2023 Wide Receivers: Textbook Route Runners

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's hard to create separation, but these seven players make it look easy with their footwork and sharp routes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532620' first='Tyson' last='Elkins'] || WR || 5'9 || 165 || Davis High School || 2023 </strong><br>Elkins is one of the best in the state, getting in and out of his breaks. Few defensive backs can stay with the shifty receiver after he makes a quick cut. He does a good job exploding off his plant foot to create the separation needed to get open. Elkins is tough to cover in the red zone. He can run in our out routes to a T and even the whip route to really throw off defenses. As one of the state's elite route runners, Elkins will only continue to make plays at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406931' first='RJ' last='Wright'] || WR || 6'3 || 160 || Hurricane High School ||| 2023 </strong><br>Wright excels at taking the top off defenses. His speed allows him to routinely get behind defenses on go or post routes. Wright's large catch radius makes him a safe target, as he can extend for overthrown passes. He tracks the ball well, and if balls are under throws can moss defenders to bring them in. Wright has an elite vertical and does an excellent job high-pointing passes. The lengthy wideout can be a game-changer in any system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532625' first='Kapeli' last='Smith'] || WR || 6'2 || 190 || Kearn High School || 2023 </strong><br>When Smith turns on the afterburners, defensive backs might as well save their energy. Smith's ability to accelerate after the catch makes him a threat to score anytime he catches the ball. He's shifty in the open field, making quick cuts and spins to avoid potential tacklers. Smith is dangerous outside the numbers, where he can make acrobatic sideline grabs. His releases are among the best in the state, and defensive backs have a hard time jamming him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532626' first='Maddax' last='Peck'] || WR || 6'2 || 180 || Bingham High School || 2023 </strong><br>Peck is a premier playmaker. The Miner's offense recognized his talents and schemed to get him the ball in a multitude of ways. He's especially dangerous in the jet sweep game, where he zooms past defenders once he turns the corner. Peck fights for every yard and is tough to take down. He's fearless over the middle of the field and does a good job trapping the ball with one hand before securing the catch with two. In addition, Peck is a tenacious blocker and never takes a play off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406940' first='Brooks' last='Esplin'] || WR || 5'11 || 175 || Snow Canyon High School || 2023 </strong><br>Esplin can change direction at any moment. He makes defensive backs think he is going one way and then will go the opposite for big plays. Esplin is an elite slot receiver who dices up defenses over the middle of the field. He contorts his body to make acrobatic grabs on inaccurate balls and seems to have glue for hands the way he brings them in. In addition, Esplin does an excellent job getting into defensive backs' chests before breaking in one direction, making it difficult for them to keep up with him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532627' first='Cannon' last='Jensen'] || WR || 6'1 || 170 || Skyridge High School || 2023 </strong><br>Jensen is an exceptional route runner who crosses up defensive backs. He does a good job making catches over the middle of the field while also avoiding big hits. Even when the defense gets there early, Jensen has good hands and holds onto passes. His long strides help him create separation and break away from would-be tacklers. Jensen runs each route like it's his last and never takes a rep off. In addition, he's a physical blocker who always plays through the whistle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532629' first='Ben' last='Stucki'] || WR || 6'3 || 170 || Farmington High School || 2023 </strong><br>Stucki is one of the states of Utah's premier deep threats. His release are exceptional, and it's easy to see why he has no problem getting behind defense when you pair that with his blazing speed. Stucki does a great job adjusting and tracking balls over 20 yards downfield. He can go up and get passes and somehow holds onto them even when being interfered with. Stucki has earned the trust of his quarterback for his ability to come down with 50/50 balls. His impressive vertical helps him make those memorable grabs, and there's no doubt he'll make more at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->