As part of our high school football coverage to get you ready for the 2024 season, we are rolling out all-Bay Area Area News Group preseason recognition.
Today’s positions:
WIDE RECEIVERS
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Deji Ajose, Bishop O’Dowd, 6-2, 190, senior
Three-star prospect committed to Washington was a first-team all-WACC Foothill receiver in 2023. A true burner with 4.5 speed who helped propel O’Dowd to the NCS playoffs.
Jalen Arnold, Moreau Catholic, 6-0, 180, senior
First-team all-WACC Foothill at wide receiver after making the transition from quarterback. Will try to break the 1,000-yard barrier after catching 52 passes for 987 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior.
Obryan Flanigan, Sacred Heart Cathedral, 5-11, 165, senior
A first-team all-WCAL selection in 2023. The centerpiece of Sacred Heart Cathedral’s offense led the Fightin’ Irish with 713 all-purpose yards and had five touchdowns from scrimmage.
Jake Flood, Burlingame, 5-10, 160, senior
The first-team all-PAL Bay selection had 26 receptions for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Also had two interceptions as a DB.
Spencer Hoang, Westmont, 5-11, 165, senior
The BVAL Santa Teresa-Valley junior of the year earned that accolade after putting up 1,650 all-purpose yards and scoring 14 touchdowns. Is equally dangerous as a runner and receiver.
Makari Kenion, Pittsburg, 5-10, 155, senior
First-team all-Bay Valley Athletic League selection who led the Pirates with 11 touchdown receptions. Chipped in 593 receiving yards as he helped headline a receiving corps that was replacing four D-I receivers.
Chris Lawson, Archbishop Riordan, 6-0, 175, senior
Four-star Washington commit who was named the WCAL wide receiver of the year in 2023. Caught 68 passes for 969 yards and 11 touchdowns and is the best playmaker on a loaded Riordan offense.
Roman Mercado, Las Lomas, 5-10, 160, senior
First-team all-DAL Foothill selection did it all for the Knights. He averaged almost 20 yards per reception, turning 61 catches into 1,142 yards and 12 touchdowns. Also had four interceptions as a DB.
Zayne St. Laurent, Branham, 6-2, 180, senior
Three-star prospect with offers from San Diego and Air Force was named second-team all-WCAL before transferring from Bellarmine. Had 21 catches for 319 yards and led the Bells with four touchdown receptions.
Owen Scott, San Ramon Valley, 5-11, 174, senior
The three-star wide receiver with an offer from Air Force was dominant for San Ramon Valley’s playoff team last season, catching 84 passes for 1,405 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was named first-team all-EBAL Mountain.
Sam Shelby, Piedmont, 6-1, 180, senior
The WACC Shoreline offensive player of the year showed off his track speed by pulling in 63 receptions for 1,117 yards and 13 touchdowns as Piedmont won a league title after pausing its varsity program for a year. Will try to repeat his production this season in a tougher league.
Elijah Washington, Castlemont, 5-11, 175, senior
First-team all-Oakland Athletic League selection and three-star Oregon State commit has helped the Knights reach the OAL playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
Cynai Thomas, Archbishop Riordan, 6-3, 165, junior
Three-star prospect made a splash in his first year at the San Francisco school. The rangy 6-3 pass-catcher had 41 receptions for 679 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Niko White, Acalanes, 5-10, 175, senior
First-team all-DAL Foothill selection had 1,087 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns for the CIF Division 3-AA state champions. The speedster has a chance to put up special numbers now that he’s the No. 1 target.
Perrion Williams, St. Francis, 6-0, 163, junior
Second-team all-WCAL selection and three-star prospect with offers from Oregon State and Washington. Provides a big-play aerial threat to St. Francis’ run-heavy attack. Caught six touchdown passes and had 620 yards last season.
TIGHT ENDS
Tony Keck (9) of Clayton Valley, shown here in a file photo, is one of the most versatile pass-catchers in the Bay Area. (Douglas Zimmerman/Special to the Bay Area News Group)
DJ Asiasi, De La Salle, 6-3, 240, senior
Three-star prospect following in his brother Devin’s footsteps as a standout De La Salle tight end. Caught one pass, but also had 16 tackles and two sacks.
Andrew Bjornson, Miramonte, 6-4, 190, junior
Three-star prospect led Miramonte in receiving yards with 626 and also had seven touchdowns. Son of former Cowboys tight end and Super Bowl champion Eric Bjornson, he shows those NFL genes with a 4.59 40-yard dash time.
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Sean Chopoff, Carlmont, 6-4, 200, senior
The first-team all-PAL El Camino selection will be a force on both sides of the ball for the Scots. He caught three touchdown passes and also had 51 tackles, four sacks and three interceptions.
Kellan Ford, Monte Vista, 6-5, 230, senior
Arizona commit that has prototypical tight end size. Has offers from a dozen programs and should be a leader on a talented team. Caught four touchdown passes and also had three sacks as a defensive end.
Tony Keck, Clayton Valley Charter, 6-4, 225, senior
Named first-team all-EBAL Mountain as a wideout, but has the physical tools to shine as a TE at the college level. Had 823 receiving yards and five touchdowns as a junior and is arguably the EBAL’s best receiver.
Crosby Kelly, Campolindo, 6-6, 237, junior
Three-star prospect was named first-team all-DAL Foothill as a defensive end, but should also put up great stats at TE this season. Caught two touchdowns and had 5.5 sacks for the Moraga progam.
Owen Panu, Los Gatos, 6-2, 205, senior
First-team all-PAL Bay selection could be the top offensive player for Los Gatos, which is replacing its top receiver and halfback. Caught 17 passes for 355 yards and two touchdowns.
Na’o Tito, St. Ignatius, 6-3, 220, junior
Three-star prospect who was named second-team all-WCAL after catching 32 passes for 413 yards. Should be a favorite target of senior quarterback Soren Hummel.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Those eligible for all-BANG honors come from leagues based predominantly in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The news organization’s high school sports staff chooses the players.
Correspondent Mike Lefkow contributed to this report.
