2024 Receivers on the Rise
I am putting the finishing touches on my evaluations of the 2024 class. I am ending with receivers and I wanted to start my wide out evaluations with five different types of prospects. Whether strictly slot guys or versatile pass…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingI am putting the finishing touches on my evaluations of the 2024 class. I am ending with receivers and I wanted to start my wide out evaluations with five different types of prospects. Whether strictly slot guys or versatile pass catchers, I detail why these five prospects can improve an offense at the next level.
Caysen Stevenson
Caysen Stevenson
Caysen Stevenson has visited South Dakota State. He also has junior day invites to Central Missouri, Dartmouth, Southwest Baptist, and Washburn University. With good size for Z or the slot, look for Caysen to be a versatile receiver at the next level.
Caysen’s athleticism shows as a ball carrier in the open field, but also in his elevation & radius that allows him to catch off target balls over the middle. Quickness shows at the line of scrimmage utilizing a hesitation move to beat the press. Caysen’s strength and balance translates to good skills for a slot receiver in his contested catch ability.
Myles Carson
Myles Carson
Myles Carson has good experience and ideal size for the X position. He has visited Murray State and Kansas. With trips scheduled for Kansas State and Wyoming, we are sure to see Myles receive more local and out of state attention throughout the spring.
Good strength and balance compliments Myles’ next level size by the way he effortlessly drops defenders with off-balance stiff arms. Myles’ athleticism and radius shows extending above his head to win contested jump balls in the endzone. Strong hands get displayed coming down with contested catches over the middle. Quickness and clean route running ability shows at the top of routes.
Ian Ngugi
Ian Ngugi
Ian Ngugi is a two-sport athlete for Lamar High School. It is easy to see his skills on the court translate to a dynamic receiver in space when it comes time to put the pads on. With all-state accolades and a state championship appearance, I am surprised Ian’s recruitment has been relatively quiet. Expect that to change as #1 enters his senior year.
Next level speed shows scoring on option pitches after escaping contact in the backfield. Ian’s quickness and vision allows him to slip defenders in the open field as a runner or receiver. Ian’s athleticism and adjustment ability shows consistently extending to the edges of his radius.
Derrick Smith Jr.
Derrick Smith Jr.
Derrick Smith Jr. is a versatile receiver for Ritenour High School. There is a lot of “fast” guys who look good in a straight line. However, I am surprised Derrick has no offers with the football speed and elusiveness he shows with the ball in his hand. It should not take coaches too many return clips to identify Derrick as a next level playmaker.
Derrick’s next level athleticism shows high pointing the ball over the heads of taller defensive backs. Speed, quickness, and vision show weaving through traffic either as a kick returner or bubble screen recipient. However, coaches know Derrick has next level playmaking ability with the juice he displays consistently evading tacklers in the open field. We can always evaluate toughness in a ball carrier’s finish, but coaches get impressed seeing skill guys like Derrick show effort & physicality when blocking, and not receiving, on kick return.
Kendall Hammond
Kendall Hammond
Kendal Hammond Kendal Hammond 6’2″ | 200 lbs | ATH South Shelby | 2024 State MO ran for over 1500 yards in 2022. He has been invited to Monmouth and Southwest Baptist’s junior days. Kendal is a versatile playmaker for South Shelby High School and projects to an X wide receiver at the next level.
Good hands, size, and quickness in the open field highlight Kendal’s versatility as an offensive weapon. Kendal’s power and physicality shows as a lead blocking fullback and blocking slot receiver. Vision shows escaping crowded boxes on power runs and finding green grass on the edges. Kendal’s toughness and strength shows running through linebackers while his long speed allows him to win the track meet down the sideline.