Homegrown Talent: Four Louisiana High School Alums Among NFL’s Top Receivers
by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor
Louisiana’s reputation as a football powerhouse is on full display in the NFL, where four of the league’s top statistical receiving leaders for the 2024 regular season are products of Louisiana high schools.
Ja’Marr Chase (Archbishop Rummel) claimed the top spot as the NFL’s leading receiver. Right behind him at #2 was Justin Jefferson (Destrehan), at #3, Brian Thomas Jr. (Walker) emerged as a breakout star, while Malik Nabers (Comeaux/Southside) landed at #7 in the league in receiving.
#1 Ja’Marr Chase (Archbishop Rummel)
Ja’Marr Chase, a member of the class of 2018, was a 4-star recruit according to On3, ranked #52 nationally, the #3 player in Louisiana, and the #8 wide receiver in the nation. Now, he has solidified his status as one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers. The former Rummel Raider not only finished his season with 127 receptions, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdowns, averaging 13.4 yards per catch and 100.5 yards per game, but he also brought home the NFL’s Triple Crown by leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Chase’s combination of speed, strength, and route-running precision makes him a nightmare for defenders and a cornerstone for the Bengals’ success.
#2 Justin Jefferson (Destrehan)
A 3-star prospect according to On3, Jefferson was ranked #1,835 nationally, the #275 wide receiver, and the #64 player in Louisiana in the class of 2017. Despite being an overlooked recruit, Jefferson continues to build his Hall-of-Fame-worthy resume. The Destrehan alum posted 103 catches, 1,533 yards, and 10 touchdowns this season, with an impressive 14.9 yards per catch and 90.2 yards per game. Jefferson and the Vikings now head to Los Angeles to face the Rams in the first round of the playoffs.
(5) Vikings at (4) Rams, 7 p.m. CT (ESPN, ABC, fubo)
#3 Brian Thomas Jr. (Walker)
Brian Thomas Jr., a 4-star recruit according to On3, was ranked the #92 player in the country, the #15 wide receiver, and the #4 player in Louisiana in the class of 2021. Now a rookie out of Walker High School and LSU, Thomas has emerged as one of the league’s most reliable targets. With 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns, he has showcased his ability to stretch the field with a 14.7-yard average per catch and 75.4 yards per game.
This morning, the Jaguars fired Head Coach Doug Pederson (former Calvary Baptist Head Coach.) The new Jacksonville head coach will be happy to have the former Wildcat on his side.
#7 Malik Nabers (Comeaux/Southside)
Malik Nabers, ranked by On3 as the #175 player nationally, the #28 wide receiver, and the #7 player in Louisiana in the class of 2021, began his high school career at Comeaux before attending Southside, where he was ruled ineligible during his senior year. Nabers has emerged as a key offensive weapon for the Giants in his rookie NFL season. Nabers has proven his talent with 109 receptions, 1,204 yards, and 11 touchdowns. His 11-yard average per catch and 80.3 yards per game, all while playing with below-average quarterback play in his first season, is a true testament to his skillset.