Most Valuable Receivers in NY

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the playoffs begin around the Empire State, it's time to highlight some wideouts who have helped their team propel into championship contention. Some as no surprise, here are our main guys around the state to appreciate: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='450618' first='Na'eem' last='Gladding'] Christ the King, 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Na'eem was a hidden gem last year for the Royals. Now healthy and more durable than ever, he has over 730 receiving yards through 7 games. He has found the end zone 8 times averaging over 134 scrimmage yards per game, making up nearly 60 percent of the Royals offense When it comes to yards after the catch, Na'eem is amongst the best in the state with over 20 yards per catch. Jet sweeps, elite route running, and strong contested catches make him an anchor for his offense and a unique weapon for college coaches to see. He has next level ability to find soft spots in zone defenses and in any coverage he understands when to adjust his routes. Na'eem has great football smarts and can bail his quarterback out during scramble plays. He is a high ceiling, high floor type of player who will soon become one of the top recruits in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232921' first='Dylan' last='Evans'] Orchard Park 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dylan has only improved on his production from last year. He has 11TD and over 800 yards through 7 games. At 6'3 and 180 pounds, he has a big catch radius with very strong hands to make the catch. His play making ability is enough to have opposing teams consistently using double and even triple coverage schemes against him. Dylan is a tough competitor with a high floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233606' first='Jean' last='Louis III'] Canarsie HS 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jean has been one of the top receivers in New York for a few years now and is definitely Canarsie's biggest weapon. He has elite level ability to gain separation at the top of his routes and strong hands to haul in balls that seem under or over thrown. At 5'11 and 185 pounds he has great speed and leaping ability to make any catch from the route tree. He has great natural football instincts that make him a great candidate to compete the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KJ Duff St. Anthony's HS 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is almost impossible to mention New York's best receivers without taking a trip to Melville. At St. Anthony's we have arguably the best duos in the state. Duff is averaging 103 yards per game and has hauled in 6TDs so far this season. At 6'4 and 195 pounds he continues to be a matchup nightmare for every defense he faces. I see KJ having much success as a tight end at the next level and within the right system, he may have a very long career in football. He has another year to sit atop the throne and I'm excited to see him this offseason gain more strength and size to become the overall best receiver. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='231157' first='Ian' last='Strong'] St. Anthony's HS 2023<br></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ian who also stands at 6'4 190, is averaging around 97 receiving yards per game with 8 touchdown receptions so far this season. Ian is on this list because his value is shown across all 3 phases of football. He has a high football IQ and shows great ball skills with 2 interceptions so far. The Rutgers commit recently blocked Stepinac's game winning field goal that was returned for touchdown as time expired, earning his team the #1 seed heading into the playoffs. Ian is a high floor player who needs the power 5 environment so that he can reach his full potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->