Which 2025 WR’s in Alabama will have a breakout year?
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In Alabama, the rich tradition of producing top-tier talent continues to flourish, and the wide receiver position is no exception. With the 2025 season on the horizon, the attention turns to identifying the standout wide receivers who are primed for…
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Continue ReadingIn Alabama, the rich tradition of producing top-tier talent continues to flourish, and the wide receiver position is no exception. With the 2025 season on the horizon, the attention turns to identifying the standout wide receivers who are primed for breakout performances.
In this scouting report, we take a closer look at the emerging WR prospects in Alabama who have the potential to elevate their game and capture the attention of college recruiters and football enthusiasts alike. Through insightful analysis and expert evaluation, we aim to shine a light on the promising talents who are set to leave a lasting impression on the high school football landscape.
Taylor glides off the line of scrimmage and eats up the cornerback’s cushion quickly, bringing the speed to take the lid of the defense. He runs with smooth, long strides to pull away from defenders and tracks the ball beautifully downfield. Despite his high center of gravity, he can sink his hips and snap off his routes, creating separation in the short and intermediate areas. Taylor showcases incredible concentration, refined hand technique, and excellent body control when catching the ball; he has the flexibility to go down to dig out low balls; he twists and contorts to reach back for passes that come in behind him; and he can spin in the air to make a grab without losing his balance or momentum, hitting the ground running to pick up yards after the catch.
Smith’s suddenness is his signature trait; he’s extremely quick in the short area and not only gets up to top speed in the blink of an eye but also boasts top-notch deceleration. He threatens to run right past defenders but can instantaneously hit the brakes to create separation, snapping off curl routes, dig routes, and comebacks that leave corners spinning and flailing. He’s tough to stick with on two-way option routes, and the way he stutters, cuts, and blows past coverage makes him look like a point guard who’s beating a defender off the dribble. He’s quick footed and elusive after the catch.
D.j. Vinson
D.j. Vinson
Vinson tracks the ball beautifully, creating separation late in his route with shoulder bumps or subtle push-offs. He brings top-shelf body control and balance, with the ability to jump and spin and catch the ball before adjusting his feet to land and keep running downfield. Vinson catches the ball away from his frame and excels in contested catch situations regularly overpowering or boxing out opponents to give himself leverage at the catch point. He runs through arm tackles after the catch and was frequently used on screen plays, weaving his way through traffic to pick up chunks of yards.
Smith is elusive after the catch, capable of turning, juking, and accelerating away from defenders. He’s really dangerous on crossing routes, and when he hits the gas, he looks like he was shot out of a cannon as he outruns pursuit angles and turns upfield for big gains. He was utilized on sweeps and end-arounds, showing vision to make plays in space. Opponents clearly respect his speed, which helps him have success on comebacks and hook routes.
Daylyn Upshaw
Daylyn Upshaw
Upshaw has incredible body control and positions himself well to get the defender on his hip to box him out, timing his jump to elevate and contorting to catch the ball. Upshaw is a special talent at catching the football; he has incredible leaping ability, arrogant hands, and makes some of the most ridiculous catches you’ll ever see. Passes seem to stick to his hands and he reels in even the most impossible-looking grabs. He’s very dynamic after the catch, frequently burning past defenders’ pursuit angles.