Mind Your X’s and Z’s: Iowa’s Top C/O 2022 Wide Receivers Part V
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There is a lot a wide receiver has to be on every down in order to be successful: tough, coordinated, agile, resilient, instinctive, athletic, strong, intelligent, creative, focused, the list goes on and on. Take a look below at some…
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Continue ReadingThere is a lot a wide receiver has to be on every down in order to be successful: tough, coordinated, agile, resilient, instinctive, athletic, strong, intelligent, creative, focused, the list goes on and on. Take a look below at some of Iowa’s best who put it all on display on a regular basis as they head into their Senior years.
Harrison Rosenberg, Clear Creek Amana, hudl, Twitter
WR, 6’2, 170
Rosenberg is a big vertical threat who can line up at the X and physically outmatch opponents. He runs excellent Go, Fade, and Hitch and Go routes; he knows how to use speed to threaten deep and change direction. Rosenberg has the straight line speed to win one on one’s in man coverage and get behind zones. When coverage is tight and catches are contested he shows impressive leaping ability and concentration. He navigates the open field well after the catch.
Cooper Spiess, Central Lyon, hudl, Twitter
WR, 5’11, 190
Spiess can line up outside and win vertically with speed or line up in the slot and beat you on crossing patterns. He applies top-notch speed and lateral quickness to polished route running and is tough to defend. Most impressive, though, is how he makes difficult catches that require a lot of athleticism look easy; he has excellent field awareness, especially on the sideline, and comes up clutch. Spiess’ run after the catch and downfield blocking are also first-rate.
Tate Bianchi, Manson NW-Webster, hudl, Twitter
WR, 5’7, 175
Bianchi is a playmaker and someone who needs to be accounted for on the field at all times. He is a versatile route runner who cuts really well as he attacks and threatens defensive backs. Bianchi has breakaway speed to win vertically and to take it all the way when he gets into space on shorter receptions. He impresses in the Jet, Screen, and Bubble game; it is clear he is a pivotal part of his offense. Bianchi can hit a quick move to make the first man miss and is gone.
AJ Ambundo, Maquoketa, hudl, Twitter
WR, 6’0, 170
Ambundo lines up all over the offense and it is clear why; he is electric with the ball in his hands. He bursts into routes and it looks like he is playing in fast forward while everyone else is at regular speed. He releases out of the backfield on Out and Swing routes to perfection catching passes and turning it up. When lined up at WR he knows how to attack space to get open and then run after the catch abilities take over. He is exceedingly hard to tackle in the open field.
Adam Hackett, East Buchanan, hudl, Twitter
WR
Hackett is a talented route runner who understands how to identify zones and operate within them. He splits coverage to get to space and give his quarterback a window to throw the ball. Hackett is unafraid of contact and makes difficult catches in high traffic areas. He is gifted once he has the ball in his hands and his offense finds creative ways to make that happen. On plays such as Jet he moves like a running back; his patience, cuts, and downhill running are on point.
JJ Johanns, Council Bluffs Jefferson, hudl, Twitter
WR, 5’5, 140
Johanns is so shifty and slippery once he gets the ball in his hands and he does it all for his team; returning kicks, carrying, and receiving. He is very difficult to track and hit cleanly in the open field and maneuvers tight, high traffic areas really well. Johanns shows no hesitation and maintains speed through changes of direction. He makes a lot of defenders miss and has explosive, big play ability from anywhere on the field. Johanns is fearless and dangerous.
Chris Schreck, Van Meter, hudl, Twitter
WR, 5’11, 155
Schreck has a big route tree: Seams, Whips, Slants, Wheels, Posts, Corners. You name it, he can run it and make plays in the process. Schreck has sure hands and excellent focus. You can count on him coming up with a big catch when it is needed, even when catches are contested. Schreck also has excellent field awareness; he knows where to attack within his routes and where to run once he has possession. He is elusive with top-tier cuts and jukes.
Dexter Whitehill, Grundy Center, hudl, Twitter
WR, 6’2, 155
Whitehill is an impressive vertical threat who runs outstanding fades and corners. He has a huge catch radius and maximizes that by leaping and high pointing balls. Whitehill appears to hang in the air as he looks the catch in over the top of defenders. He adjusts well to the ball once it is in the air and makes very athletic catches. Whitehill gives his quarterback the ability to throw it deep to a spot. He has the speed to get wide open and separate from defenders.