2023 Rankings Risers: WR
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Deep dive into the 2023 WR prospects rising up the PRZ state rankings. Austin Johnston AZ #67 ATH #3 HEIGHT 6'1" WEIGHT 185 POS ATH CLASS 2023 View Profile Austin Johnston Instagram Twitter State: Arizona School: Eastmark Johnston had a…
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Continue ReadingDeep dive into the 2023 WR prospects rising up the PRZ state rankings.
Johnston had a phenomenal senior year racking up over 1,500 receiving yards on 77 receptions with 22 touchdowns. At 6’1” 185 lbs. he’s a strider with good long speed to slip by coverage and stretch the field vertically. He comes hard off the LOS with a good drive phase to close space and eat up DB cushion. Does a good job setting up his routes and mixing up speeds to create positional leverage. Natural pass catcher, that uses his hands well to extend out and keep the ball from getting into his body. Great playmaker after the catch, he’s got deceptive speed and shows he can breakaway from defenders once he finds space. Committed to D2 program Augustana in late January over a handful of other FCS, D2, and D3 offers.
Highlights
Nelson is a speedster that can be a homerun threat any time he touches the ball as a WR or KR. The 100M and 200M state champion in track constantly applies pressure on the defense to maintain coverage over the top while also containing him and limiting space in the short area. Developing as a route runner, he’s explosive out of his cuts and can hit top speed within a few strides to breakaway from defenders. Excels with the ball in his hands or after the catch where he can create his own running lanes and easily weave through would be tacklers. Earned offers from a variety of D1 to D3 programs before ultimately signing to Northern Arizona on Early Signing Day. Good potential as he continues to develop technique while his best football is ahead of him.
Highlights
Cluff is a quick and explosive receiver that can attack the defense at all three levels. Possesses a well-round skillset with his combination of speed, ball skills, and natural playmaking ability. He’s aggressive out of his stance with good short area burst and acceleration to close space on the DB and force them to get out of their back pedal and flip their hips. Strong at the catch point, he competes for every ball with good body control and coordination to track and adjust to ball flight. Instinctual runner after the catch that see angles and make quick lateral cuts around defenders to be elusive in the open field. Good center of gravity and contact balance to break tackles as well. Also a strong threat in the return game. Picked up his only offer from Northern Arizona in mid January then committed just before signing day.
Highlights
Esposito played a huge role in Higley’s run to winning the 5A state title racking up 97 receptions for almost 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns. Possesses the speed and versatility to be effective lining up anywhere he can get his hands on the ball. He’s got great vision, burst, and natural ball carrier instincts that make him extremely tough to contain in space. Advanced route runner that creates leverage and throwing lanes with efficient footwork and use of stems/nods at the top of his routes. Not the biggest slot receiver but the positional leverage he creates allows him to haul in tough contested receptions in traffic against bigger defenders. Love his toughness and willingness to go across the middle and compete. Should have been more highly recruited but earned an offer and signing to Army late in the recruiting cycle.
Judge was flying under the radar much of his high school career but was able to land an offer and commitment from Drake in December. Possesses a good combination of size and speed at 6’1” 195 lbs. He’s got good long speed to be a vertical threat and force the defense to cover all areas of the field. Length, extension, and leaping ability make him a big target with a large catch radius that goes beyond his framework. He’s sure handed and does a great job using his body control and coordination to adjust to the ball in the air. Good ability after the catch to break tackles using his strength/balance and shows he can accelerate to turn short passes into long gains.