Breaking It Down: East Wide Receivers

What the fans need to know about the East wide receiving corps is that most of them will be playing this position for the first time in a game situation. The East squad has a wide variety of wide receivers including the top two prospects in the nation at the position.

One thing I’ve learned from last years game is that all the wide receivers are super talented but they will also have three different quarterbacks throwing them the football. Different quarterbacks mean different reads, different games, different arm-strength and release points.

To a man, every single U.S. Army All-American will tell you that the one player they can’t wait to see in person is Percy Harvin. The 6-foot, 180-pound, wide receiver, from Landstown High in Virginia Beach, Va., is absolutely electric when he touches the football and can score and change a football game is so many ways.

Harvin, the No. 1, wide receiver prospect, according to Scout.com, hasn’t exactly been a media darling this year. It’s hard to get anything out of Harvin these days and as a part of the media, that’s a little disappointing but I don’t have a problem with what he brings to the table in athletic ability and talent.

I’m sure the fans of Miami, Florida State, USC and Florida could care less how quiet Harvin has been with the media as long as his pen speaks loudly for their school on signing day.

While Harvin lines up on one side of the field for the East, Vidal Hazelton, the No. 2 wide receiver, in the country, according to Scout.com, will be lining up on the other side of the field.

Vidal Hazelton

Hazelton, a 6-foot-4, 190-pounder, from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., is considered by some Recruiting-Analysts as the No. 1 wide receiver in the country ahead of Percy Harvin.

Harvin and Hazelton, complement each other very well. Harvin is terrific in space and lightning quick. Hazelton has 4.5 speed but he also has the size and athletic ability to overpower smaller defensive backs. Keep an eye on Hazelton when the East has the ball in the Red Zone.

Pennsylvania’s Dorin Dickerson says he’s just honored to be selected to play in the game. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder, from West Allegheny High in Pittsburgh will switch from running back to wide receiver for this game.

“I played mostly running back this year,” Dickerson said. “I had 1,400 rushing yards, 450 yards receiving and I scored 36 touchdowns. I attended the combine and there were like 600 guys down there. Just to be invited to play in the game this year is exciting.

Dorin Dickerson

“I’m anxious to see Percy Harvin in action, but really, I just want to focus on having fun, enjoying the experience and hopefully winning the game. I think we have that competitiveness in us that makes us want to win every time we step on the field.”

Dickerson is the No. 4 wide receiver, in the country, according to Scout.com. The No. 5 wide receiver, in the country, will also be in San Antonio representing the East. Jarred Fayson, a 6-foot, 185-pounder, from Hillsborough High in Tampa, Fla., lined up at quarterback this season but projects as a wide receiver at the next level.

“Playing wide receiver will be a little new for me but I think I’ll be fine,” Fayson said. “I’m just going out there to have a good time and enjoy myself. I’m not worried about match-ups or anything like that.

“It’s an honor to be playing in the game. I’m committed to Florida and I’ll be talking to a few of the guys down there during the week about recruiting. I’ll make sure I talk to (offensive lineman) Sam Young for sure. We could definitely use him at Florida.”

Fayson rushed for 1,000 yards and scored 24 touchdows as a senior. He also passed for 1,000 yards.

A prospect that will have tons of Irish Eyes on him in San Antonio will be Barry Gallup. The 5-foot-11, 175-pounder, from Belmont Hill School in Wellesley, Mass., Gallup gave Notre Dame his commitment before the start of senior season.

“I haven’t played wide receiver that much so this is going to be my first time playing this position in a game.” Gallup said.

“I’ve always played running back and safety and

Chris Bell

most of my touchdowns have come out of the backfield.”

Gallup had 2,400 all-purpose yards and scored 26 touchdowns as a senior. He averaged 10 yards per carry. Gallup could be a weapon for the East lining up in the slot. He’s very good in space and makes a lot happen after the catch.

Last but not least for the East is Virginia’s Chris Bell. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder, from Granby High in Norfolk, Va., is committed to Penn State. Bell is probably the strongest wide receiver on the East. He has great hands and excellent speed and could have a big game in San Antonio.