Difference makers out wide

With the expansion of three and four-receiver sets, pass catchers have become in demand both at the prep level and all levels of college football. I am not breaking any news here, but the high school game – even in Minnesota, where weather almost always plays a factor at some point in the playoffs – has become more and more of a passing game. The state is producing more and more college-level wide receivers every year. This year is no exception. Here is a look at five top-rated pass catchers going into the 2022 season. [player_tooltip player_id="112125" first="Sam" last="Peters"] <strong>Maple Grove</strong> Peters might be listed as a tight end in the Crimson’s program, but his skill as a pass-catcher is what separates the junior. He has the length of a tight end but the speed of a receiver. He is a deep threat out of the slot whose straight-line speed is impressive. His height makes him a tough match-up when he lines up in the slot. He is too big for corners and too fast for linebackers. Peters uses his body well to shield defenders both on jump balls and underneath routes. As a blocker, I would like to see his pad level lower, but he is a willing blocker who is especially effective in open space. [player_tooltip player_id="112055" first="Joey" last="Krouse"] <strong>Prior Lake</strong> Krouse is quick off the line of scrimmage; he seems to get up to full speed faster than the average receiver. The junior, at full speed, is a problem for most defensive backs. Krouse gets separation from defensive backs because of that speed. Being quick off the line also translates into his route running; he is explosive out of his cuts – providing more separation. He is also a physical enough athlete to be trusted in the running game. A big part of his role is the jet sweep game – his speed helps him to the corner, and his physicality allows him to hang with defensive front sevens. [player_tooltip player_id="295959" first="Demeir" last="Flemino"] <strong>East Ridge</strong> The junior adjusts well to the ball – especially the deep ball. He is quick out of his cuts – getting most of his separation due to his footwork. Flemino is not the tallest receiver but makes up for it with good hands and body position. Despite his smaller build, he handles physical coverage well. He can take a bump in coverage and not get rerouted. Flemino has good straight-line speed, and although he is not going to break a bunch of tackles, he is tough to find in the open field because of his quick feet. [player_tooltip player_id="112058" first="Samuel" last="Musungu"] <strong>Andover</strong> Built like a running back, Musungu has good hands and adjusts well to the ball. He lines up all over the field and is just as effective running deep routes as he is on bubble screens. He is good after the catch and can make people miss. His lower center of gravity allows him to take a hit, break tackles, and fall forward after contact – adding hidden yards to most of his receptions. His physical style makes him a willing and effective downfield blocker. [player_tooltip player_id="295810" first="Andrew" last="Harren"] <strong>Sauk Rapids-Rice</strong> Harren is a long-striding receiver with a great catch radius. Those long strides eat up defensive back cushions quickly and make him sneaky fast. He has excellent hands and can make plays on balls that are not thrown perfectly. His length and ability to use his body make him especially dangerous in the red zone. He is at his best when he can make one cut and get up the field but is occasionally able to make people miss in the open field.