How deep was Polk County’s wide receiver pool last year? Consider the players who graduated. DJ Howard, Derrick McBride, Darion Jiles, Gabe LeGrand and Tucker Fox were all first-, second- or third-team, all-county selections along with Omari Russell, who was an all-county pick on defense. They were all heavily recruited.
Despite the graduation of a talent group of players, a deep, productive group of receivers return, although a few will be playing for new teams. They will put a lot of pressure on the defensive secondaries of their opponents.
Here are the top 15 receivers in Polk County heading into the 2026 season.
Polk County’s Top 15 Wide Receiver
1. Kaneilius Purdy, Lake Wales, Senior
Purdy was a county offensive player of the year candidate last season as he was the most explosive wide receiver in the county. He caught 54 passes for 1,045 yards and 11 touchdowns and also had 511 yards on kickoff and punt returns. For his career, he has 130 catches for 2,493 yards and 31 touchdowns.
2. Cam Fuse, Lakeland, Junior
Fuse made an immediate impact as a freshman two years ago and was even more productive last year. He finished with 30 catches for 587 yards.
3. Andrew Morrison, Victory Christian, Senior
Morrison was a state champion in track last spring, which followed a productive season in football. He finished with 42 catches for 420 yards and two touchdown.
4. Joseph Howard, Lakeland, Senior
Howard’s role became even more important after Kelin Hendrix took over at quarterback. He and Fuse formed a strong 1-2 duo to lead the receiving corps. Howard finished with 31 catches for 460 yards.
5. Daniel James, Lake Wales, Senior
James was an impact receiver last season for Ridge Community. He caught 37 passes for 721 yards and finished with 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns. At Lake Wales, he’ll take over for Gabe LeGrand to team with Purdy.
6. Rashard Kelly, Lakeland, Senior
Kelly was a first-team, all-county selection last year a a defensive back for Kathleen but will play a bigger role as a wide receiver for Lakeland this year.
7. Takeo Edwards, Auburndale, Senior
Edwards was part of a dangerous duo at wide receiver, teaming with Jiles who has graduated. Edwards finished with 35 catches for 721 yards and 12 touchdowns.
8. Blake Herrington, Haines City, Senior
After being pressed into duty at quarterback as a sophomore, Herrington was able to stay mostly at receiver and had a breakout season. He caught 41 passes for 490 yards
9. Marcus Bankston, Lakeland Christian, Senior
Bankston was Kathleen’s top receiver last year with 20 catches for 420 yards and six touchdowns. At LCS this year with Brody Brenneman throwing to him, his numbers should go up. He’ll help make up for the lost production after the graduation of DJ Howard, who had 67 catches.
10. Ja’Kobie Terry, Bartow, Senior
Terry was Ethan Brous’ favorite target last year as he caught 47 passes for 658 yards. This year, he’ll be catching passes from Amire Hall and should help keep Bartow’s passing attack productive.
11. Erik Koshinski, Bartow, Senior
Kosinski emerged as an impact receiver last season for Lake Region with 42 catches for 507 yards. With Bartow losing two of their top receivers, Kosinski will help fill the void having moved to the school.
12. Messiah Borders, Lakeland Christian, Senior
Borders was a playmaker at receiver last year for Bartow where he caught 30 passes for 588 yards. For his senior season, he has moved to Lakeland Christian.
13. Major McBath, Auburndale
McBath transferred from Bartow to Auburndale and has a big summer. He’ll help make up the production of Jiles, who has graduated. With Teo Edwards at quarterback, he is poised to have a big season. At Bartow last year, he had 25 catches for 390 yards.
14. Josh Koch, All Saints, Junior
The 6-foot-6 Koch is a big target and had 27 catches for 718 yards and 14 touchdowns in eight-man football. He has tremendous upside in football.
15. Jase Severit, Lake Gibson, Senior
Severit was the Braves’ second-leading receiver last year with 37 catches for 395 yards.
16. Cael Straub, Lakeland Christian, Senior
Straub is a steady receiver with good hands. Last year, he was second behind Howard with 32 catches for 467 yards.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Here are Polk County’s top 16 wide receivers for the 2026 season
Reporting by Roy Fuoco, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Roy Fuoco, Lakeland Ledger | USA TODAY Network
