’23 Preseason Super 7 – Class A Receivers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/06/23-preseason-super-7-5a-receivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5A Receivers</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/06/23-preseason-super-7-class-4a-receivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4A Receivers</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/06/23-preseason-super-7-class-3a-receivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3A Receivers</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/06/23-preseason-super-7-2a-receivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2A Receivers</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/06/23-preseason-super-7-1a-receivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1A Receivers</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/06/23-preseason-super-7-8-player-quarterbacks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">'23 Preseason Super 7 QBs</a>&nbsp;(scroll down)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/06/23-preseason-super-7-8-player-running-backs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">'23 Preseason Super 7 RBs</a> (scroll down)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>IOWA CITY, Iowa –&nbsp;</strong>July arrives this weekend, drawing closer the start of the high school football season. And we all know times flies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've been highlighting top performers from last season returning in 2023. You can see the links for quarterbacks and running backs in all seven of the state's classifications listed above.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wide receivers are next up. Here's the group in Class A:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eric McGill, '24, Woodbury Central - </strong>McGill (6-0, 170) returns for his senior season after leading the class in receiving yards (1,062) and touchdown catches (16). He averaged 21.7 yards per reception. He also piled up 34.5 tackles (32 solo, 2.5 for loss), recovered three fumbles, intercepted two passes, averaged 17.3 yards on 14 kick returns and returned 11 punts with a 16.1 average. While he doesn't have a junior highlight package on his <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15004454/Eric-McGill/highlights" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl page</a></strong>, he posted clips from individual games. He's dangerous from the slot with the ability to elude defenders off of screen passes and the wheels to get behind them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='245847' first='Caleb' last='Garnand'], '24, Lawton-Bronson - </strong>Garnand (6-1, 170) was a busy man in the Eagles' offense during the '22 campaign. He caught the most passes (62) in the state for Class A. He accumulated 714 receiving yards and hauled in 7 touchdowns. He totaled 31.0 tackles (21 solo, 1.5 for loss), intercepted two balls and threw a touchdown pass. During hi<strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14628327/636005965b3d070a5c975837" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">s junior highlights</a></strong>, Garnand shows excellent acceleration after the catch. It helps him turn short passes into big plays. Operating on the outside, he displays good hands and does a nice job being available for his quarterback when plays go off schedule. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='604773' first='Louden' last='Grimsley'], '25, Lawton-Bronson - </strong>Another Eagle makes the list. It speaks to the program's system and its talent on the outside. Grimsley (6-1, 175) reports on his <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16543508/633b45a5ff01ca08f4c66e40" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl page</a></strong> running the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds. The clips also show a receiver with a serious burst and breakaway speed. He boasts a solid skill set, from route running, to timing and vertical leap. He paced the team in receiving touchdowns (8) to go with 32 catches and 601 yards. He averaged 28.1 yards on seven kick returns. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320785' first='Tate' last='Jirovsky'], '24, Grundy Center - </strong>The lanky and rangy Jirovsky (6-4, 165) caught 29 passes for 580 yards (20.0 YPC) and 8 touchdowns in '22. He intercepted a pass on defense. You can see his length creating matchup problems for opponents during his <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14900272/638cdd33664b8800ecb7f58b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">junior highlights on Hudl</a></strong>. He moves around the offense, operating efficiently from the slot or on the outside with quickness off of the line and solid route running. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Toby Keston, '24, Newman Catholic -</strong> Keston (6-1, 180) provides evidence during his <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15152917/641cd7826e8b9b093c37caed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">junior highlights</a></strong> that he can make people miss in tight space. He does that on screens and when he produces catches downfield. He also tracks the ball well in the air. Keston posted 38 receptions for 570 yards and 6 touchdowns last fall playing with two productive seniors. His numbers could spike during his final prep season of '23. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gavin Roling, '24, Bellevue - </strong>Somebody needs to help Roling (5-10, 16) put together a highlight video. The 40 seconds of clips from the Alburnett game on his <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14886160/Gavin-Roling" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl profile page</a></strong> show an intriguing receiver with a broad set of skills. He runs good routes, tracks the ball well and finishes receptions. He led the Comets in receiving yards (566) and touchdown catches (7) while ranking second in overall catches (37). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Braydon Osborn, '24, Alburnett - </strong>Osborn (6-3, 175) paced the Pirates in receptions (38) and receiving yards (532) while his 8 touchdown grabs were second on the squad. When you watch <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14752135/636c3b29a681270968abadfb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osborn's junior highlights</a></strong>, you quickly see a receiver capable of delivering tough catches against tight coverage. He stands out for being able to track passes coming his way, preparing his hands and then securing the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->