Reaching for the Top Spot: 2024 Houston Area Receivers
The receiver position is loaded with talent in the area and the players listed below continue to back that statement up. These players showed week after week how dangerous they can be on the field and anytime the ball is…
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Continue ReadingThe receiver position is loaded with talent in the area and the players listed below continue to back that statement up. These players showed week after week how dangerous they can be on the field and anytime the ball is in their possession. The film does not lie with these young men and they will be players to keep watch throughout this offseason and for their senior seasons.
Patrick Rabel
Patrick Rabel
Rabel showed to be a well rounded receiver with good size and strong, confident hands. He made plays all over the place for the Highlanders when his number was called. Rabel showed good athletic ability after the catch, finding space and generating good yardage out of short catches. Rabel displayed good deep ball skills as well, tracking and then hauling in long throws. Rabel overall showed great production in a high powered offense and we should expect to see an increase in his numbers for next season.
Sample is an athlete who just makes plays when he hits the field. Whether it be on offense or defense, he is a player who will get the job done. When you put the ball in his hands, good things follow. On the offensive side, Sample shows his quickness and speed and knows how to create separation from defenders. He is a smooth route runner who’s open field speed leaves a defense in the dust. He takes advantage of his matchups in the slot where he can use his skill set to beat defenders with ease, and shows his run after catch abilities with very good vision and elusiveness. Sample to simply put is a baller who you can trust to make the biggest plays when needed. Expect nothing less from him for the season to come.
Highlights
Ashton Bethel-Roman
Ashton Bethel-Roman
Bethel-Roman is a true deep threat for the Panther offense with the ability to make big time, momentum shifting plays. The combination of his speed and physicality at the position makes him a tough matchup for defenses. He can split a secondary’s coverage using his speed and his tracking of the ball is some of the best. He finds ways to come down with the difficult catches, ignoring defenders and using his strength to make those contested highlight completions. Bethel-Roman has that game breaking speed that when he has a free release can take the top off the defense. He stretches the field and has the ability to take over a game. He finished his junior season with 890 yards and 8 touchdowns on 37 catches.
Jacob Sheppard-Rubio
Jacob Sheppard-Rubio
Sheppard-Rubio plays bully ball at the receiver position, overpowering and out working defensive backs for the ball. He is a red zone magnet, and a mismatch for just about everybody in that area. He high points the ball very well and showed very strong hands with good concentration. His strength and aggression caused issues for opposing defenses. Sheppard-Rubio played a major role in the run game as well, showing his blocking skills and creating lanes with his hustle and drive, pancaking defensive backs in the process. He is without a doubt a player to follow throughout the summer and next season because he has the potential to blow up with his play.
Ajani Cargile
Ajani Cargile
Cargile is a master in the slot with his quickness and agility. He is electric with the ball in his hands. Cargile can turn a 5 yard route into a 30+ yard gain. He is a playmaking weapon who can be used in any phase of the game and be effective. He is dangerous in the return game, putting his team in great field position with almost every return. He shows great vision and elusiveness in the open field which only adds to his already dynamic skill set. He is primed for a productive senior year so keep eyes out for him.
Zion Kearney
Zion Kearney
The Sooner commit is the definition of explosiveness. At about 6’2, 200, Kearney should not be able to move the way he does, but yet we see him do it on a consistent basis. He has the entire package. Speed, strength, athleticism, and explosiveness. He turns a simple screen into a touchdown leaving an entire defense in the dust. Kearney plays with good physicality, using his body and strength to fight through contact and make those tough contested catches. He climbs the ladder and high points the ball and has a vast catch radius, making himself an easy target for his quarterback. Kearney is a special player who will only continue to get better. Just know he will be on many top lists throughout the year.