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Marcus Benjamin @_benjaminmoney
They say Florida speed is just different compared to the rest of the country. Speed is not everything when it comes to evaluating talent, but it is important because you can’t teach speed. Speed is not the only aspect of a player that is dissected, but it could be the key element that keeps you in the league, just ask Darrius Heyward-Bey and Ted Ginn Jr. At the 2018 NFL combine, two of the fastest 40-yard dash times were from the sunshine state.
Top Four Wide Receiver 40 times at NFL Combine
DJ Chark, LSU, Alexandria (LA)
(4.34)
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, USF, Lakewood St. Petersburg (FL)
(4.37)
Antonio Callaway, Florida, Miami Booker T. Washington (FL)
(4.41)
Robert Foster Central Valley Monaca (PA)
(4.41)
Nowadays speed is not the only factor that scouts look at in choosing wide receiver prospects. Size and strength are also key attributes sought after for draft and recruiting selections. The 2019 wide receiver class has the exceptional combination of size and speed that are X-factors in the red zone and the end zone.
Maurice Goolsby 6’5” 193 (Dunnellon)
The massive receiver from just south of Gainesville has the intangibles to be a great football player. He also plays on the defensive line because of his size and quickness. He is an outstanding blocker downfield and runs solid routes. Goolsby is favored to sign with Florida but continues to receive offers from other SEC schools like Arkansas, Auburn and Tennessee.
40 time – 4.7
John Dunmore 6’3” 170 (Chaminade-Madonna, Hollywood)
The one time Florida commit continues to receive offers from major programs across the country including Baylor, Florida State, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Wisconsin. The Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) transfer, is quite elusive in the open field and displays a great ability to locate the football at its high point.
40 time – 4.63
Frank Ladson Jr. 6’4” 170 (South Dade, Homestead)
Whenever South Dade needed a big play last year, Ladsen came up big for the Bucs. Whether it was an over the shoulder catch or a diving catch, Ladson would make them and often make them look easy. The five star receiver visited the Canes last month who seem to have the inside track.
Shamar Nash 6’3” 180 (IMG Academy, Bradenton)
The pristine preparatory school gained another great talent when Nash transferred from Memphis Central to IMG Academy. A week after transferring Nash committed to the Missouri Tigers. The four star receiver joins a brigade of receivers that will be arguably the best receiving corps in the country.
Jeremiah Payton 6’3” 175 (Fletcher, Neptune Beach)
The Miami Hurricanes strengthened their 2019 class with a commitment from the standout four star wideout from Jacksonville Beach. Payton would occasionally run the wildcat for his offense and accelerates with or without the ball with high velocity.
40 time – 4.74
Brieon Fuller 6’1” 170 (Doral Academy)
The Canes have consistently added talent at the wide receiver position and added another big time talent in Fuller. The talented receiver committed to Miami last year and has not wavered. He has great hands and can make big catches in traffic. Fuller has also seen action at defensive back.
40 time – 4.7
Donte Banton 6’0 184 (Deerfield Beach)
The fastest receiver at the Opening in Miami clocked a blazing 40 time that was faster than Payton and Dunmore. This kid simply flies down the field. Quarterbacks can just throw it up and count on Banton to come down with the football. He is also tough to bring down and can give you plenty of yards after the catch.
40 time – 4.58
