2014 could be year of receiver

Quarterbacks and running backs always grab the spotlight in football.

But watch out for wide receivers in South Jersey in 2014.

Several top athletes are projected to return at that position and could turn next season into a showcase for their receiving and running-after-the-catch skills.

Among the top players next season could be Paul VI junior Irvin Charles, who could be one of the state's top recruits in the class of 2015.

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Charles has offers from Mississippi, Virginia, Indiana, Boston College, Rutgers, Pitt, and Temple, among others.

Charles caught 49 passes this season for 848 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Timber Creek sophomore Cameron Chambers already has offers from Arkansas, Iowa, Purdue, and Wisconsin, among many others. The 6-3, 195-pound wide receiver should be one of the state's top recruits in the class of 2016.

He caught 57 passes for 1,196 yards - a sophomore state record - and 12 touchdowns this season.

Camden sophomore Brad Hawkins also put together a sensational season in 2013. The 6-1, 180-pounder scored 17 touchdowns, and caught 45 passes for 805 yards and 14 scores.

Glassboro junior Juwan Johnson missed much of this season with injuries. But the 6-4, 195-pound Johnson, also is a track star, has offers from programs such as Penn State, Arkansas, Pitt, and North Carolina.

Johnson showed his big-play ability in the South Jersey Group 1 final, returning an interception 35 yards for a touchdown and a punt 75 yards for a TD in a 44-0 victory over Penns Grove.

Holy Spirit junior Jordan Taylor didn't generate big numbers because of the Spartans' ground-oriented offense. But the 6-3, 185-pounder made the most of his opportunities, generating 403 yards on 13 receptions.

Bishop Eustace junior Vinny Papale is projected back next season after catching 28 passes for 367 yards and five touchdowns, and Bridgeton junior Nazir Williams should be back after catching 27 passes for 388 yards and three TDs.