2023 Overlooked Wide Receivers: Part 1

We have spent a considerable amount of time this past week giving the spotlight to some of the state’s most underrated prospects in the Class of 2023. That process continues on with some of the under-the-radar wide receivers getting a deserved look both today and tomorrow. [player_tooltip player_id="325840" first="Marques" last="Reese"], 5’7, 150 pounds, Ben Davis [player_tooltip player_id="325840" first="Marques" last="Reese"] enjoyed a big junior season. Now, he aims to put the icing on the cake by having a standout senior year. Reese is coming off of a season that saw him catch 58 passes for 723 yards. He added a quintet of touchdown receptions. Reese is a big factor in the kickoff return-game. Last year, he piled up 204 yards on 16 kickoff returns. [player_tooltip player_id="325840" first="Marques" last="Reese"] has the potential to catapult up the class rankings this fall. [player_tooltip player_id="250551" first="Justin" last="Marshall"], 6’0, 180 pounds, Merrillville Every offense needs a big play prospect. Someone who you can get the ball to in a key moment, and they will give you a spark. That is exactly the type of prospect that [player_tooltip player_id="250551" first="Justin" last="Marshall"] is. Marshall is a pure playmaker. He does an excellent job of finding spaces- especially in front of and behind the linebackers- to get himself open. Marshall can make something happen any time he has the ball in his hands. As a ball-carrier, he can pick up chunk yardage consistently. When in the wildcat, Marshall lines up at the quarterback spot. Just him being in that position- with the athletic ability that he possesses- keeps the defense on their toes, as they attempt to decipher whether he is handing the ball off or keeping it. That is a momentary delay that can make all of the difference. Last season, Marshall posted over 1,000 all-purpose yards. [player_tooltip player_id="185519" first="Dane" last="Gerling"], 6’2, 180 pounds, Covington [player_tooltip player_id="185519" first="Dane" last="Gerling"] is a sparkplug for the Covington offense. In 2021, Gerling amassed 776 receiving yards on 52 receptions. 14 of his receptions wound up being touchdowns. On the ground, Gerling tacked on an additional 115 yards with half-a-dozen more scores. While Gerling can inject energy into the offense, he brings that same potential over to the defensive side of the ball. He came up with 98 total tackles, a season ago. On top of that, Gerling had one tackle-for-loss, one sack, one pass defense and two interceptions- one of which was returned for a touchdown. [player_tooltip player_id="300535" first="Matthias" last="Pilkington-Kieckbusch"], 6’3, 200 pounds, Brownsburg [player_tooltip player_id="300535" first="Matthias" last="Pilkington-Kieckbusch"]’s junior year was limited to just three games. In those three, however, he gave fans a glimpse of the impact that he can make this upcoming season. Pilkington-Kieckbusch caught nine passes for 158 yards, last campaign. He caught one touchdown pass. Pilkington-Kieckbusch showed his big play potential by averaging just under 18 yards per reception. An explosive senior year may be around the corner for [player_tooltip player_id="300535" first="Matthias" last="Pilkington-Kieckbusch"]. [player_tooltip player_id="300475" first="Landon" last="Eagan"], 6’1, 175 pounds, Perry Meridian [player_tooltip player_id="300475" first="Landon" last="Eagan"] fills a variety of roles for Perry Meridian, executing them all at a high level. Eagan has the ability to take the top off the defense. But it is not just his speed that allows him to do so, but rather how he runs his routes. On go routes, Eagan does a great job of stacking his route and getting leverage on the opposing cornerback, once he has gone by him. Eagan is good coming out of his break. He can be effective in the running-game. On kickoffs, it is best to just kick it away from Eagan. He has the ability to locate the hole and make would-be tacklers miss. During his junior campaign, Eagan accrued 684 receiving and 227 rushing yards. He added 314 yards on kickoff returns and 74 while returning punts. Between offense and special teams, Eagan registered nine touchdowns, last year. Eagan also lines up at cornerback. As a junior, he recorded 33 tackles with one forced fumble. Eagan also recovered one fumble and returned it for a touchdown. [player_tooltip player_id="300283" first="Hugh" last="Pearce"], 6’1, 170 pounds, Reitz Memorial [player_tooltip player_id="300283" first="Hugh" last="Pearce"] is a quick player who can find different ways to contribute for Reitz Memorial. Pearce uses that speed effectively when running the ball. When it is time for someone else to carry the rock, he still executes his assignment. Pearce is a great blocker who can lock up one of the cornerbacks throughout the duration of the play. In 2021, Pearce caught 11 passes for 145 yards and one touchdown. Good things are ahead for [player_tooltip player_id="300283" first="Hugh" last="Pearce"]. Scouts will need to keep tabs on him as he heads into his senior campaign.