Breaking down the top 10 Indiana state receiving leaders

Three games in and players across the state have been able to make their marks. It’s not a fluke that these players have had good games, they’ve put together more than just one big time performance. With that in mind, it’s time to review their film and break down why these top 10 receivers in the state of Indiana have been so successful over their first three contests. 2022 Avon WR/RB Chrishon McCray (6’ and 165lbs) @chrishon2022 Season stats: 19 receptions for 509 yards with 6 TDs In his 3 games this year, McCray is putting up video game numbers. He’s one of the fastest players in the state, with the ability to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. McCray isn’t just a 9-route receiver, he can run a variety of routes on the tree. He does a great job of tracking the ball, and high pointing when he needs to. It would not come as a surprise to see the Kent State commit’s name stay atop this list at the end of the year and clearly make a move up our rankings. 2022 South Vermillion WR [player_tooltip player_id="198092" first="Peyton" last="Hawkins"] (5’9” and 160lbs) @Peytonhawkin2 Season stats: 27 receptions for 437 yards with 5 TDs A versatile player out of the slot, Hawkins can make plays from all over the field. Occasionally he lines up as a tailback, showing that he’s not a one trick pony. Even though he’s on the smaller side, he plays bigger than his listed size. Hawkins does a good job of high pointing the ball, going over defenders to make a catch. He is going to end up as a slot receiver at the next level, but should Hawkins be able to make an impact when he arrives on a college campus next fall. 2022 Bishop Luers WR [player_tooltip player_id="175710" first="Brody" last="Glenn"] (6’1” and 185lbs) @brodyglenn Season stats: 21 receptions for 425 yards with 4 TDs Great off the line, Glenn’s footwork allows him to get clean releases. He’s explosive when he gets the ball in his hands, Glenn does a great job catching the ball away from his body. He’s a very skilled route runner, there are multiple routes in his arsenal. I could see Glenn contending for the state yardage crown at the end of the year. 2022 Plainfield WR [player_tooltip player_id="97823" first="Cael" last="Vanderbush"] (6’6” and 200lbs) @CaelVanderbush Season Stats: 11 receptions for 393 yards and 3 TDs First off Vanderbush has a massive catch radius, his size alone is a big advantage for him. But then you see the athletic ability that he possesses and he has the full package as a pass catcher. Vanderbush is fast, above average speed with the potential to take short passes the distance. Watching his junior film and seeing the improvement heading into his final year, I now believe that he can play wide receiver and won’t necessarily end up as a tight end when he arrives at Western Michigan. When the next rankings update is made, Vanderbush surely will be on the rise. 2022 New Castle WR Kyle Gabbard @kylegabbard2 Season stats: 15 receptions for 387 yards with 6 TDs Another big playmaker is Gabbard, who not only has made explosive plays as a pass catcher, but does so on special teams as well. He’s got very good hands and field awareness, seeing holes before they open. Gabbard is a short strider, but is quick enough to cover a lot of ground in a hurry. He’s most likely a slot at the next level and looks to have solid upside. 2023 Madison WR [player_tooltip player_id="185224" first="Colin" last="Yancey"] (6’ and 190lbs) @yancey_colin Season stats: 26 receptions for 387 yards with 4 TDs A solid frame that he uses well, Yancey runs routes at a high level. He creates space right off the line, giving his quarterback space to put the ball into his area. Yancey can cut very well, he puts his foot in the ground and off he goes. He does well with screens, getting the proper distance to utilize his blockers to gain extra yards. After his impressive early performance, there’s a good chance Yancey moves up in the next update of the 2023 rankings. 2023 Covington WR [player_tooltip player_id="185527" first="Duncan" last="Keller"] (6’ and 165lbs) Season stats: 30 receptions for 385 yards with 4 TDs It shouldn’t come to a surprise that he’s the favorite target of the states leading passer Alan Karrfalt, Keller does a lot of things to help his quarterback out. When he gets single coverage, he’s able to easily beat his made with his speed. Keller is a solid route runner, although he does need some work in that area. He’s a bit raw but there’s a lot of upside as Keller still has another year to refine his game. 2022 Brebeuf Jesuit Prep WR Max Walters (5’11” and 176lbs) @maxwalt_ Season stats: 26 receptions for 519 yards with 5 TDs Most likely to end up in the slot, although he sometimes lines up outside, Walters has a very good set of hands. He has above average speed, enough for safeties to have to respect his ability to get behind them. Walters is a very good route runner also, even though he’s on the smaller side, he understands how to use his body to shield off defenders to make a play. I liked that I saw and there’s potential here that Walters could stay atop of this list at the end of the season. 2022 Carroll WR Jameson Coverstone (5’8” and 150lbs) @jameson3o3 Season stats: 16 receptions for 379 yards with 5 TDs An absolute blur, Coverstone has above average to potentially elite speed. He uses it well, as he is able to either outrun or undercut defenders when trying to find open space. After the catch, he’s electric, every time he touches the ball there’s a chance he could take it a long way. Coverstone is on the smaller side, so he’s going to have to add on weight in order to be a significant contributor at the next level, but there is time for him to add the needed weight to be a difference maker. 2023 Cathedral WR [player_tooltip player_id="107080" first="Jaron" last="Tibbs"] (6’4” and 190lbs) @jarontibbs2023 Season stats: 19 receptions for 357 yards with 3 TDs It should come as no surprise that the top rated receiver in the 2023 class is having a big season. Tibbs is the favorite target of [player_tooltip player_id="109625" first="Danny" last="O’Neil"], the top quarterback in the 2024 class, making the dynamic underclassmen duo a nightmare for opposing defenses. Tibbs is a long strider, who has plenty of speed to beat a defense. He does his best work when he goes over the middle and has enough space to keep moving down the field. A terror for cornerbacks in the redzone, Tibbs has the elite frame many teams look for. The catch radius is obviously large and his hands are strong as well. I am not at all surprised to see Tibbs having this kind of early season success.