Top Five Wide Receivers: Class of 2023

The passing game has rapidly evolved over the past decade, meaning having elite pass catchers on the outside is essential to every great team. There are many ways to affect the game as a receiver, but these five players all do it in their own unique way. If you're wondering where a few players may be, keep a lookout for our story on the top five athletes in Utah.   [player_tooltip player_id='406879' first='Trey' last='Robertson'] || Wide Receiver || 6'2 || 195 || American Fork High School || 2023   Robertson is one of the best route runners in the state who easily changes direction. He possesses great hands and makes tough catches look routine. Once Robertson gets the ball, he is extremally hard to bring down as he evades would-be tacklers in the open field. The 6'2 receiver tracks the ball like an all-pro and can run any route in the playbook. He crosses up corners constantly and beats them over the top routinely. Robertson has a long wingspan that allows him to extend and catch balls that would be out of reach for most receivers. He can get open at every level of the field and understands how to beat any coverage thrown his way. American Fork will frequently look to Robertson, and he will reward them with another productive fall campaign.   [player_tooltip player_id='406881' first='Jackson' last='Olsen'] || Wide Receiver || 6'3 || 175 || Ridgeline High School || 2023   Olsen is not just an explosive receiver but returner as well, and it's not hard to figure out why. The 6'3 receiver is one of the shiftiest players with the ball in his hands. He can make any cut on the drop of a dime and accelerates past defenders as soon as he finds a clear path. Olsen's larger frame allows him to make tough grabs as he does a great job securing the catch with defenders draped all over him. He runs crisp routes, and with his elite speed, few defenders can keep up with him play after play. The Ridgeline receiver will often beat corners so fast that he's forced to wait on the ball before finding the endzone. Olsen is an elite athlete in every sense, with the bounce of a basketball star that allows him to go and high-point balls. Look for him to continue to decimate defenses in 2022.   [player_tooltip player_id='406886' first='Crew' last='McChesney'] || Wide Receiver || 5'10 || 170 || Lone Peak High School || 2023   The first of two elite receivers coming out of Lone Peak, McChesney is a fantastic slot receiver. The 5'10 senior tracks the ball as well as anyone in the class and creates separation with ease. McChesney is a great route runner who excels at getting in and out of breaks. He does a good job setting up defenders one way and quickly shifting his body to the opposite. McChesney has good speed and uses it to generate big plays for the Lone Peak offense. He does a good adjusting his body to make tough catches and has some of the best hands in the state. Any corner that draws the McChesney matchup is in for a long day.   [player_tooltip player_id='406889' first='Cole' last='Christensen'] || Wide Receiver|| 5'9 || 165 || Lone Peak High School || 2023   Like his teammate, Christensen also possesses elite receiver traits. One of the toughest receivers in the state is also one of the quickest. He rarely gets brought down by the first defender and always fights for every yard. Christensen is also a good returner and uses those elusive tendencies to rack up yards after the catch. When the ball is in the air, few defensive backs can stop Christensen from hauling it in. His concentration is among the best in the state regarding locating the ball and route running. Christensen has great footwork; he applies to both route running and staying in bounds on tough catches. The other half of the state's best-receiving duo will continue to be a big problem in 2022.   [player_tooltip player_id='406896' first='Jake' last='Hill'] || Wide Receiver || 6'3 || 195 || Snow Canyon High School || 2023   Hill is one of the best receivers at going up and making contested catches. He high points the ball as anyone in the state, and 50/50 balls feel more like 80/20 when he's involved. The 6'3 receiver understands how to use his frame to his advantage and will box out defensive backs before going up to make the tough grab. He has some of the strongest hands in the state and never loses focus on the ball. As one of the most physical receivers in the state, Hill also relishes doing the dirty work in the run game as an exceptional blocker. He runs smooth routes and plays with the passion that every coach hopes to see in their players. Hill is fearless and should wreak havoc on defensive backs this season.

The passing game has rapidly evolved over the past decade, meaning having elite pass catchers on the outside is essential to every great team. There are many ways to affect the game as a receiver, but these five players all do it in their own unique way. If you're wondering where a few players may be, keep a lookout for our story on the top five athletes in Utah.