2024 Rankings: Top Junior Wideouts Heading into Next Season
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In today’s age of football with high flying offenses and the need to score an exuberant amount of points, wideouts are depended on more than ever to make a contribution and to deliver when the team needs them most. Wide…
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Continue ReadingIn today’s age of football with high flying offenses and the need to score an exuberant amount of points, wideouts are depended on more than ever to make a contribution and to deliver when the team needs them most. Wide receivers are usually expected to be crisp in their route running, maintain strong hands when coming down with the ball, and to excel in both pass and run blocking when called upon. Of course, there are always little things that make a prospect stand out other than the three qualities I listed, and those certain attributes can help those individuals stand out from the rest of the pack. Those are the type of athletes that coaches from all around the country drool about, and the top wideouts on this list have a lot of those exact qualities to take their game to the next level.
WR Joseph Ciccio Joseph Ciccio WR Lutheran | 2024 State CO 6’0″ 165 Lutheran
2021 Stats: 22 REC, 551 Yards, 25.0 AVG, 7 TD’s
Out of 3A Lutheran High School in Parker, Colorado, the sophomore wideout Ciccio put up very respectable numbers during his 2021 campaign. The balanced, all-around playmaker led all pass catchers in the 2024 class in receiving yards, and also demonstrated his big play ability by averaging a lengthy 25 yards per catch. With two seasons of eligibility still on the horizon for Ciccio, do not be surprised if he becomes a main focal point in the Lions offensive attack.
WR Jake Krekeler Jake Krekeler 5'10" | 195 lbs | WR Argyle | 2024 TX 5’10″ 175 Valor Christian
2021 Stats: 8 REC, 162 Yards, 20.3 AVG, 2 TD’s
Despite the statistics not necessarily jumping out at you at first glance, some may argue that with the amount of weapons and talent at Valor Christian’s disposal, it is quite impressive that the young Krekeler made such an impact on the field when he did. After averaging 20 yards per catch and finding the end zone a pair of times in 2021, Krekeler showed flashes why he could be the next great receiving target for the Eagles. With quick feet off the line of scrimmage to go along with his smooth route running and ability to pin point the ball when it is in the air at his size, I expect the 5’10 speedster to find a valuable increased role in the Valor aerial barrage.
WR Jackson Hansen 5’10″ 140 Ralston Valley
2021 Stats: 30 REC, 485 Yards, 16.2 AVG, 3 TD’s
Another quick twitch pass catcher, Hansen has the tools to transform himself into the #1 wideout for the Ralston Valley Mustangs for years to come. With an abundant amount of Mustang receivers graduating this spring to seek out greener pastures, Hansen will be the first in line among the 2022 junior class to introduce himself to the Friday night lights stage. Although Hansen is currently slightly undersized at 140 pounds, there is no questioning that some hard work perfecting his craft in the gym and on the practice field will elevate his game tenfold.
Jackson Hansen 61-yard TD pass from Zach Friedman#highlights from https://t.co/Wk7MOydTLr
@JacksonHansen17 @bvrcreek @LionsDen0341
🎙️ @MichaelCBS4 @MartyCesario pic.twitter.com/T6JYg2LnoZ— FanVū Sports (@FanVuSports) October 3, 2021
WR DeAmonte Maynard 5’11″ N/A Manual
2021 Stats: 12 REC, 371 Yards, 30.9 AVG, 6 TD’s
Time and time again, we at Prep Redzone Colorado will cover the biggest schools and the best players at their institutions. These prospects deserve all of the coverage in the world, but every now and then, even the smallest schools and their own talented players deserve a nod from us scouts. Straight out of 1A Manual High School, DeAmonte Maynard is one of those freak talents, and even with a limited amount of receptions on the year, Maynard showcased incredible flash with the rock in his hands. How about a remarkable 30.9 yards per catch? Keep in mind that of Maynard’s 12 catches on the season, half of those accounted for touchdowns. Just by going off purely numbers, the soon-to-be junior wideout deserves to get some college looks his way, especially considering that I am confident he could be a top wide receiver in the Class of 1A by the end of 2022.
My happy place is the end zone pic.twitter.com/YH5toCwnJp
— Deamonte Maynard (@monte_215) December 30, 2021
WR Joseph Bjegovich 6’1″ 170 Banning Lewis Academy
2021 Stats: 36 REC, 441 Yards, 12.3 AVG 3 TD’s
Last but certainly not least, Mr. Bjegovich has every reason to believe that his skillful play can translate to an even greater degree in 2022. Another gem in the Class of 1A, Joseph Bjegovich out of Banning Lewis Academy in Colorado Springs is a steady prospect with a lot of upside. As a sophomore, Begjovich was a man on a mission. He led his squad in both receptions and receiving yardage, even dabbling in the rushing category with 39 yards on six carries and a lone touchdown. There’s no doubt the productive wideout has set the bar high for himself, but the sign of a great playmaker is how they can translate their extremely gifted attributes and continuously improve their game year in and year out. Expectations are high, and all eyes are on Bjegovich this upcoming year!