Futures Combine: PRZ Next Top Wide Receiver Performers

Not to be lost with all the FBU action going on in Naples, Fla. in late December, the Futures Combine saw north of 225 athletes from all over the country compete. Athletes from the classes of 2029 (5th grade) through 2025 (9th grade) competed for a host of awards, opportunities and invitations to national events. In addition to Prep Redzone Next, representatives from FBU, Under Armour and the All-American Bowl on NBC were in attendance checking out some of the brightest young stars in the country. With the exception of kickers/punters and long snappers, all the positions were on display. Athletes were put through the combine testing and one-on-one competitive drills, designed to allow athletes to show off what they can do. Without further ado, here’s a look at the Wide Receiver’s that stood out. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Big Dog</strong></span> <img class="alignleft wp-image-268772 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/DrewMaloneyCombine-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />On a GFL team as talented as this eighth grade group was, sometimes it can be difficult to have the opportunity to prove just how talented you are. I feel like that was the case with <strong>Drew Maloney. </strong>Maloney quietly became arguably the team's most important weapon in the passing game. At the combine specifically, he displayed the quickness and elite foot work that makes him also one of the nation's top up and coming lacrosse recruits too. Fast, fearless and sticky hands made Maloney an obvious choice as the Big Dog in this group. Time and time again he defeated the defensive backs tasked with locking him down. At this point not the tallest kid in the world, but very advanced footwork and route running make him one of the best in the class. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Next Best</strong></span> <img class="alignleft wp-image-268780 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/GraysonGibsonCombine-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />From one go-to receiver to another, <strong>Grayson Gibson</strong> was a member of team Central Florida in the FBU National Championship tournament. He's a tall, slender receiver that made a number of spectacular plays during Central Florida's run. He's a tall, long threat on the outside that has the speed and the wherewithal to create after the catch. He's going to be a good one coming out of the greater Orlando area. &nbsp; <img class="alignleft wp-image-268784 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/ChristianWardCombine-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />GFL's <strong>Christian Ward</strong> is another receiver the stood out during the combine. He was the most eye-test-passing receiver at the combine, without question. Standing a legitimate 6-foot-2 and some change, he was the tallest receiver in attendance. The potential and upside for this prospect is unimaginable. He has a huge catching radius and has the hops to get up and beat almost anyone at this level on a jump ball. Still has some baby deer in him when running, but that will subside as he adjusts and continues to grow. <img class="alignleft wp-image-268791 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/JordonGidron-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />South Carolina's <strong>Jordon Gidron</strong> was a new face and name for me down at the combine. I liked what I saw out of him in terms of his size almost immediately. A high cut athlete with some good upper body muscle at this point. Ran very smoothly on patterns going across the field. Not a lot of dancing or unnecessary movement before getting into his route. Natural pass catcher who understands body control to a high level. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Best of the Rest</strong></span> <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-268792 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/EastonJoinerCombine-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Easton Jointer</strong> out of Kentucky is going to be an interesting prospect to watch develop. Spent much of his middle school ball playing quarterback, but long term I think he translates to a tight end or big-body receiver. Already standing 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, he's a big target with soft hands. Understands what the quarterback is seeing and knows how to adjust in order to make himself a target. &nbsp; <img class="alignleft wp-image-268795 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/ParkerMairesCombine-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Headed to perennial Indiana high school powerhouse Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory next year, <strong>Parker Maiers </strong>of Indiana had a good day at the combine. He's a big-bodied receiver that has some advanced ability. Loved how he get in and out of his breaks, by lowering his eye level and exploding through. Has a nice frame that will allow him to add some more muscle mass as he develops. To me, looks like a reliable, possession receiver that will keep the chains moving for the next four years. <img class="alignleft wp-image-268797 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/ChrisFrazierJr-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Though a somewhat significant piece of the puzzle, the only thing missing in <strong>Chris Frazier</strong>'s game at this point, is size. He's an exceptionally quick athlete who can shake most defenders out of their shoes at any point. Sticky hands and loose hips make him a threat to line up all over the place offensively. Has the vision and toughness to be a running back but the ball skills and route running ability to line up in the slot. I think the Savannah, Ga. native is going to be a very productive high school player with a chance to go on even further. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Pair of Young Pups</strong></span> <img class="alignleft wp-image-268804 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/ChristianRustCombine-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />It was an eighth grade-heavy field of athletes but I did like what I saw in a pair of young pups. <strong>Christian Rust,</strong> a 2027 prospect out of Rhode Island, did a nice job against athletes at his grade level. Looks physically mature and plays with a high level of confidence. &nbsp; &nbsp; <img class="alignleft wp-image-268807 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/AlexanderWardCombine-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Another 2027 that caught my eye right away was <strong>Alexander Ward</strong> out of Georgia. If that Ward last name sounds familiar, it's because he's the younger brother of 2026 WR standout Christian Ward, who is mentioned above. The younger Ward is built very similarly to the elder in terms of being a long, lean receiver with a huge catch radius. Obviously has a ton of time to develop but has the same high ceiling that his brother does. &nbsp;