Patraw’s Picks: 5 Iowa WRs to Know Next Season
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With the end of Iowa’s high school football season, several junior wide receivers made a name for themselves as some of the best in the state. In this article, we dive into the film of five wide receivers who will…
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Continue ReadingWith the end of Iowa’s high school football season, several junior wide receivers made a name for themselves as some of the best in the state. In this article, we dive into the film of five wide receivers who will have several recruiter’s eyes on them. These players not only boast impressive statistics but also bring a diverse set of skills to the field, from breakaway speed and precise route running to versatility and explosiveness. Get familiar with these names, as they will be names you hear a ton when next season begins.
Evan Irlmeier
Evan Irlmeier
A dynamic and versatile wide receiver, Irlmeier put on a show this year with four touchdowns, 722 yards, and 53 catches. His exceptional agility and shifty route running make him a constant threat as he effortlessly creates separation from defenders. Notably fearless, Irlmeier is unafraid to go over the middle of the field, adding a layer of toughness to his game. Operating effectively from the slot, he can take the top off a defense with his speed and acceleration. Beyond his offensive contributions, Irlmeier proves valuable as a returner, utilizing his speed to break away from tacklers. He has vicious cuts to elude defenders and quick feet to eat up ground and get to top speed. His reliability in securing catches, even under pressure, makes him an impactful asset for the Hawks.
Dallas Miller Dallas Miller 5'11" | 175 lbs | WR Liberty | 2025 IA
Dallas Miller Dallas Miller 5'11" | 175 lbs | WR Liberty | 2025 IA
An explosive wide receiver, Miller has showcased his high level of play with impressive stats of 12 touchdowns, 804 yards, and 60 catches. With his blazing speed, he consistently threatens defenses as a deep target, utilizing his quickness to get over the top and deliver home run plays. His exceptional concentration in tough catches and a subtle head fake to freeze defenders add another layer to his game and playmaking ability. Miller’s keen awareness of voids in the defense and adept exploitation of leverage further highlight his football IQ. Additionally, his capacity to create yards after the catch enhances his multi-dimensional impact, making him a dynamic and valuable asset on every play.
Maverick Inman
Maverick Inman
Inman, a reliable and impactful wide receiver, has compiled notable stats his junior year, with eight touchdowns, 751 yards, and 36 catches. His strengths lie in excelling in contested catch situations, boasting a commendable size/speed combination that makes him a threat to hit the big play at any moment. Inman’s proficiency in defeating press coverage through precise footwork and then stretching the field vertically showcases his versatility. Beyond being a vertical threat, he exhibits crisp route running on post and corner routes, contributing across most of the route tree. His very reliable hands also instill confidence, making him a go-to option at any moment in the game.
Sam Zelenovich
Sam Zelenovich
Zelenovich was extremely impressive and a major contributor to the Ram’s third straight Iowa State Title. With nine touchdowns, 891 yards, which led all juniors, and 68 catches, he can line up anywhere in the formation and be a defensive mismatch. Zelenovich’s strengths include beating press coverage with a strong release, adjusting to passes thrown behind him, creating separation with a great double move, showcasing speed to beat defenders deep, and making an impact after the catch. He’s very good at knowing when to break his routes off and finding the open void in the defense. His reliable hands and adaptability make him a valuable asset, no matter the situation.
Pierce McCrary
Pierce McCrary
A versatile player, McCrary played wide receiver and safety this year for the Cougars. He showcased his ability as a receiver, totaling three touchdowns, 456 yards, and 27 catches. McCrary can line up inside or outside, demonstrating flexibility within offensive formations and being a mismatch no matter where he’s at. His strategic route running and awareness of finding open spaces in a defense highlight his football intelligence. McCrary’s sufficient speed enables him to stretch the field and contribute to big plays, while his diverse route running makes him a well-rounded target. Beyond catching passes, his toughness as a blocker adds value to the team’s strategy. Impressively, McCrary’s transition to safety underscores his athleticism and football IQ, showcasing a multidimensional player with the potential to impact both sides of the game significantly.