ESPN names Georgia Tech ‘Best Wide Receiver Factory’ for NFL

Tech's Demaryius Thomas (8) runs past Duke's Scott Elder (24) for a touchdown in the 4th quarter during the Georgia Tech vs. Duke game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008 at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Credit: JOHNNY CRAWFORD

Credit: JOHNNY CRAWFORD

Tech's Demaryius Thomas (8) runs past Duke's Scott Elder (24) for a touchdown in the 4th quarter during the Georgia Tech vs. Duke game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008 at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Georgia Tech has been named the NFL's Best Wide Receiver Factory by ESPN.

The Yellow Jackets ranked in front of Alabama and Pittsburgh respectively.

“Georgia Tech’s duo of Calvin Johnson and Demaryius Thomas have a combined 10 Pro Bowls in their 16 total NFL seasons, giving the Yellow Jackets the top spot ahead of Alabama,” the list said.

Johnson, a retired Detroit Lion, played at Georgia Tech from 2004-2006 and totaled 2,927 receiving yards and 29 total touchdowns. Thomas, a Super Bowl winning Denver Bronco, played at Tech from 2007-2009 and accounted for 2,339 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.

The bottom three schools for producing NFL wide receivers were Oklahoma, Southern California and Michigan State, according to ESPN.

Some of the other “Best Factories” for the NFL include:

  • Best Quarterback Factory- Southern California
  • Best Running Back Factory- Oklahoma
  • Best Tight End Factory- Miami
  • Best Offensive Line Factory- Wisconsin
  • Best Defensive Line Factory- North Carolina
  • Best Linebacker Factory- Southern California
  • Best Defensive Back Factory- Miami