2022 WJFL Wide Receivers to Watch Pt. 2

The high school football season in New Jersey is finishing up and while not every team has been able to play their full schedules, there has been plenty of action and excitement across the state. Much of this is contained within the West Jersey Football League, a super-conference of nearly 100 high schools spread out among Central and South Jersey. This is a continuation of a multi-part series, but here’s a look at some junior wide receivers to look out for the rest of this season and into next season. <strong>Hunter Parks, Gloucester Catholic:</strong> There’s much to like about Parks, who also slots in at strong safety. Strong is the name of Parks’ game as he squats and deadlifts well over 300 pounds, while benching nearly 200. He plays a physical style of football, much of it coming from his defense, which has carried well over to the offensive side of the ball. Parks is a reliable target on out-routes and slants and will get you the key yards you need on crucial drives. <strong>Jake Lengle, Hopewell Valley:</strong> Lengle is everything you want in a receiver, the physicality and speed. His 40 time right now, a 4.7, isn’t terrible, but there is much to work on there, and he possesses the tools to be a great wide receiver. Lengle has great hands and doesn’t let contact phase him. He welcomes the contact and still has the strength to fend them off and make the catch. He plays smart and can burn his defenders with his closing speed, a deadly combination of strength and quickness that will get him plenty of targets. <strong>Matthew Vingara, Robbinsville:</strong> Vingara was no doubt one of Robbinsville’s best deep threats, if not their most dangerous deep threat this season. He runs a vertical route really well and can burn defensive backs with his speed down the sideline. He catches most anything that comes his way, whether he has to wait back on it or he’s led forward. Vingara’s strength allows him to create more space for himself in the slot and just take off. On a 6-1 Robbinsville team, Vingara showcased his excellence and made his presence known on the field. <strong>Nijirell Batchelor, Overbrook:</strong> Batchelor is a playmaker and a bonafide stud on the field. He is an excellent route runner and looks really good on a post and swing route. When he gets the ball in his hands, it’s not getting ripped out. He’s a strong player and welcomes contact on his routes. Often times, with a defefener close to him, he’ll create that few feet of separation that allows him to haul in passes. That has frequently correlated to a big gain or a touchdown this season, not surprisingly. <strong>Billy Viereck, Gloucester Catholic:</strong> Viereck has been a dependable target for the Rams this season and it’s really clear to see why. He’s an extremely reliable target to throw to. His athleticism allows him to get to passes most can’t get to, diving for ones thrown behind him or allowing his speed to take him to passes maybe slightly overthrown. Viereck’s development over the course of the season was very apparent and some work in the offseason will put him as one of Gloucester Catholic’s most dependable targets in 2021. Stay tuned for more player profiles as Prep Redzone continues to look at the New Jersey high school football landscape.