Hayden’s Hotshots: My Top Receivers Next Season (74-26)
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Next in my series breaking down my top 100 wideouts in the state before next season, we have #74-#26. The following 50 players are the meat of the pack. This section is loaded with guys prepped for massive junior and…
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Continue ReadingNext in my series breaking down my top 100 wideouts in the state before next season, we have #74-#26. The following 50 players are the meat of the pack. This section is loaded with guys prepped for massive junior and senior years, as well as a dangerous freshman you need on your radar. Guys here range from D3-D1 in offers but can ball and need a serious look from colleges. It is important to note that this is not a list of the top 100 wideouts from last season, but who I believe will be the top 100 wideouts at the end of next season.
#74: Kaydn Weber 6’4″ 150 lbs Alexandria 2024
2022 Stats: 21 Receptions, 242 Yards, 1 TD
The only thing that sinks Weber so low on this list is his lack of film. However, my colleagues and I have seen his athleticism up close and we were very impressed. The lanky Cardinals wideout has long strides and solid hands. Combine that with his crazy catch radius and you have a wideout that’s going to shine on Alexandria’s high-flying offense.
#73: Jack Cloutier 5’10” 160 lbs Hastings 2025
2022 Stats: 11 Receptions, 157 Yards, 2 TDs
The projected WR1 for the Hastings Raiders, Cloutier enters his junior year as the team’s primary offensive threat. Cloutier is a speedy deep threat who excels at stretching the field. Cloutier is shifty in the open field and can maximize the potential from any route he runs. He creates great space on short routes but is uniquely dangerous when he runs a deep crossing route, where he can truly utilize his speed.
#72: Leo Nordick Leo Nordick 6'5" | 205 lbs | ATH Hillcrest Lutheran Academy | 2024 State MN 6’5″ 205 lbs Hillcrest Lutheran 2024
2022 Stats: 16 Receptions, 255 Yards, 2 TDs
Hailing from the small 9-man program, Nordick is a great athlete who needs more hype. He can play nearly every position on the field and boasts an 8’5″ broad jump. The soon-to-be senior has a massive catch radius and can lay a block when needed. His recruiting stock has skyrocketed recently, with interest from MSUM, Valley City, and UND.
#71: Gauge Alsen 5’11” 165 lbs Buffalo 2024
2022 Stats: 17 Receptions, 254 Yards, 2 TDs
In just 5 games played, Alsen racked up the 3rd best numbers on his team while playing 3 and 4 fewer games than the two ahead of him. He averaged almost 15 YPC, the most of any wideout on the team. Now he’s primed to step into a bigger role on one of the most pass-heavy teams in the state, all while moving up a class to 6A. Alsen is an elusive route runner who can create good separation off his release. Buffalo returns their QB from last season, so expect the pair to put up some numbers in their senior year.
#70: Aiden Neadeau 6’2″ 175 lbs Bemidji 2024
2022 Stats: 12 Receptions, 158 Yards
The lanky Lumberjack comes in at #71 on the list today. He’s a solid route runner who often flashes his hands late, which allows him to bring down tightly contested catches more often than not. He’s a good possession catch wideout who will reliably get you much-needed yards on short to intermediate routes. He’s always aware of his surroundings and has excellent body control, the combination of which leads him to win 1v1s near the sideline routinely.
#69: Brock Bakeberg Brock Bakeberg 6'1" | 190 lbs | WR Jordan | 2024 MN 6’1″ 185 lbs Jordan 2024
2022 Stats: 13 Receptions, 183 Yards, 0 TDs
Bakeberg is a well-built athlete who does a variety of things for the Hubmen. He has a good frame and is explosive when he breaks at the top of his routes. He has a surprising vertical and does a great job of high pointing passes. He routinely runs through defenders and is an impact player on both sides of the ball. I expect him to be a key contributor during his senior year as he will step into a clear WR1 role.
#68: Cole Wilcek 6’5″ 200 lbs Farmington 2025
2022 Stats: 9 Receptions, 100 Yards
Wilcek is a three-sport athlete and a basketball standout who I expect to elevate his game during his junior year. He is an absolute monster of an athlete who is a legit 6’5″ and 200 lbs. Despite this size, he still moves like hot butter in the open field. He’s quick and does a great job of bringing down tough contested catches. He also puts in work when he doesn’t have the ball, as he lays out DBs with ease. Wilcek has an insane upside and I’m pumped to watch him next season.
#67: George Perkins George Perkins 6'0" | 165 lbs | WR Orono | 2025 MN 6′ 160 lbs
2022 Stats: 22 Receptions, 196 Yards, 1 TD
Perkins is one of many Orono wideouts who found their way onto this list. The three-sport sophomore earned All-District HM honors last season and looks to only be improving. Perkins is a quick and nimble route runner who excels at creating space from DBs. He’s a dynamic athlete who can squeeze through any hole that the defense gives him. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the work he puts in off the field giving back as a Special Olympics coach. Any college that gets him gets a high-talent and high-character player.
#66: Riddik Collier Riddik Collier 5'9" | 150 lbs | ATH Rosemount | 2024 MN 5’9″ 150 lbs Rosemount 2024
2022 Stats: 17 Receptions, 160 Yards
Collier to me is a fascinating prospect. He plays wideout on a run-heavy offense but maximizes every touch he gets. He was the WR1 on an offense that averaged only 41 passing yards per game but showed off tons of talent every time he touched the ball. He is extremely quick and can leave defenders lost after only a few steps. Collier will play anywhere that’s needed, and that attitude combined with his great athleticism produces a great player with a bright future.
#65: Brock Holthaus 5’10” 170 lbs Monticello 2025
2022 Stats: 12 Receptions, 226 Yards, 1 TD
Holthaus is another three-sport athlete (football/wrestling/baseball) who is part of a young Monticello team with a high upside. Truthfully, he is best characterized as an “athlete” rather than just a wideout, as he also posted 144 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs last season. He sees equal work out of the backfield or lined up out wide, and can truthfully torch you either way. Holthaus is a tenacious player with quick feet and a lot of grit who is paired up with one of the most talented QBs in Minnesota. He deserves a serious look from colleges.
#64: Isaac Osgood 6’2″ 165 lbs Austin 2024
2022 Stats: 14 Receptions, 238 Yards, 2 TDs
Osgood is a talented wideout who looks to step into a clear-cut WR2 role this season for the Packers, a team that just got moved from 5A to 4A. He’s a dynamic route runner who can stretch the field with ease and is a serious YAC threat. He does a great job of tracking the ball in the air and utilizes several different releases from the line of scrimmage. I expect him to at least double his receptions next year and I won’t be surprised when the offers start rolling in.
#63: Mason Gorghuber 5’11” 185 lbs Alexandria 2025
2022 Stats: 17 Receptions, 233 Yards, 3 TDs
Gorghuber is an exciting sophomore in a dangerous Alexandria WR core. Gorghuber is a well-built and consistent receiver who can get the job done at all levels of the field. He may have the best ball tracking in the state, as his film is riddled with insane catches in traffic that he makes look ridiculously easy. If you want someone to stretch the field with ease, someone who can turn a 5-yard slant into a 20-yard play, Gorghuber is your guy.
#62: Liam Frommelt 5’10” 160 Woodbury 2024
2022 Stats: 18 Receptions, 215 Yards, 3 TDs
Frommelt is a stud two-way player for the Royals who I see having an explosive senior campaign. He’s a shifty wideout who has shown proficiency in running everything from a screen to a fade. He saw a lot of action from the slot last season, but he can line up anywhere. Woodbury does a great job of drawing up plays that maximize his potential in open space, he’s about to make defenders miss with ease and fights hard for every yard. He also does a great job of adapting his route mid-play if the QB is forced to scramble. Frommelt has a high football IQ and a higher upside as a player next season.
#61: Victor Ruhland Victor Ruhland 5'8" | 185 lbs | LB Orono | 2024 MN 5’9″ 190 lbs Orono 2024
2022 Stats: 20 Receptions, 280 Yards, 3 TDs
Ruhland earned All-District honors during his junior campaign, but averaging 14 YPC on 20 receptions will get you that. This kid can do it all, from DB to RB, Ruhland is a walking bucket. He put up an additional 340 yards on the ground last year with 5 more TDs. He’s got track speed and it shows. He dusts DBs and is an insane YAC threat. He may only be 5’9″ but he has no problem getting jump balls over bigger DBs. Ruhland also does great things off the field, as he often helps out with the Orono Unified Club. Another great talent with great character.
#60: Sam Sisk Sam Sisk 6'1" | 170 lbs | WR Eagan | 2025 MN 6′ 165 lbs Eagan 2025
2022 Stats: 24 Receptions, 225 Yards, 1 TD
A sophomore who was his 6A team WR1 last year? That would be the two-sport standout, Sam Sisk Sam Sisk 6'1" | 170 lbs | WR Eagan | 2025 MN . Sisk is a contest catch king. His tape is full of tough grabs in double coverage that he makes look easy. He’s a great possession catch receiver, capable of catching anything thrown anywhere near him. Diving catches, leaping catches, or 1-handers, Sisk is coming down with it. He also lays a mean block.
#59: Henry Tschetter Henry Tschetter 6'4" | 180 lbs | ATH Stewartville | 2024 MN 6’4″ 180 lbs Stewartville 2024
2022 Stats: 19 Receptions, 220 Yards, 1 TD
Two things I love to see in high school athletes. 1. Big Frame. 2. Plays multiple sports. Stewartville junior Henry Tschetter Henry Tschetter 6'4" | 180 lbs | ATH Stewartville | 2024 MN checks off both of those boxes. The well-built wideout enters next season as the predicted WR1 for what I believe is going to be a dangerous Stewartville team. He’s got everything you could want from a WR athletically and is paired up with fellow 2024 two-sport standout Ayden Helder Ayden Helder 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB Stewartville | 2024 State MN as his QB. Keep an eye out for this duo this fall.
#58: Daniel Tolson Daniel Tolson 5'8" | 130 lbs | ATH Cretin-Derham Hall | 2026 State MN 5’7″ 130 lbs CDH 2026
2022 Stats: N/A
Tolson comes in as my highest-rated freshman wideout and for good reason. I LOVE his film. He can route anybody up. The only limitation he has is his QBs arm strength. Tolson is lightning quick and he can stop and start at the drop of a hat. He’s an incredibly fluid athlete, who seems to thrive in man coverage. He is one of the most dangerous kids in open space on this list, and he’s got great hands too. If I had to bet on any freshman blowing up next season, I would bet the house on Tolson.
#57: Tykeilan Moore Tykeilan Moore 6'2" | 190 lbs | ATH Fridley | 2024 State MN 6’2″ 200 lbs Fridley 2024
2022 Stats: 14 Receptions, 236 Yards, 5 TDs
Tykeilan Moore Tykeilan Moore 6'2" | 190 lbs | ATH Fridley | 2024 State MN is the definition of an athlete. He’s a do-it-all guy for the Fridley Tigers, and the junior makes an impact wherever he’s placed. He had an additional 240 rushing yards last season and looks to step into the role as the main offensive threat his senior year. He’s a 2x All-Conference football player and a 2x All-Conference track athlete. Moore is a dangerous and explosive two-way player that can do anything you’d want.
#56: Mitchel Rieckhoff Mitchel Rieckhoff 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Waconia | 2024 MN 6’2″ 190 lbs Waconia 2024
2022 Stats: 16 Receptions, 209 Yards, 2 TDs
Rieckhoff has a lot of things going for him next season. He returns as the WR1 on a team that graduated two stud runningbacks, and he also returns a stud QB who looks to open up his senior year. Rieckhoff is a well-rounded athlete with a big frame who is capable of doing multiple things as a wideout. He has no issues using his speed to stretch the field or using his size to go up and get 50/50 balls. He’s also seen time as a return man.
#55: Matthew Plankers 5’11” 175 lbs Blaine 2024
2022 Stats: 20 Receptions, 252 Yards, 2 TDs
Plankers returns his senior year as the assumed WR1 in a very balanced offense. He’s a two-sport athlete who I could best describe as a deep threat/YAC receiver. He utilizes a quick jab-step off the line to create separation and maintains that distance with his speed. He’s a slippery runner who can weave in between defenders with ease. Plankers plays with dogged tenacity at all times and goes all out in whatever he does.
#54: Reid Olson Reid Olson 6'3" | 185 lbs | ATH Forest Lake | 2024 State MN 6’3″ 185 lbs Forest Lake 2024
2022 Stats: 4 Receptions, 102 Yards, 1 TD
A 6’3″ two-way player who is 2x All-Conference in football and a 2x state entrant in track?? Sign me up. Olson is primarily known for his production on the defensive side of the ball, but it would be a mistake to dismiss his talents as a receiver. He’s a three-sport athlete and a captain for all three sports. As you would expect, Olson is one of if not the fastest kids on the field at any given time. When he sniffs open air, he’s gone. He’s going to pose a serious problem for DBs next year.
Offers: University of Minnesota Duluth
#53: Hunter Fox 6’1″ 170 lbs Orono 2024
2022 Stats: 20 Receptions, 363 Yards, 3 TDs
The presumed WR1 for the Orono Spartans, Fox is a versatile and hard-working wideout who looks primed for a big senior year. He does a great job of creating space off of the line of scrimmage, and often dusts corners before they know what hit them. He has a quick release, and has shown the ability to run all routes successfully, but is primarily dominant in fades and deep crossing routes. Fox is a player who extends plays with ease and needs far more hype going into his senior year.
#52: Ty Burgoon Ty Burgoon 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Centennial | 2024 State MN 6′ 170 lbs Centennial 2024
2022 Stats: 10 Receptions, 203 Yards
Meet the returning WR1 for the Centennial Cougars, Ty Burgoon Ty Burgoon 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Centennial | 2024 State MN . Burgoon is a versatile athlete who is utilized in a bunch of different ways. He recorded an additional 300 rushing yards last year. He’s a shifty wingback who puts his body on the line and goes all out for every catch. He’s shown off great body control and has great field awareness. He consistently makes tough sideline toe taps and has proven himself time and time again as a valuable asset to the Cougar’s offense. He is also an accomplished basketball player.
#51: Brock Wyandt Brock Wyandt 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Farmington | 2025 State MN 6′ 170 lbs Farmington 2025
2022 Stats: 35 Receptions, 368 Yards, 1 TD
Brock Wyandt Brock Wyandt 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Farmington | 2025 State MN is the definition of a jack of all trades. He saw reps at WR, RB, and KR, and is a long snapper. He plays side by side with fellow sophomore Farmington standout Cole Wilcek, and the duo looks to cause havoc across Minnesota this fall. He started all 9 games last year and earned All-District Honorable Mention as a sophomore. Wyandt shows off solid mobility and good acceleration. He’s a slippery route runner with a high ceiling and a bright future.
#50: Jaylen Gayles Jaylen Gayles WR Cretin Duram Hall | 2024 MN 6′ 160 lbs CDH 2024
2022 Stats: 16 Receptions, 167 Yards, 1 TD
Another Cretin kid whose film I am blown away by. He’s a great athlete who can route up experienced DBs with no issue. He has an array of filthy releases which he combines with good speed to create separation from DBs. He’s quick and explosive when breaking at the top of his routes, and is, in my opinion, the most underrated wideout in the state. Whatever college lands him is extremely lucky.
#49: Eli Hoelz 6’1″ 160 lbs Brainerd 2024
2022 Stats: 34 Receptions, 354 Yards, 2 TDs
Hoelz is an accomplished two-sport standout who looks to make his mark after moving down a class for his senior season. As a basketball player, Hoelz averaged 15-4-4-2 last season, and as a wideout, he averaged over 10 YPR. Although there is a distinct possibility that he takes over at quarterback his senior year, it would be an error to dismiss his talents as a receiver. Hoelz is a great athlete, he shows off fantastic body control when making difficult catches and is a serious YAC threat. Hoelz dices up zone coverages and brings down the ball even when getting hit. One thing is for sure, no matter where he plays he will make an impact.
#48: Charlie Jacobson Charlie Jacobson 5'10" | 165 lbs | WR Woodbury | 2024 State MN 5’10” 165 lbs Woodbury 2024
2022 Stats: 16 Receptions, 243 Yards, 2 TDs
Jacobson is part of a dangerous Woodbury receiver core. The junior earned All-Conference honors last season and he also boasts a 4.1 GPA and a 30 ACT. Academic weapon. Jacobson is a quick and elusive runner. Once the ball hits his hands you can expect an additional 5-10 yard easy. He’s a fast two-way starter with a high football IQ. He routinely routes up LBs and DBs alike. Jacobson is more than a shifty slot receiver, he’s an integral part of the Royal’s success.
Offers: Portland State
#47: Quentin Cobb-Butler Quentin Cobb-Butler 5'9" | 155 lbs | DB Woodbury | 2024 State MN 5’9″ 160 lbs Woodbury 2024
2022 Stats: 17 Receptions, 268 Yards, 5 TDs
The final member of the Woodbury receiving core to appear on the list, Cobb-Butler is a talented wideout and an elite kick returner. He’s a 2x All-District award winner and a two-sport athlete (football/basketball). His vision as a returner is unmatched, as he sees the field develop and expertly makes cuts when needed. He also has incredible balance, he bounces off defenders with ease and doesn’t miss a step. As a wideout, his speed and acceleration are evident. He gets to his top speed quickly, and once he reaches it he’s gone. Cobb-Butler is a scary YAC threat.
Offers: University of Minnesota Duluth
#46: Isaiah Wright 5’11” 170 lbs Fertile-Beltrami 2025
2022 Stats: 15 Receptions, 330 Yards, 3 TDs
Isaiah “Gingerbread Man” Wright is a talented Swiss army knife athlete who does everything for his 9-man program and is finally starting to get the recognition he deserves. He put up an additional 1500 rushing yards last season and had 25 total touchdowns. He could easily be on the runningbacks list as well. He’s got track speed and clocked a 4.5 at our PrepRedzone Prospect Tour, and that speed is evident on film. He’s a shifty and explosive athlete who should not be overlooked because of his school’s size.
#45: Lando Collins 5’11” 165 lbs Apple Valley 2024
2022 Stats: 35 Receptions, 493 Yards, 4 TDs
QB turned WR Lando Collins is one of the most slept-on athletes in the state. He made the switch from QB to WR early into his junior season and began to put up incredible numbers. He added 140 yards and 4 TDs on the ground as well. He’s very well-rounded, often showcasing his speed and route running. He can power through tackles and beats defenders to the edge routinely. He does his best work in screens, where he’s able to properly use his speed and vision to rack up first downs. He plays with a lot of heart and looks to pair up with QB Jackson Thornburgh Jackson Thornburgh 6'0" | 190 lbs | QB Apple Valley | 2025 State MN for another big year.
#44: Teddy Heller 5’8″ 165 lbs Andover 2024
2022 Stats: 34 Receptions, 429 Yards, 5 Tds
Speaking of slept-on, you can’t mention underrated wideouts without talking about Teddy Heller. An opposing QB first put me on to him, and for that, I’m grateful because Heller is a stud. He recorded an additional 100 rushing yards and 2 more ground TDs last season. He gets utilized as a “gadget guy” but he has the potential to be so much more. Heller is shifty and elusive, he gets lost behind bigger players and then explodes when he has the ball, showcasing some great speed and acceleration. Expect him to step into an elevated role in the Husky’s offense next season as the predicted WR1.
#43: Luke Dobbs 6’1″ 155 lbs St. Thomas Academy 2024
2022 Stats: 24 Receptions, 309 Yards, 3 TDs
Dobbs is another football/basketball standout. He’s an All-Conference player on the hardwood and looks to step into a more prominent role in the Cadet’s new high-flying offense. He has no problem beating DBs in press coverage and uses his quick feet to create just enough space for his QB to drop dimes to him. Dobbs has great hands and comes down with contested balls more often than not. Watch out for him next season as his targets skyrocket.
#42: Eli Ladu Eli Ladu 6'0" | 155 lbs | WR John Marshall | 2025 State MN 5’11” 150 lbs John Marshall 2025
2022 Stats: 19 Receptions, 378 Yards, 2 TDs
Ladu is a three-sport varsity starter as a sophomore (football/basketball/track) and is only improving. Ladu sees work on both sides of the ball, as well as a kick and punt returner. He’s got good body control and is a very fluid route runner. He can line up anywhere and shows no issues beating press or zone coverage. He tracks the ball in the air as well as anyone else and flashes his hands late. If you combine his track speed, passion for the game, competitiveness, great hands, and excellent hand-eye coordination, you get an uber-talented wideout like Ladu.
#41: Lofton O’Groske 6’2″ 190 lbs Coon Rapids 2024
2022 Stats: 26 Receptions, 348 Yards, 3 TDs
On most other teams, O’Groske would be a dangerous WR1 who teams would have to gameplan their entire defense around. On Coon Rapids, however, O’Groske serves a perfect compliment to fellow star wide receiver Khijohn Cummings-Coleman. His recruiting stock has exploded this offseason with tons of D1 interest, and he’s hit the 7v7 circuit running. The junior route runner is explosive and seems to welcome the contact that comes within the first 5 yards of the line of scrimmage. I love receivers that lay blocks, and O’Groske pancakes DBs on the regular. His film is extremely entertaining to watch, as it goes from a fantastic catch on a DBs head to him bullying a corner on a screen. O’Groske deserves all the hype he has.
#40: Tyler Milkes 5’10” 160 lbs Wayzata 2024
2022 Stats: 27 Receptions, 396 Yards, 5 TDs
Milkes enters his senior year in one of the best situations out of anyone on this list. The speedy wideout/return man gets a stud QB in Cole Heilbrun Cole Heilbrun 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Wayzata | 2024 State MN and he enters the season as the presumed WR1. Milkes has a legit 4.5 speed and compliments it perfectly with great vision. With how many tackles he breaks, you would think he covered himself in butter before the game. Milkes is a dangerous deep threat that you absolutely shouldn’t press. It would not surprise me if he had a 700+ yard senior season.
#39: Jake Schultz Jake Schultz 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Delano | 2025 State MN 6′ 165 lbs Delano 2025
2022 Stats: 31 Receptions, 455 Yards, 3 TDs
Schultz is a very well-rounded athlete. He earned All-District honors as a wideout last season and recently broke his school’s triple jump record, which stood for 22 years before him. He took home the Conference Championship in triple-jump this year and was also a starter for his basketball team. The sophomore’s tape is full of insane grabs from all sorts of body angles that you would not expect. Concentration catches are most certainly not an issue for Schultz as the balls he brings down I’ve seen college kids fail repeatedly. He’s going to be a force in his junior year.
#38: Nate Miller 5’10” 170 lbs Breck 2024
2022 Stats: 40 Receptions, 489 Yards, 4 TDs
Miller is a three-sport athlete for Breck, (Football/Hockey/Baseball), and a stud two-way football player. Miller is a crisp and fluid route runner with great balance. He’s explosive out of his breaks and will line up anywhere, including as a tight end occasionally. Once the ball hits his hands, it’s a new ball game. He turns on the jets and will present defenses with a serious YAC threat. The only thing that he may be better at than running routes is his ability and versatility as a defender. Don’t be shocked if you see him appear on that list as well.
#37: Teague Collings Teague Collings 6'0" | 160 lbs | WR Delano | 2024 MN 6′ 160 lbs Delano 2024
2022 Stats: 29 Receptions, 493 Yards, 5 TDs
The second Delano stud wideout on this list, Collings enters his senior year ready to wreak havoc alongside Jake Schultz Jake Schultz 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Delano | 2025 State MN . He’s a three-sport athlete (Football/Hockey/Baseball) with a lot of potential. The opening play on his tape is a kick return that features a stunning stutter step that sends a defender tumbling backward. Throughout his film, you can see that Collings is an established deep threat, able to beat most DBs in a footrace off the line. He also does a nice job of tracking the ball in the air, where you can see him adjust well to the ball accordingly. Collings will may defenses pay if they don’t leave another safety deep over the top for help, and I’m pumped to see him and Schultz ball out next season.
#36: Adam Suchy 6′ 170 lbs Two Rivers 2024
2022 Stats: 29 Receptions, 547 Yards, 4 TDs
I’m a big enough man to admit when I’m wrong. I missed Suchy during my early vetting for this list, and I screwed up. In only 8 games he managed to put up upwards of 540 yards, an incredible stat that few can accomplish. He’s very well-rounded as a wideout. He boasts a quick release, good speed, as well as the ability to bring down balls in traffic. Suchy can easily beat press coverage, especially when running a fade or a go, but is equally dangerous running short routes. He’s also a solid return man.
#35: Peyton Ransom Peyton Ransom 6'2" | 160 lbs | WR Austin | 2024 MN 6’2″ 165 lbs Austin 2024
2022 Stats: 27 Receptions, 513 Yards, 2 TDs
Ransom is a three-sport athlete (Football/Basketball/Baseball), who will enter his senior year as the WR1 on a pass-heavy team that just graduated their starting RB and moved down a class. He’s a two-way player who’s primed for a massive senior year. Ransom is a solid deep threat who can expose holes in defensive coverages with ease. He’s incredibly consistent and tracks the ball while it’s in the air well. One thing I love about his game is the way he sells his stop-and-go routes. Defenders bite hard before he breaks away for big yards.
#34: Seth Newbern Seth Newbern 6'1" | 175 lbs | ATH Armstrong | 2024 State MN 6’1″ 175 lbs Armstrong 2024
2022 Stats: 6 Receptions, 178 Yards, 2 TDs
The Armstrong wideout has exploded onto the recruiting scene this year. He may not have put up incredible numbers, but once you watch his film you’ll be equally high on him. Newbern is a phenomenal athlete. He’s got great speed and is very fluid in everything he does. Moving in space seems almost second nature to him. Newbern is a devastating deep threat that will make defenses pay if they give him an inch of space. He’s hot on the recruiting trail and is primed for a big senior year.
Offers: UNI
#33: Caden Sheff Caden Sheff 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR Barnum | 2024 State MN 6’2″ 180 lbs Barnum 2024
2022 Stats: 37 Receptions, 617 Yards, 9 TDs
Sheff is an all-purpose machine, he earned All-District honors last year and that was incredibly deserved. Sheff does everything for the Bombers, starts both ways, and is utilized everywhere by the offense. He had an additional 500 rushing yards and 9 more TDs on the ground. He will rip the balls out of DBs hands, come down with the catch, and extend the play for 5 more yards. His versatility as an athlete cannot be overstated, he’s got great vision as an RB and amazing instincts as a WR. He’s an integral part of a Barnum squad that I think is a state contender. He is also a track school record holder in the 4×100.
#32: Austin Dent 6′ 150 lbs NYA 2024
2022 Stats: 41 Receptions, 631 Yards, 6 TDs
Dent is a small-town route master who is flying very under the radar. His tape is full and I mean full of him breaking DB’s ankles or sending them flying the opposite way because they bit on a double-fake. He’s got incredibly fluid hip movement and can change directions on a dime. Putting any DB in man coverage against Dent is a mistake. If you have the time take a look at his tape, what he does to opponents is incredible.
#31: Eli Thompson Eli Thompson 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Century | 2024 State MN 6’2″ 200 lbs Century 2024
2022 Stats: 30 Receptions, 494 Yards, 6 TDs
Thompson is one of two Century wideouts to make this list, and to anyone familiar with his game it should not be a surprise that he’s this far up. He’s a three-sport athlete (Football/Basketball/Track) and he is a valuable two-way starter for the Panthers. Despite his large frame, he’s quite quick and has a fast release off the line of scrimmage. He does a nice job of going up and getting the ball and regains his composure quickly after landing. He also highpoints the ball well. I think Century will surprise a lot of people this fall, and Thompson is part of that equation.
Offers: UW River Falls
#30: Michael Barry 6′ 170 lbs Mahtomedi 2024
2022 Stats: 24 Receptions, 581 Yards, 6 TDs
Barry is a three-sport (Football/Basketball/Track) athlete for the Zephyrs who managed to account for 580 of his QB’s 880 total passing yards. Barry is an incredible deep threat who can stretch the field when the team needs it the most. There are plays on his tape where the DB gives him a 12-yard cushion, and he still beats him deep on a go route. Barry tracks the ball in the air well, and he has undeniable chemistry with his QB, who is returning for his senior season. Expect big things from the soon-to-be senior.
#29: Jaxon Strinmoen Jaxon Strinmoen 6'5" | 170 lbs | WR Spring Grove | 2024 State MN 6’5″ 180 lbs Spring Grove 2024
2022 Stats: 31 Receptions, 645 Yards, 9 TDs
Strinmoen is an accomplished football and basketball player. On the hardwood, he earned 1st Team-All Conference honors as well as the All-Tournament State Team. On the gridiron, he shows the same kind of dominance. Strinmoen is a two-way starter for the Lions, as a DB and a WR. Strinmoen is surprisingly agile for someone of his size, he can make cuts quickly and with little effort. He has giant strides and simply put looks like a man among boys on the field. He’s aggressive and goes up and gets tough jump balls with no issue.
#28: Bryce Gapinski Bryce Gapinski 5'10" | 165 lbs | WR Foley | 2024 State MN 5’11” 175 lbs Foley 2024
2022 Stats: 42 Receptions, 790 Yards, 8 TDs
Gapinkski put on for Foley during his junior year. The two-sport athlete (Football/Baseball) averaged over 18 YPR and was one of the most impressive players in all of 4A. Gapinski’s catch radius is insane, it seems as if every ball that is thrown near him, no matter where is caught. He will beat DBs in a variety of ways, from an insane 1 handed catch while falling backward, to using his superior speed to dust them. He high-points balls as well as anyone and makes tough catches look effortless. Whatever school picks him up is getting a stud.
#27: Cameron Spaeth Cameron Spaeth 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR Ada-Borup | 2024 MN 6’2″ 170 lbs Ada-Borup 2024
2022 Stats: 57 Receptions, 960 Yards, 18 TDs
Spaeth is another small-town two-sport (Football/Basketball) standout. He put up eye-popping numbers last season, as well as an additional 200 rushing yards. Spaeth can and will line up anywhere on the field, and slices zone coverages apart. Leaving one or even two men on him often isn’t enough, as he repeatedly comes down with difficult balls in traffic. He has a quick release and more often than not is ahead of whatever DB is matched up on him by several steps.
#26: Afy Ibekwe Afy Ibekwe 6'1" | 185 lbs | WR Anoka | 2025 State MN 6’1″ 175 lbs Anoka 2025
2022 Stats: 33 Receptions, 318 Yards, 3 TDs
Having Ibekwe this high may seem like a hot take until you see his tape. He enters his junior year as the presumed WR1 on a team that brings back their QB. Afy is a great route runner and will lose defenders easily, but that’s nothing compared to the athlete that he is. He has among the biggest catch radius in the state, and his film is riddled with insane 1 handers and leaping grabs over unsuspecting DBs. His film reads like an ESPN highlight tape, and he plays in a system designed to maximize the WR1 touches. I could easily see an 800+ yard season for his junior campaign.