In HBCU football, wide receivers do not often get much recognition as many of the offenses are predicated on their ability to run the ball.
Of the conference champions from the big four HBCU conferences, Jackson State was the only team that attempted more pass plays than run plays.
Several talented receivers added balance to their team’s offense in 2022. This season will likely witness some of those players establish themselves among the elite at the position while others have a chance to make a name for themselves entirely.
Here are the five HBCU wide receivers to watch during the 2023 season.
Quaydarius Davis, Texas Southern
Transferring to Texas Southern from Jackson State, Quaydarius Davis will have his first true opportunity to show off his wide-ranging skillset in front of the bright lights.
Davis was a highly sought-after prospect coming out of high school committing to Jackson State over offers from USC, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Texas.
While the four-star receiver did not receive much playing time only recording 11 receptions for 57 yards last season, this could be his big opportunity to have a star-making performance in the 2023 season.
Saddled with an offense loaded with talent, including rising star quarterback Andrew Body and running back duo Jacorey Howard and Ladarius Owens, Davis could add a dimension to Texas Southern’s passing game that will make their offense hard to stop.
Twon Hines, Central State
In his first season with Central State from Notre Dame College (OH), Twon Hines made an immediate impact from the very first play.
During the Marauders’ season opener in the Black College Football Hall of Fame against Winston-Salem State, Hines got the game started with a bang returning the opening kickoff 81 yards.
This would be an omen of how his season would turn out leading the SIAC in yards per kick return (38.8), all-purpose yards per game (106.1), and fourth in receiving yards per game (67.3).
Hines may be the most electric playmaker in HBCU football, and he will have a great chance to stake his claim in the 2023 season.
Antonio Meeks, Tuskegee
Antonio Meeks made a profound impact in his freshman season for a Tuskegee team that last season won its first division title since 2017.
Meeks was the definition of a big-play receiver leading the SIAC averaging 22.3 yards per reception and scoring six touchdowns.
The freshman receiver made his biggest impact toward the end of the season recording over 140 receiving yards in three of his final four games.
This includes a 212-yard performance against Kentucky State and a 76-yard game against Benedict in the SIAC championship game.
Meeks will be a frontrunner for the SIAC Offensive Player of the Year award if he can keep up that same level of production for the entirety of the 2023 season.
Jah’Marae Sheread, Florida A&M
Jah’Marae Sheread will look to make an impact by taking over as the Rattlers’ number-one receiver in place of Xavier Smith who recently signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams.
Transferring to Texas State in 2021, Sheread has put up great numbers in the past two seasons as the second option behind.
He has recorded 100 receptions for 1,207 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. In addition, he has been an asset on special teams posting 464 punt return yards and 357 kick return yards.
Sheread’s status as the top option will be put to the test this season as he competes with Bethune-Cookman transfer Marcus Riley for touches.
Regardless of who will end up being the Rattlers’ top receiver this season, there is no denying their pass offense will be one with which to be reckoned.
Devin Smith, North Carolina Central
Devin Smith will be an X-factor player to watch in North Carolina Central’s bid to repeal as Celebration Bowl champions.
Now that E.J. Hicks, the Eagles leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns from last season is gone, Smith’s workload is due for an increase.
Last season, the sophomore receiver led the team with 38 receptions for 509 yards and scored six touchdowns being named to the All-MEAC Second Team.
Although the identity of North Carolina Central’s offense is the Eagles’ ability to make plays on the ground, it was their passing game that made them elite.
This season, Smith will need to play an integral role in the Eagles’ offense remaining elite.
