2011 NCAA Football Top 5 Wide Receivers – Ranking the Best College Football Wide Receivers

2011 NCAA Football Top 5 Wide Receivers – Ranking the Best College Football Wide Receivers and 2011 Heisman Trophy Contenders from the Wide Receiver position: Wide receivers don’t get a lot of love in the Heisman race, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few players at the position that can put up eye-opening numbers. With spread offenses becoming all the rage in recent years the competition the bar has been raised as to what qualifies as a successful season for a receiver. With the Biletnikoff Award as the ultimate prize at the position, here is a look at a few of the top wide outs in the college game in 2011-12.

1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Considering he is the defending winner of the Biletnikoff Award, Justin Blackmon has to be the frontrunner to earn top honors once again. He finished last season with 111 catches for more than 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns. With quarterback Brandon Weeden back to lead the Cowboys’ high-powered offense, Blackmon should have no problem putting up similar numbers this year. He already torched Arizona for a pair of touchdowns in a blowout win for Oklahoma State, and the big games should keep coming.

2. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma

As the top target for Heisman candidate Landry Jones, Ryan Broyles should continue to be one of the best deep threats in college football this season. He is already the Sooners’ career leader in most receiving categories, and he will only extend those records this season. Broyles had a nation-high 131catches a year ago, topping 1,600 yards and grabbing 14 touchdowns. With Oklahoma expected to be in the mix for a national title, Broyles will have a chance to make a name for himself and grab the attention of voters on big stages throughout the year.

3. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Despite dealing with musical quarterbacks last season, Michael Floyd still managed to top 1,000 yards and grab 12 touchdowns. With Tommy Rees taking over as the full-time starter this year at QB for the Fighting Irish, Floyd is already emerging as one of the top receivers in the nation. His 25 catches this season are tied for the most in the nation, and he is on pace to go well over 1,000 yards. Floyd is as big and strong as any receiver in the college game, and he may actually be the best pro prospect of any player at the position.

4. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

Playing in the toughest conference in the nation, Alshon Jeffery still managed to top 1,500 receiving yards and score nine times. His total was the fourth best nationally and tops in the SEC. Jeffery’s big play ability was particularly evident as his 17.2 yards per catch were the best among receivers that finished in the top 25 in terms of receiving yardage. Playing in a Steve Spurrier led offense definitely helps his numbers, but Jeffrey is also blessed with a rare combination of size and speed that allows him to be productive despite facing the physical secondaries in the SEC.  

5. T.Y. Hilton, Florida International

While Arizona’s Juron Criner and Texas A&M’s Jeff Fuller are better pro prospects, it’s tough to argue with the production of T.Y. Hilton. He currently leads all receivers with 333 yards, and his 23.8 yards per catch is proof of how explosive he can be. Granted the competition he faces at Florida International isn’t the best in the country, but his big play ability is undeniable. He could end up leading the nation in receiving yards and yards per catch when all is said and done.

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