Under The Radar: Wide Receivers – 2023

The class of 2023 is one that is headlined by a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Of those talented players, many of them are WRs. However, despite the sheer number of talented WRs in next year’s class, there are still many who are not getting as much attention as they should be. With that being said, here’s a look at the three most underrated receivers in the class of 2023. <strong>Under the Radar Wide Receivers</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="247237" first="Ron" last="Gallegos III"], Kennedy Commanders (WR/DB)(Jr.)(4) – Gallegos might’ve been the state’s most dominant receiver over the course of the 2021 season. The highlight of Gallegos’ junior season was his week 8 performance against the Denver North Vikings, as he posted an unbelievable 304 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns. After the 2021 season concluded, Gallegos totaled 1,163 yards receiving and a ridiculous 19 touchdowns on 44 catches (a remarkable 26.4 YPR). Compounding his offensive output, he also posted 22 tackles, 4 pass deflections, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception on the defensive side while also returning a kickoff for a touchdown on special teams. When you turn on the tape, you can see Gallegos displays excellent explosiveness out of his stance at the line, often winning the release at the line off of foot speed and explosiveness alone. Excellent athlete with the agility and elite top-end foot speed necessary to take the top off of a defense on deeper routes and take short to intermediate routes the distance after the catch. Highly elusive ball carrier in the open field that can find daylight in even the tightest running lanes. Displays consistent hands in tight coverage when going over the middle on short and intermediate routes. Shows good tracking ability when working through defenders on deeper routes. While Gallegos isn’t currently rated highly on most recruiting boards, it will be impossible for some college program to ignore his talent and potential; especially if he has a similar season next year. Kade Jones, Alamosa Mean Moose (WR/DB)(Jr.)(9) - Jones was one of the state’s leading receivers in 2021 and is a more than gifted athlete but his level of competition at the 2A level probably explains his low profile on the recruiting trail. Like I stated earlier though, he is a more than gifted athlete that plays both sides of the ball at a high level. On offense, Jones accounted for 946 receiving yards on 51 receptions (18.5 YPR) and 12 receiving touchdowns while also adding a passing touchdown to boot. On the defensive side of the ball, Jones registered 39 tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, a sack, 3 pass deflections, 3 interceptions, and recovered a fumble. When you watch the tape on Jones, you can see he displays a knack for being able to use his size (6’3, 175 lbs) to box out defenders when high pointing a ball on the boundary or when making contested catches in traffic over the middle. Strong handed receiver that doesn’t shy away from contact and being physical with the defender while working down field. Willing and able to make tough catches on short and intermediate routes in traffic. Deceptive athleticism and top end foot speed allow him to consistently pull away from less athletic 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Adequate ability as a blocker against smaller DBs and LBs, displaying good hand placement, strength, and technique when blocking on the perimeter. While Jones isn’t currently ranked on any recruiting boards, he certainly is gifted enough, big enough, and productive enough to be a good WR at the collegiate level. Drew Martinez, Arvada West Wildcats (WR)(Jr.)(1) - Martinez was one of the more productive players for one of the better 5A programs in the state, so it’s rather remarkable he’s so unknown at this point in the recruiting process. For his junior season in 2021, Martinez accounted for 709 yards receiving on 38 receptions (18.7 YPR) and 12 receiving touchdowns which paced the Wildcats receiving unit. When you look at the film on Martinez, you can see that he is a big-bodied receiver (6’3, 180 lbs) with outstanding overall athleticism that makes him an extremely difficult matchup on the boundary for most DBs. Great top end foot speed allows him to separate consistently against most DBs on fade routes and go routes up the sideline. Technically sound receiver that can gain separation against the opposing DB with both physicality and speed. Precise route runner that has experience working every level of the field whether it be short routes, intermediate routes, or deeper routes. Displays good hand strength and body control when working against defenders for contested catches, whether it be on short to intermediate routes over the middle or on jump balls in goal line situations. Shows good ability as a blocker on the perimeter, often driving the defender back multiple yards thanks to his hand placement and ability to drive his legs through contact. Much like Jones, Martinez certainly fits the bill of a collegiate receiver. However, it’s rather shocking he’s unranked on most recruiting boards right now considering how productive he was for one of the better programs in the state while also having the frame to match. If he continues to play at the level he did in his junior season, however, it’ll be tough to keep him unranked.