Ottawa-Kent Conferences: Top Wide Receivers, Part I

A number of talented wideouts in West Michigan helped their teams make deep playoff runs, a couple went as far as capturing state championships in 2019. The 2021" wide receiver class is arguably the deepest skill position in the Ottawa Kent Conferences. Below I’ll break down six of the best wideouts in the OK Conferences. <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="29554" first="Jace" last="Williams"], Grand Rapids Catholic Central 2021"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9339694/5e134607688ed508b4a43030" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Jace is the most sought-after wideout in the area, and already has offers from a handful of high major Division I programs. Jace hauled in 61 passes for 9 touchdowns and recorded 970 receiving yards in his junior season. To top it off, he helped Grand Rapids Catholic Central breeze through the Division 4 playoffs to win a State Championship and earned First-team All-State Honors. Jace has strong hands and has a knack for ripping the ball out of the air, often catches the ball at it's high-point. He’s a crisp route runner who creates separation with ease. Jace is a natural athlete whose stock should continue to rise as he fills out his frame. <em>Offers: Michigan State, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Air Force, Cincinnati, Iowa, Toledo, Nebraska, Kentucky </em> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="29812" first="Blake" last="Bosma"], West Ottawa 2021"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9759346/5db794e95caa590d1428a680" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Blake is arguably the best wideout in the OK-Red. Hauled in 83 receptions for 1,117 yards, and caught 11 touchdown passes. These stats helped Bosma earn All-State Honorable Mention and All-Area Dream Team nods. Bosma, in my opinion, is most dangerous in underneath route situations. Blake is an elusive receiver who sees lanes well and can make defenders miss consistently. His field-vision makes him an equal threat in the return game, proving he can bust big gains and flip the field for West Ottawa. <em>Offers: Valparaiso University</em> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="29813" first="Elliott" last="Grashuis"], South Christian 2021"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10013586/5df123713452a90fb4c29faf" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Elliot put up great numbers for the Sailors in 2019, hauling in 52 catches for 756 yards and 9 touchdowns. Elliot earned Division 4 All-State, All-Area Dream Team, and OK Gold First-Team All-Conference honors. South Christian loves to throw the ball to Elliot near the sideline, due in large part to his ability to create separation and haul-in passes above smaller defenders. He uses his frame to his advantage more than most wideouts in the area and is a threat to gain a huge chunk of yardage whenever the Sailors target him. Another plus in Elliot's game is his ability to react and make a play on 50/50 balls, which might otherwise go the other way for a turnover. <em>Offers: Valparaiso University</em> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="29669" first="Brian" last="Hunter III"], Grand Rapids Christian 2021"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9924954/5dc06df32347950fc0652659" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Brian has some of the best hands in the area, which was made evident by his Odell-like one-handed, over the head catch last season. He's a slot by definition, who has great speed and is as elusive in the open field. For being on the smaller end of the spectrum, he's a solid blocker who can clear space by taking defenders out of the play. His sideline awareness is another plus in his game, showing he can drag a toe and make a play on the ball that others would deem uncatchable. <em>Offers: Aurora University, Lawrence Tech University, Valparaiso University, Otterbein University, Hope College, Urbana University, Davenport University</em> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="29679" first="Keondre" last="Pierce"], Muskegon Mona Shores 2021"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/6426875/5df2f8675cb3e10e50a6bd04" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Keondre had a decorated junior campaign, earning First-Team All-State Honorable Mention and helped Mona Shores capture the Division II State Championship. He was an instrumental aspect in the Sailor's title run, making big plays on the offensive side of the ball and helping lock down the secondary on defense. He's used as a hybrid wideout in Mona Shores offense, catching the ball out of the slot and out of the backfield. Keondre has great speed, creating separation from the line of scrimmage. He can also create positive yardage out of a broken play. Expect Keondre to again be a focal part of Mona Shores on both sides of the ball in 2020. <em>Offers: Alma College, Lake Erie College</em> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="29814" first="Nate" last="Milanowski"], East Grand Rapids 2021"</h5> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9713303/5e1632bbda50cc05a868f4c1" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Nate is a shifty wideout who can make multiple defenders miss, oftentimes in confined spaces. Because of this, he's frequently used in jet-sweep actions. His skillset also translates well as a return specialist for the Pioneers, helping flip the field and setting up East Grand Rapids' next possession. Nate's ability to change speeds stands out, showing he can change the course of direction and extend the play, resulting in first downs and additional scoring opportunities. <em>Offers: Hope College, Valparaiso University </em>