggins had 11 TD catches. And now Jackson will have a full season after missing the first five games due to transfer rules.

3. Peoria Centennial

The Coyotes will have one of the more dynamic offenses with the return of QB Kainan Manna. He will have fun throwing to brothers Shamar and Romeo Berryhill, and Nikko Boncore, who all transferred after last season.

4. Chandler Basha

New QB1 Brodie Vehrs will be happy to see Gio Richardson lined up wide on Friday night. But he won't be the only electric receiver. Watch for Jaden Baldwin (class of 2027) to emerge as one of the top big-play threats in the state. He's already got offers from Pitt, Arizona State and Indiana. Kash Brock, a junior, is a big, athletic target at 6-foot-3 with top-end speed. Dash Blake is a returning starter and Jaden Burrell will be utilized.

5. Phoenix Brophy Prep

The Broncos are led by Daylen Sharper, Devin Fitzgerald and Donovan McNabb Jr. Sharper, who has 12 Division I football offers, had 36 catches for 478 yards and four TDs last season. Reliable Christian Camarata is back after he had 48 catches last year. Nathan Benzie had 27 catches. Add Ryder Noche and tight end Nassim Isaac, and Brophy will have a lot of options.

6. Chandler

This is a deep and talented collection of receivers, led by senior Carter Ochoa, who had 37 catches for 495 yards and four TDs last season. He was unstoppable in June 7-on-7s. Jai Jones, a sophomore, is an explosive playmaker. Brayden Nesbitt, a junior, will be a force at outside wide receiver. Skyler Ormita and Elias Gutierrez add to a formidable bunch.

7. Chandler Hamilton

This could emerge as one of the best receiving corps in the state with the addition of former Scottsdale Saguaro standouts Dajon Hinton and Reiss Rinaldi. The Huskies also return a solid receiver in Sabriam Torres. And freshman Roye Oliver III, The Republic's top-rated 2028 football prospect , will make a varsity impact.

8. Yuma Catholic

You know the 4A Shamrocks will be coming out throwing. They've been one of the most prolific passing teams in coach Rhett Stallworth's tenure. They've got two of the most explosive receivers returning in Sir Stokes and Darryl Coleman, who are both Division I football prospects.

9. American Leadership Academy Queen Creek

The Patriots will have a new quarterback who will take advantage of quality receivers in Boe Sparks (37 catches, 400 yards, three TDs), Kingston McCabe (23, 197, 3) and Luke Pospisil. Teams won't be able to double up on Sparks and McCabe, because Rj Lopez, a quick, speedy slot receiver, is ready to take off. Crew Crandall, a transfer from Gilbert Highland, will make an impact after he becomes eligible midway through the season. Hatcher Arnson is emerging as a top tight end.

10. Mesa Mountain View

Don't sleep on this receiving corps that is led by Mikey Sumko, who had 43 catches for 812 yards and six TDs last season. New coach Andy Litten will take advantage of his playmakers. Talan Arnett runs great routes. Steve Metto is a deep threat. Zach Galaviz is a dependable, quick slot receiver. Porter Wilhelm has a chance to emerge at tight end.

11. Casa Grande

The Cougars are going to be tough to stop in the passing game with the return of tight end Aveon Williams, 6-6, 240, who can line up outside and make big plays. He is The Republic's No.1-ranked tight end. The Cougars have five potential college receivers. Kendale Cade made first-team, all-region last year. Jacob Salinas, Dewayne Haygood and Dedric Gulley are all deep threats.

12. Goodyear Desert Edge

The Scorpions have three really good receivers in sophomore Zerek Sidney, junior tight end Michael O'Halloran and senior wideout David Cabrera. They have a chance to lead the Scorpions back to the 5A title game, if they don't get into the Open.

13. Gilbert Perry

The Pumas have a promising young quarterback in Kael Snyder, who will have plenty of solid go-to guys, led by LJ Walker, Hayden Moon, Peyton Grako and Max Wendelschafer. Watch for the emergence of freshman Amos Augustine, who already holds offers from Arizona and Arizona State.

14. Laveen Cesar Chavez

Watch out for the Champions, as they try to bounce back under new coach Chandler Hovik. Hovik will open up the playbook and take advantage of the skills of Peyton Stokes, Nevin Reed, Marcus Newman and tight end Mekhi Hodge. This could be one of the most surprising teams in the state.

15. Prescott

QB Uriah Tenette won't have to do it all. He's surrounded by playmakers, led by Johann Gundermann, who was all-region last year when he caught 43 passes for 882 yards and 11 TDs. Josiah Peoples is poised for a big year after setting a school record with 42.5 yards a kickoff return.

Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. He also covers Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @azc_obert

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona high school football 2024: The Republic's Top 15 receiving corps