Burks Ranked Top Returning SEC Receiver

It’s “ranking season” as many folks like to call it. A time where everyone and their favorite sports site whether high school, college or pro’s rank positions and skill players.

During Tuesday’s “Stinch’s Top Receivers” segment Peter Burns had Stinch rank his four best wide receivers in the conference. There’s always going to be the “why not this guy” crowd. You’ll also see the “I’d put them in a different order” group of folks.

However, for Razorback fans they would probably keep the rankings how they are since it included one of their favorites. Starting from the bottom to make our way to the top it’s full-on SEC West who dominates the list. Not a single eastern division pass catcher made the list which is even more impressive.

4. Kayshon Boutte
Typical LSU having tremendous receivers. Dating back to 2006 when I first heavily started following football there was Early Doucette, Demetrius Byrd, O’Dell Beckham, Brandon Lafell, Jarvis Landry, Jamar Chase, Justin Jefferson. Lord, the Tigers have been blessed with talented kids. This time you have Boutte who holds the record for yards in a SEC game (308) versus Ole Miss as a true freshman last year. Folks down in Baton Rogue believe the sophomore connection between quarterback Max Johnson and Boutte will be dynamite.

3. John Metchie III

With the offense transitioning again at Alabama could that hurt Metchie? Maybe early on but Alabama is just too dang good to be down early. New quarterback Bryce Young will have his best, most talented target back. Metchie is back and leads all returning receivers in receptions (55). With Jaylen Waddle and Devonta Smith both gone the time is now for him.

2. Ainias Smith

He had more carries than he recorded receptions. Smith is definitely a weapon in the slot but the Aggies can line him up wherever they want on the field and he can get you first downs and find the endzone. He had a terrific season in 2020 as a sophomore. He touched the ball 92 times for 857 yards and 10 touchdowns.

1. Treylon Burks

Is there really any surprise? Burks has an exceptional sophomore campaign and returns as the top receiver in the SEC. He’s big, tough to tackle and doesn’t drop a pass. Burks has a wide catch radius and 10 inch plus size hands and needs a 5XL glove to fit them. He’s a physical freak and a matchup nightmare for any defense.

Burks returns to Arkansas as the SEC’s leading yards per game receiver (91.1).

“He’s always open. If he’s covered he’s open,” said Stinchcomb. “(Burks) can catch it short and take it the distance. He’s a guy that can get behind defenses. Imagine how physical imposing he is to a defensive back!”

Burks is ready to have a big junior year before likely turning pro this spring. He even mentioned how the basketball and baseball team’s success in the spring make him hungry for the football team to win.

Arkansas begins their season against Rice on September 4th in Fayetteville at 1 PM. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.