Stat stuffers back for more – 1000 yard receivers
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We transition from the running game – the focus of my last three stories – to the passing game. Five underclassmen receivers broke the 1,000-yard barrier in 2023. Here they are, and what makes them such a dangerous group of…
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Continue ReadingWe transition from the running game – the focus of my last three stories – to the passing game. Five underclassmen receivers broke the 1,000-yard barrier in 2023. Here they are, and what makes them such a dangerous group of pass catchers.
1252 yards 12 touchdownsrnBegalle was a big play, just waiting to happen. His straight-line speed is evident after only watching him play for a few minutes. His speed wouldn’t matter much if he didn’t have the ability to adjust to the ball. His body control and ability to make plays on the ball make him a tough cover – even on balls that are not thrown perfectly. He is not just a deep threat; Begalle is a threat to make a big play, even on short balls. Plenty of his receptions were at or behind the line of scrimmage. The junior’s ability in the open field – both avoiding tacklers and breaking tackles – allows him to turn short gains into touchdowns.
Highlights
1201 yards 14 touchdownsrnWhile Schultz has excellent speed, his ability to accelerate separates him– literally and figuratively –. He looks like he is at top speed, but he has another gear he can tap into to close on the ball or get that little bit of separation he needs at the last second. He has solid footwork. When he puts his foot in the ground, defenders in man-to-man coverage are usually forced into a trail technique. That route running also translates into his ability to avoid tacklers in the open field and makes him a dangerous kick returner. He contributes in all three phases of the game – playing a deep safety for the Tigers.
1194 yards 8 touchdownsrnLike the previous two receivers, Ginskey’s speed absolutely jumps off the screen. Defenders look like they have him lined up, but his acceleration makes defenders’ angles disappear quickly. The junior adjusts well to the ball and, combined with his size, has a big catch radius. Along with his toughness, his size makes him dangerous even when taking contact at the moment of the catch. Lined up usually in the slot, straight-line speed is Ginskey’s biggest strength, but he can be creative in the open field with his footwork and ability to avoid defenders. A two-way player, Ginskey defends receivers in the Huskies’ secondary.
Brayden Sturm
Brayden Sturm
1066 yards 20 touchdownsrnSturm’s body control and ability to make contested catches are his biggest strengths as a wide receiver. His size is his quarterback’s best friend – giving him a big catch radius. His overall athletic ability makes him a tough cover – especially in Springfield’s smaller class. His junior highlight package is littered with leaping, contested catches. His balance and footwork not only make him a good route runner, his footwork helps him step out of tackles and pick up extra yards near the boundary. A two-way player, I wrote about Sturm a couple of weeks ago as one of the interception leaders from last season.
1047 yards 8 touchdownsrnBrown is the most physical receiver on the list. His balance and footwork allow him to run like a running back – bouncing off tacklers and running through defenders. The offense uses him a lot like a running back. He excels in the screen and swing pass game – allowing him to operate in space. Once he gets in the open field, his speed and acceleration gets him separation from both guys trying to tackle him and guys trying to cover him. Usually operating out of the slot, Brown is physical without the ball, too. His blocking is much more physical than most receivers.