These Wideouts will be the top of the 2023 Class

Photo: Prep Redzone

Miles Pastian

November 26, 2022 @ 12:57 PM

South Dakota has some deep wideout talent going into next year and I think this might be some of the best we have seen in a long time. So let's take a look at players that might fly under the radar of some scouts, but I view these guys as some players that will be at the top of the leaderboards regarding wideouts next year.     [player_tooltip player_id='174185' first='Simon' last='Fried'] - 5'7" 150lbs, Mobridge-Pollock   Fried while not highly touted compared to others can give you many benefits outside of just a wide receiver role. What he does on the offensive end is be a gadget-type player who can move around the field fast to create his own separation regardless of the play call. You will usually find him lined up in the slot where he is always a threat for an end-around or jet sweep but more often than not he can break off on some quick routes of an in or out. Not to mention he is an outstanding special teams player in a few rights, with his ability to either run back punts or kicks, whilst also laying down some great blocks if he does not get the ball in his hands. Overall, he is a player that works hard and does a lot on the field to back up his work ethic along with talent.     [player_tooltip player_id='289610' first='Kandon' last='Mahone'] - 5'9" 170lbs, Sioux Falls Roosevelt   Mahone will be a versatile weapon for the Rough Riders that will be looking to bounce back and with Mahone being someone who can take the offense to another level. Mahone is a speedy option that will be looking to elevate an offense that struggled to gain verticality at times and make those big plays that teams need to win. He can break off in the open field like no other and what he really seems to have in his bag is the ability to run routes. He can adjust his footwork and position of his body not only creating large amounts of separation. He burns defensive backs that press up on him and can also fake out safety to make them think twice about how they will guard him. The Rough Riders having a deep threat will make them more explosiveness and we will see a breakout campaign by Mahone.     [player_tooltip player_id='174170' first='Jett' last='Carlson'] - 6'4" 170 lbs, Aberdeen Central   Carlson is an interesting prospect to watch due to his overall lack of snaps so far but what he can become is something of an all-around game-changing player. Carlson's biggest strength that he has in his bag already is the ability to just play some smart football along with his ability to read defenses. This is shown when seeing at the line of scrimmage when he can make callouts to his other wideouts and the team as a whole so they can make adjustments. His ability to also excel in man coverage is second to none compared to others, who can use his size and speed to burn defenders. In zone schemes, his route running really shows to be something that he has a leg up on compared to others with his quick ability to break into routes that defenders struggle to contain. Carlson has risen up my board as a high-ceiling player, while his floor might be lower than others now, I think this year he will get the chance to show his talent.     [player_tooltip player_id='305694' first='Porter' last='Ihnen'] - 6'5" 190lbs, Lennox   Ihnen might be the most underrated WR prospect in South Dakota and watching the tape of what he can do backs up that statement. He has some size and strength that you do not see at this level where they can just bully defensive backs and even linebackers alike into not being able to stop him in his tracks. His vertical separation along with his route running is something that is also top-tier, there are very few flaws in his game. He is one of the most college-ready prospects that South Dakota has and he is one of the most sure-fire players to perform at a high level. I think with his production the past few years and with what he's done in mastering his game in the past few years, I think we will see him perform like the best wideout in the state next year.

South Dakota has some deep wideout talent going into next year and I think this might be some of the best we have seen in a long time. So let's take a look at players that might fly under the radar of some scouts, but I view these guys as some players that will be at the top of the leaderboards regarding wideouts next year.