Rankings Breakdown: 2023 WR’s

The 2023 rankings are here and there is some strong talent and potential across the state. Take a look at my breakdown of the top five WR's in the 2023 class: &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="87414" first="Justin" last="Smith"], <strong>6’2" 185lbs, Lakes</strong> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FHS3Z" target="_blank" rel="noopener">*Sophomore Film </a> Smith comes in as the #1 ranked WR in the state for the 2023 class as he flashes an upside with big potential. He is developing into a prototypical X/Z receiver as Lakes loves to isolate him on a single receiver side. He flashes the ability to sink his hips to get in and out of breaks, and does a great job securing the catch while anticipating contact. He possesses good body control to adjust and put himself in position to make a catch, and holds solid top end speed as well. Big up upside and should be seeing that first offer come in relatively soon. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="87419" first="Jace" last="Villers"], <strong>6’3" 180lbs, Auburn-Riverside<img class="alignright wp-image-155914" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/06/PrzIcon3-294x300.png" alt="" width="265" height="270" /></strong> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FNq2x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">*Sophomore Film </a> Villers comes off a short 4 game season, and was very productive as a sophomore as he hauled in 19 receptions for 296 yards and 4 TD’s. He’s a good route runner overall with solid speed all-around, giving him big play ability. Definite vertical threat as he uses his speed well to burn past zone coverage or win those 1on1’s vertically on the outside. Villers tracks the ball well and should see a major increase in production and targets given a full season. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="155580" first="David" last="Wells"], <strong>6’2" 175lbs, Lakes </strong> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FHgVd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">*Sophomore Film </a> Wells is another talented 2023 Lakes High WR with a tremendous upside as well. He is very efficient off the LOS to frequently generate a clean release. He sets up his routes well and is a creative route runner to consistently generate separation. He’s shown the ability to be both a vertical threat and win those contested catches or get shifty in space and make opponents miss. Excellent speed all-around is a multi-dimensional receiver with the potential to have a breakout junior season. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="155591" first="Job" last="Kralik"], <strong>6’0" 170lbs, Eatonville</strong> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FCs4R" target="_blank" rel="noopener">*Sophomore Film </a> Kralik is a dynamic player for Eatonville. They like to put the ball in his hands any way possible as he's utilized on reverses, jet sweeps, as a kick returner, and can stretch the field vertically and take the top off a defense. He's a fluid route runner with active feet at the top of his routes. He's creative in the ways he disguises his routes and possesses solid top end speed to beat various coverages. Kralik projects to have a huge junior campaign and see a big rise in his stock, and will be a fun player to watch this fall. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="155592" first="Austin" last="Burns"], <strong>5’10" 170lbs, Archbishop Murphy</strong> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FMPWT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">*Sophomore Film </a> Burns is a promising young prospect on both sides of the ball for Archbishop Murphy. He does a good job setting up his routes and is effective on double moves to generate large separation. He displays good short area quickness and finds the spot in defenses well. He flashes glimpses of a nice stick at the top of his route with a quick change of direction on some routes. Burns tracks and adjusts to the ball in the air well and should have a productive season.