Junior Jump Pt. 2: 9 Pass-Catchers Arrive on the ’25 Rankings
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In the aftermath of football season, the spotlight shifts to the future stars ready to make their mark on the gridiron. This time, we’re taking a look at the pass-catchers who are stealing the show, with seven wide receivers and…
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Continue ReadingIn the aftermath of football season, the spotlight shifts to the future stars ready to make their mark on the gridiron. This time, we’re taking a look at the pass-catchers who are stealing the show, with seven wide receivers and two tight ends earning their stripes and adding their names to the ‘list of ones to watch ’25 rankings. These nine players have not only showcased their incredible skills and athleticism but have also proven their ability to turn the tide of a game with just one play. Join us as we dive into what makes these standout athletes the newest additions to the Arizona ’25 rankings, and why their future looks as bright as the Arizona sun.
Wide Receivers
JD DeCausmaker JD DeCausmaker 6’4″ | 170 lbs | WR Higley | 2025 State AZ certainly made a name for himself in his junior campaign for the Higley Knights. When people talk about a receiver always being a threat to score, it’s usually a compliment to their ability to create explosive plays. DeCausmaker isn’t just a threat to create explosive plays; he’s a threat to (quite literally) score. Over 35% of the Higley receiver’s catches resulted in six points; and its easy to see why, after throwing on the tape. Listed at 6’4”, DeCausmaker has a height and wingspan advantage over just about every defender that lines up across from him. He’s also incredibly athletic and it shows at some point in just about every game. Some games its his surprising leap to go up and snag the ball out of the air, and others its the way he glides from one side of the field to the other, using the open space like an extra blocker. When he uses that athleticism to get open on a route, he has excellent concentration on the football as it’s in the air. Tracking it all the way through the catch – mixed with some very secure hands – allows him to make mind-blowing catches along the sideline or in the back of the endzone.
Jaden Taylor Jaden Taylor 5’11” | 165 lbs | WR Higley | 2025 State AZ , the second Higley receiver to enter the ‘25 rankings, is the true definition of a “speedster” on the gridiron. His top-end speed is jaw-dropping, it’s like an extra gear he can get into that the defenders just don’t have. Taylor doesn’t just use his speed after the catch, he makes sure to use it to his advantage in every facet of his game. When running routes, Taylor is excellent at holding his speed through his breaks which creates instant separation for his quarterback. His ability to understand the spacing in a zone defense and where to attack it is a testimate to, not only his football IQ, but his coaching as well. With Taylor getting set to be one of the feature pass-catchers on the defending 5A state champions, he’s certainly a player to have on your radar.
Elante Fleming Elante Fleming 5’10” | 160 lbs | WR Paradise Valley | 2025 State AZ is a star at wideout for Paradise Valley. Averaging just under 110 yards a game this past season, Fleming showed great consistency throughout the year. His ability to create space and get open is impressive and stems from the precise routes that he runs. Once he gets that space, Fleming is hard to bring down. It’s not as though he’s the shiftiest or the most powerful, but he’s extremely slippery. What truly sets him apart is his ability to play through contact. From the line of scrimmage, through completing the catch; he does an excellent job of keeping his concentration and positioning while securing the ball. In an explosive and pass-heavy offense, Fleming is a prospect to watch as he gets set to start his senior season.
Christian Shetler Christian Shetler 5’11” | 160 lbs | WR Greenway | 2025 State AZ is an explosive playmaker on the outside. With excellent top-end speed, defenders just fade away as he kicks it into another gear. Shetler showed that he can consistently take the top off the defense by averaging over 20 yards per reception in the 2023 season. He has really good footwork during his routes and ends up with incredibly crisp cuts that give him the space he needs. The stop-and-go move that Shetler uses fairly often is nearly impossible to stop one-on-one. His agility really shines as he comes to a stop, and then the quickness is shown as he takes off past the defender who’s trying to make a play. When he’s not running past defenders on a route, Shetler also doubles as an excellent blocker. Having him there to clear the outside lanes for his runners was huge for the Greenway offense.
Jeramicheal Hernandez Jeramicheal Hernandez 5’6″ | 150 lbs | WR Valley Vista | 2025 State AZ is a spectacle on the field and will make someone’s jaw drop every time he touches the ball. His elite level shiftiness makes him a player who rarely ever goes down with the first defender. Hernandez’s feet are so fast that when he starts to cut, there’s no chance for the defender to react fast enough. Even if they somehow do, his burst out of those cuts will leave the defenders in the dust. His ability to get from stopped, to top speed is incredibly impressive. This quick twitch also allows Hernandez to get great separation when he’s trying to get open, and often finds himself running alone in space. As a receiver, Hernandez was only able to find the endzone four times in 2023; that number should see a significant jump in the 2024 season.
Highlights
Jayvon Coleman Jayvon Coleman 5’9″ | 150 lbs | WR Walden Grove | 2025 State AZ has clearly spent some time working on his footwork, and it shows. When he’s out on a route, he’s able to keep his speed out of the break which really helps keep the timing with his quarterback. Has a great skillset for a slot wide receiver, but still gets some work on the outside. When Coleman gets lined up outside the numbers, he shows great body control. He doesn’t need to get the most separation to be able to make an explosive play; Coleman’s ability to get himself in the right spot to make the catch is extremely impressive. Getting lots of work from the slot, this is where he seems the most comfortable. He makes great use of the space the defense is giving him and pairs it with a great understanding of how to move when his quarterback scrambles. There’s no doubt Coleman is one of the top C/O ‘25 prospects at the receiver position.
Highlights
Noah Romo Noah Romo 6’0″ | 150 lbs | WR Estrella Foothills | 2025 State AZ , from Estrella Foothills, is a serious deep threat. Averaging just a tick under 20 yards per reception this past season, there’s no denying his speed. What makes Romo such a scary receiver isn’t just his speed, though; it’s his awareness and understanding of the game. He always seems to be in the right place, and much of that is because he forces defenders to be in the wrong one. The way he uses the sideline and his fellow receivers to his advantage is extremely mature for someone his age. Romo also does some damage on the ground and showcases excellent vision when he does so. He’s able to spot slight seams and use his speed to burst through them before they close. On top of all of that, he’s a tough runner both after the catch and taking the hand-off – never afraid to put his body on the line to fight for extra yards.
Highlights
Tight Ends
Andrew Mosqueda Andrew Mosqueda 6’3″ | 185 lbs | TE Yuma | 2025 State AZ , the tight end out of Yuma, is a big body with an even bigger catch radius. His secure hands matched with his big frame combine to make a nightmare for defenders. He’s too fast for most linebackers to stay with, but much too big for just about any defensive back either; and he knows how to use his speed well. Getting past defenders and using his big frame to come down with contested catches. Mosqueda isn’t just effective on the offensive end, he’s flying all over the field defensively too. That sneaky speed helps him to stick to receivers in coverage, while the size helps him to effortlessly move off blocks and attack the quarterback when needed. Andrew Mosqueda Andrew Mosqueda 6’3″ | 185 lbs | TE Yuma | 2025 State AZ brings a rare combination to the field and is certainly a player to keep an eye on.
Tyree Stingley Tyree Stingley 6’2″ | 180 lbs | TE Page | 2025 State AZ is a wide receiver trapped in a tight end’s body. The athleticism that he displays, at his size, doesn’t seem possible. Already gifted with decent height, he has an incredible vertical that makes 50/50 balls seem far from even. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he’s very tough to bring down; often powering through tackles for a few extra yards. Stingley is still elusive enough to leave defenders grasping for air as he he shows off impressive speed towards the endzone. When Page’s defense takes the field, Stingley doesn’t come off – and he doesn’t stop making explosive plays either. Coming off the edge, Stingley is a hard hitter who lets his presence be known. Using his great speed to fly around offensive lineman, he does a great job crashing down in run support. He showcases extremely active hands when he’s rushing the passer. Lineman are rarely able to keep any grip on him because of the refined handwork. As a multi-sport athlete, Tyree Stingley Tyree Stingley 6’2″ | 180 lbs | TE Page | 2025 State AZ has all the tools to play football at the next level.