Small School 22’s: WR’s To Know

There are some WR’s at smaller programs that are coming off some productive junior seasons, and I believe they are worth taking a look at. Here’s a look at 5 small school WR’s to get on your radar: <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-24527" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-2-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> [player_tooltip player_id="100658" first="Austin" last="Rush"], <em>5’10" 185lbs, Yuma Catholic HS</em> <em>Film: </em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13045435/Austin-Rush">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13045435/Austin-Rush</a> Rush has a huge junior season with 1,030 yards and 16 TD’s, helping Yuma Catholic reach the 3A state championship. He’s a creative route runner and does an excellent job disguising his routes. Deceptive speed as well, as he oftentimes got over the top of defenses. Generates solid separation out of his stick and is shifty in open space. He’s flashed solid body control with the ability to haul in athletic catches. Rush will have a huge role next season, and the Stallworth-Rush tandem will be lethal. [player_tooltip player_id="100674" first="Johnny" last="Bellino"], <em>6’0" 175lbs, ALA-Gilbert North</em> <em>Film: </em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12804644/Johnny-Bellino">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12804644/Johnny-Bellino</a> Bellino is an explosive player and excelled at taking the top off defenses throughout his junior campaign. He shows a nice burst off the LOS and is a crafty route runner. Explosive out of his stick frequently generating big separation. He displays nice top end speed and tracks the ball well vertically. He did a good job of coming back to the ball on curls and hitches. Bellino had a big semifinals performance against Snowflake and proved he will show up in big time games. He’ll be an exciting kid to watch this upcoming season. [player_tooltip player_id="42859" first="Gabe" last="Escobedo"], <em>6’1" 165lbs, Miami HS</em> <em>Film: </em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13285170/Gabe-Escobedo">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13285170/Gabe-Escobedo</a> Escobedo was one of the most electric kid’s in 2A. He racked up 1,061 yards and 16 total TD’s. He shows solid speed all around and does a great job getting upfield after the catch. He’s a natural pass catcher with excellent athleticism all across the board. He could improve his overall craft and technique as a route runner, but holds potential to transition to the next level and have a huge senor year for Miami.<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-56862" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/IMG_4423-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> [player_tooltip player_id="100684" first="Noah" last="Baum"], <em>6’0" 180lbs, Snowflake HS</em> <em>Film: </em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11465360/Noah-Baum">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11465360/Noah-Baum</a> Baum is a WR/TE hybrid type player with a very high ceiling as he helped Snowflake win the 3A state championship. Good overall route runner and does an excellent job catching the ball away from his body. He shows good body control and field awareness to adjust his body and stay in bounds. He fights for extra yards after the catch and was a reliable target for snowflake. They liked to isolate him on the single receiver side when facing man coverage, as he was a big mismatch against anyone manned up against him in 3A. [player_tooltip player_id="100720" first="Jayden" last="Rittenbach"], <em>6’2" 160lbs, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy</em> <em>Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11073578/Jayden-Rittenbach">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11073578/Jayden-Rittenbach</a></em> Rittenbach flashed big play ability his junior year.  As you will see on film, he had some very impressive runs after the catch. Rittenbach displayed athletic hands at the LOS to generate a clean release in man-press. He’s shifty in open space with very good balance to be able to bounce off non-wrapping tacklers. He’s shown good body control with the ability to haul in athletic catches. He’s recently been impressing at 7v7 events and shows solid potential going forward.