Daily News area top wide receivers: Sierra Canyon’s Jojo Phillips is back on the football field

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Sierra Canyon wide receiver Jojo Phillips made a bold decision last year. He decided not to play football his junior season and just focus on basketball.

It seemed like a head scratcher when Phillips confirmed with the Daily News he wouldn’t be playing football. Phillips was receiving interest to play college football from some of the most notable programs in the country after his sophomore season, including LSU, Michigan State, Pittsburgh and Oregon.

Meanwhile, Phillips, an athletic, defense-first basketball player, was having a hard time cracking the rotation for the national-ranked boys basketball program. Nevertheless, Phillips mainlined a great attitude and never seemed to lack in effort.

Well, he’s back.

Phillips will be one of Sierra Canyon’s go-to targets this fall, along side new transfer Lavon Brown, who’s committed to Colorado State. Phillips is a 6-foot-4, 195-pound, down-the-field target that can leap with the best of them.

Phillips is a 3-star recruit, according to 247Sports.com, and is not yet committed.

NOTABLE WIDEOUTS TO WATCH

Aaron Butler, Calabasas, Sr. (USC commit)

Butler is the most highly-touted wideout in the area, and the 12th best prospect in California, according to 247Sports.com.  He’s verbally committed to be a Trojan, but also holds offers from Alabama and Georgia, among a bevy of others.

Lavon Brown, Sierra Canyon, Sr. (Colorado State)

Brown is new to the area, but will be part of the 1-2 punch at Sierra Canyon along with Jojo Phillips. Brown is sure-handed and lightning quick.

Ajani Smith, Golden Valley, Sr.

Smith might be the most underrated athlete in Southern California. Coaches from other programs in the area were raving about the Golden Valley wideout, saying he impressed in passing leagues this past summer. He caught six touchdowns passes last season.

OTHER WIDEOUTS TO WATCH

Jaelon Barbarian, Chaminade, Sr.; Chase Farrell, Oaks Christian, Jr.; Jaylen’Dai Sumlin, Sierra Canyon, Jr.; Shawn Irwin, Hart, Jr.; Ajani Smith, Golden Valley, Sr.; Will Todd, Agoura, Sr.Adonis Currie, Notre Dame, So.; Ace Acosta, Birmingham Charter, Sr.; William Parra, St. Genevieve, Sr.; Logan Carpenter, Chaminade, So.; Holden Gering, Crespi, Sr.; Peyton Waters, Birmingham Charter, Jr.; Cole Crawford, Sierra Canyon, Jr.