As district play continues to creep closer, several Austin receivers have shined so far through non-district competition. However, it’s not just receivers on this list thanks to a certain running back putting up huge numbers in the Austin ISD. Here’s a look at the Top 5 Austin-area receivers:
5. Tanner Duke Johnson: Kyle Lehman (20 catches for 348 yards, 3 TDs)
If Lehman is going through the air, most likely the ball is heading in the direction of Johnson. He has caught 20 out of the 28 completions that Lehman has had so far on the year. No other receiver has more than 30 receiving yards for the Lobos. He’s explosive too.
In addition to his 10 catches for 158 yards against Austin High last week, he also had a 102-yard kickoff return and a 64-yard touchdown run on an end-around. With his speed and agility, look for Johnson to leave his opponents in the dust all year long.
4. Price Morgan: Pflugerville Weiss (19 catches for 349 yards, 3 receiving TDs)
Morgan led Weiss with 32 catches for 500 yards a year ago, and, alongside talented junior receiver Micah Gifford, he has been giving defensive backs fits this year. Against Rouse this past week, Morgan put on a show, catching six passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns.
One of those touchdowns saw him blow by the Rouse defense on a slant-and-go for a beautifully worked 83-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. That served as the icing on the cake in a 54-20 Weiss victory.
Morgan and Weiss’ high-powered offense will be back in action in a week and a half when they open District 11-5A Division I play against rival Pflugerville Hendrickson.
3. Nic Grullon: Cedar Park (24 catches for 367 yards, 3 receiving touchdowns)
Coming off its state title appearance last year, there was work to be done for Cedar Park as the Timberwolves replaced their starting quarterback and top six receivers. Luckily for them, Grullon has filled that void at the receiver position.
After a slow start where he only caught four passes for 37 yards in the opening week of the season, he has come into his own the past two weeks. He had over 150 yards receiving in week 2 and week 3. Grullon made nine catches that he reeled in for 155 yards and a touchdown in a narrow 21-17 defeat to Round Rock a week ago.
The rangy, 6’2” receiver has continued to play a key role for the Timberwolves. They look to bounce back from a 1-2 start to the season when they take on Georgetown to begin district play next Friday.
2. Colin Page: Anderson (22 catches for 389 yards, 4 TDs)
Yes, you read that right. The Anderson running back, who is also the leading rusher in the Austin area after three weeks, is also the city’s second-leading receiver.
From screens to wheel routes to dump-off passes, Anderson has done whatever it takes to get Page the ball in some space. It has paid off handsomely.
Last week alone, he caught an out route out of the backfield and broke several tackles for a 33-yard touchdown. He also caught a 75-yard touchdown off a wheel route in the second half as Anderson romped to a 45-14 victory over Westwood.
With Anderson looking to get the ball to Page as much as possible, he will likely have a big role to play when the Trojans host Pflugerville next Thursday to open district play.
1. Jalen Becerra: Rouse (18 catches for 405 yards, 4 receiving TDs)
The Rouse passing attack has been unmatched so far in the Austin area. In addition to its quarterback Mason Shorb leading the Austin area in passing yards, the Raiders also have Becerra on top of the receiving yards chart.
Much of his work came against Anderson in week two when he caught 9 passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns. He also made an impressive 72-yard catch-and-run score on a screenplay.
This past week, Becerra had four catches for 94 yards as Rouse was frustrated by Weiss in a 54-20 defeat.
After having a tougher time against Weiss, Rouse travels to Bastrop to open district play after its bye this week.
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