2021 wide receiver Xavier Worthy rises up in latest recruiting rankings

Four-star Xavier Worthy is one of the most exciting prospects for the Michigan Wolverines in the 2021 class because of the pure speed he possesses compared to his peers at the wide receiver position. The recruiting process has been extremely kind to his stock, which was soaring even before he committed to play for Jim Harbaugh earlier this summer.

It has not slowed down, either.

Rivals was the latest outlet to move him up in the rankings, shooting the California product up to the No. 57 overall player in the country. This caused a surge in the 247Sports Composite rankings from No. 174 overall to No. 71.

This gives Michigan its third top-75 commit of the 2021 class along with quarterback J.J. McCarthy (No. 16 overall) and offensive lineman Giovanni El-Hadi (No. 70 overall).

247Sports’ Scouting Report:

Explosive speedster with elite speed (10.55 PR in 100m as sophomore), dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. Crisp route runner, with ability to quickly gain separation and stretch the field. Natural pass-catcher who can get deep consistently while also taking shorter passes. Good body control and ability to adjust to throws. Also adept punt and kick returner. Slender frame will need to add weight and strength. Projects as immediate impact Power 5 player and second or third day NFL draft pick.

Following his commitment to Michigan, our Jon Simmons took a look at Worthy’s fit with the program and how he should fare early on.

I’ve seen comparisons to DeSean Jackson and Alabama’s DeVonta Smith and Jerry Jeudy, which are certainly lofty but do speak to his elite athleticism and speed. Worthy is still pretty light, so hopefully he can pack on some muscle during his senior year so he can be better prepared for the rigors of a Big Ten schedule.

Regardless, I think Worthy can make an immediate impact at Michigan by returning kicks or punts as a freshman if the coaches want to take something off Giles Jackson’s plate. Jackson, Mike Sainristil and A.J. Henning will be ahead of Worthy in the slot depth chart, but as the tallest of those three by at least three inches, he can also see some time on the outside. Either way, he should see some time in the rotation early on.

The state of California will not be playing football this fall due to the coronavirus pandemic and has instead shifted to the spring. Worthy, however, will be enrolling early at Michigan and is expected to be on campus in January. Whether there is a spring season or not, he figures to factor in early for the Wolverines.