Top Central Texas high school football players: Meet the 20 best wide receivers

Texas Tech commit Micah Hudson, Cibolo-Steele duo headline top pass-catchers from San Antonio, to Austin, to Waco and the rest of Central Texas

As the Texas high school football season roars on, SBLive continues its look at the top players across the state by position and region.

We identified the top 20 quarterbacks in each region, starting in North Texas, then Central Texas, South Texas, East Texas, Southeast Texas and West Texas.

Then we moved to running backs, identifying the top 20 in North Texas, Central Texas, South Texas, East Texas and the Houston area/Southeast Texas.

Now, we're looking at the state's best wide receivers in the 2023 season.

>> Top 25 Texas high school football rankings (9/25/2023)

After scouring North Texas, South Texas and East Texas for the 20 best pass-catchers in each region, we're moving to Central Texas.

Here are the 20 best receivers to consider, spanning schools of all sizes across the entire region of Texas:

TOP 20 WIDE RECEIVERS IN CENTRAL TEXAS

Who are the top pass-catchers in the region in the 2023 Texas high school football season?

Elijah Realzola, 6’2, 180, sr., San Antonio Warren

The future Western Kentucky Hilltopper returns for his senior campaign on a prolific Warren Warrior offense as he is considered one of the top returning players in the San Antonio area. The big offensive target for senior quarterback Antonio Meza is the leading returning receiver for the Warriors prolific offense as he hauled in 43 catches for 930 yards, and 14 touchdowns. Realzola is a well-balanced wide receiver rather it be in the deep passing attack, blocking down field in the run game, or running precise routes for his senior quarterback. 

Ed Small, 6’0, 180, jr., Austin Anderson

For the returning junior wideout, Small is Anderson's favorite downfield target. He returns after a breakout sophomore season where he posted impressive receiving stats: 1,164 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns.

Kyle Koch, 6’1, 190, sr., Dripping Springs

Koch had a great junior season for the Tigers last season as he racked up over 1,000 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns during Dripping Springs' impressive 12-2 season. After the graduation of Austin Novostad, Koch is a reliable, consistent offensive threat for the Tigers’ offense and first-year quarterback Maddox Maher. 

Alex Green, 6’0, 185, sr., Hutto

Green is returning for another year with maybe the state's most prolific passing QB Will Hammond. The all-district wide receiver from a year ago had 43 catches for 900 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior and was a big reason for Hutto’s playoff appearance. The two will try and lead the Hippos to their second straight playoff appearance and Green has helped Hammond, a Texas Tech commit, in his blistering start: through four games, he's hauled in 686 receiving yards, five touchdowns and averaged 22 yards per catch.

Tyler Johnson, 6’1, 180, Harker Heights

For Harker Heights, Johnson stars on a team that went 12-2 in 2022 and is the top target for senior quarterback Dylan Plake. The productive senior wideout finished his junior season with 600 yards and nine touchdowns in the air for the District-12 reigning champions — and has shown no signs of slowing.

Eli Adams, 6’1, 170, sr., Austin-Vandegrift

The senior Viper wide receiver has found a new home for his final year with his twin brother and senior quarterback Deuce Adams in the capital city. Eli had a great year in 2022 for New Braunfels Canyon and in 11 games was able to pull down 64 catches for 848 yards for 13 touchdowns in an impressive year for the Cougars with a 9-2 season. Eli should factor in a large way for a loaded Vandegrift offense, who will be looking to capture the TX-6A, Division-II state championship.

Jackson Verdugo, 6’3, 225, jr., College Station

Last year, Verdugo had his coming out party in 2022 for College Station helping the Cougars all the way to the TX-5A, Division I state championship game, becoming a favorite target to senior quarterback Arrington Maiden as he hauled in 56 receptions, 900 yards, and seven touchdowns. With his big frame and catch radius, Verdugo should post another stellar season for the Cougars as College Station will try to avenge last season’s championship loss. 

Jeremiah Conaway, 6’4, 170, sr., Y.M.L.A - San Antonio

The big senior target is seen as one of the top wide receivers in the area and is primed for a star-studded final campaign. Conaway is playing for San Antonio YMLA, which is in its fourth year of existence as a program. Through five games, he has 23 receptions for 403 yards, as well as excelling in the defensive secondary (four interceptions, 17 solo tackles, 102-yard interception return).

Tony Diaz, 5’11, 170, sr., San Marcos

The San Marcos Rattlers returned one of their biggest offensive threats in Diaz, and despite not being eligible for UIL Playoff contention, the senior speedy receiver and the Rattlers remain competitive in a tough district. In 11 games last year, Diaz was able to pull down 35 catches for 604 yards, and five touchdowns for San Marcos. The senior Rattler leads the offense in a competitive District 27 as the Rattlers compete for the district trophy. 

Lance Beeghley, 6’2,183, sr., New Braunfels

The big target Unicorn wide receiver has made a name for himself through his career in District 27, 6A. Through his first two years, Beegley hauled in 80 passes for 1,539 yards, and 24 touchdowns, earning him two-time All-District 27, 6A honors. Beeghley has received four Division I offers to play at the level, and should continue to see an increase of offers with a big senior season. With the Unicorns returning starting quarterback Leighton Adams, running back Tyree Johnson, the Unicorns will certainly be competitive in a tough District 27 in 2023. 

King Johnson, 5’10, 168, sr., San Antonio Johnson

The senior Jaguar receiver is junior quarterback Ty Hawkins' favorite target multiple years running. As a junior, Johnson posted impressive numbers through receiving and as a return specialist. Overall, Johnson had 679 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns on the year. 

Jaden Perez, 6’1, 165, jr., San Antonio Brandeis

Broncos wideout had a great year in 2022 and is looking for an even bigger junior season for head coach Charles Bruce and the Broncos. Perez has had to connect quickly with first-year senior quarterback Lincoln Philyaw, as the speedy wide receiver is building on a breakout sophomore seaso, where he posted 691 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. The junior playmaker has received attention from multiple Division I universities after his first varsity season. In a tough District 28, Perez’s playmaking ability on the outside should give the Broncos a real shot at a district title and a balanced offensive attack to build on their 9-3 overall record in 2022. 

Michael Terry, 6’3, 200, jr., Alamo Heights

The junior Mule is an offensive weapon lined up in three different positions for Alamo Heights last season, making an impact at wide receiver, running back, and quarterback for the 11-2 Mules. Terry, one of San Antonio’s top athletes in the class of 2025, had 1,330 all-purpose yards and 24 touchdowns combined. This season, head coach Ron Rittiman will rely on Terry and his experience as they enter a rebuilding year as the Mules will hope to repeat as district champions and make a deep playoff run. 

Heath McRee, 6’0, 170, sr., Westlake

Year after year, the Westlake Chaparrals just reload their talented roster and continue to be the perennial team in District 26 and TX-6A, Region IV. Westlake features senior wide receiver and future Houston Cougar commit Heath McRee. The speedy wideout and return specialist is the Chaps’ returning receiver from last year’s team after hauling in seven catches, 215 yards receiving, and three touchdowns. His deep threat ability is what makes McRee one of the top playmakers in the Lone Star State as he averaged 28 yards per catch last season.

Royal Capel, 5’11, 180, jr., Steele

The multi-dimensional offensive threat for the Steele Knights burst onto the scene as one of the top wide receivers in the San Antonio area and was one of quarterback Chad Warner’s favorite targets. Capel led the Knights in receiving with 62-passes, 767-yards, and 6-touchdowns. The 4-star rated wide out has already received 10 offers from Division-1 schools, and will be a key piece this year for the Knights’ repeat to a district championship and deeper run in the TX-6A playoffs. 

Jalen Cooper, 6’1, 165, jr., Steele

It was an impressive sophomore season for Cooper and the Steele Knights as they won the District 27 title as Cooper hauled in 24 catches for 519 yards and five touchdowns. Cooper has received multiple Division I offers and has shown good instinct as a pass-catcher in traffic and deep-ball threat for fellow junior quarterback Chad Warner. His deep threat ability was shown last year as he averaged 18 yards per catch. With his playmaking ability, head coach David Saenz and the Knights should be in a good spot to compete for another district championship. 

Miles Coleman, 5’6, 140, sr., Austin-Vandegrift

The senior receiver and the North Texas commit put up gaudy video game stats last season for a talented Vandegrift team. He had 99 receptions, 1,664 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns. The speedy wideout was Central Texas Player of the Year, and District-25, 6A Offensive Player of the Year. Coleman enters his final season with the Vipers on a loaded, talented offense which includes; senior Louisville commit Deuce Adams as the two new teammates will look to get Vandegrift back to the state championship to capture that title that eluded them a year ago. 

Freddie Dubose, 6’1, 170, sr., Smithson Valley

Texas commit is the top target for Smithson Valley and one of the state's top pass-catchers. After missing all but one game last year because of injury, Dubose is seen as one of the top speedy wideouts in the San Antonio area and will play a key role in the Ranger program's state title hopes. As a sophomore, Dubose played for Schertz-Clemens High School and had 425 receiving yards and two touchdowns. 

Jacques Spradley-Demps, 6’1, 195, sr., Pflugerville-Weiss

After spending the last two years at Jarrell, the senior 3-star North Texas commit is now with the Weiss Wolves and looking to make an immediate impact in District-12, 6A. Last year, Demps was able to haul in 44 passes for nearly 800 yards, and 12 scores. With Demps in the Weiss offense, quarterback Jax Brown got another weapon to spread the ball around all over the field as Weiss aims to capture a district championship and a deep playoff run in TX-6A. 

Micah Hudson, 6’0, 190, sr., Lake Belton

The senior All-American and 5-star prospect is finishing out a decorated career at Lake Belton with an electric senior season. One of the most sought-after playmakers in the country, Hudson became the highest rated prospect and first 5-star ever to commit to Texas Tech. Hudson’s size and playmaking ability is drawing comparisons to NFL wideouts such as New York Jets’ Garrett Wilson and has certainly been on display this year as Lake Belton will continue to build the Bronco Football program. As a junior, Hudson had 65-catches, 1,198-yard, and 14-touchdowns and helped lead the Broncos to an 8-3 overall record and a second-place finish in District 4, 5A.

5 MORE TO WATCH

Adrian Wilson, 6’2, 180, jr., Pflugerville-Weiss

Brooks Perez, 6’3, 180, jr., Boerne High

Braden Avington, 5’11, 165, Samuel-Clemens 

Nik Henry, 5’11, 175, jr., Seguin 

Braeton Anderson, 5’10, 160, jr., Hutto

(Feature photo by Robbie Rakestraw)

-- Ryan Childers | ryanchilders0455@gmail.com | @sblivetx

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