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<p>A Quarterback is only as good as the weapons around him, and these five pass catchers are some of the best weapons to come out of the midwest. Don't be surprised when you see these five playing on Saturdays.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">First up on the list is South Dakota's Kacyn Larson. Larson stands at 6 ft 150 lbs and plays not just receiver, but defensive back and running back as well. Versatility is a major upside for Larson, as not only does he play three positions, but he plays them well. As a receiver Larson demonstrates fantastic footwork and ability to high point the football. He also demonstrates a shifty move set that allows him to dance by oncoming defenders.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Next up is Nick Payne Jr. hailing from Wisconsin. Payne is a freak athlete who's biggest strength is speed, speed, and more speed. Similar to a Tyreek Hill or DK Metcalf, Payne not only demonstrates his quickness on the gridiron, but on the track as well. Payne runs the 100m at the AAU junior Olympics, and is ranked as an All-American. Speed isn't the only benefit to the 5'9 receiver however, as he also showcases an ability to make defenders miss in the open field, juking, spinning, and even occasionally running over would-be tacklers on his way to the end zone.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Third on the list is Ohio's Will Morse. Morse is one of his QB's (Nate Miller III) favorite targets, and its pretty easy to see why. Morse showcases impressive jump ball ability from a reviver standing 5'9, but his best ability is his sturdy hands. Throwing the ball in Morse's general direction is almost a sure fire completion, as his catch radius is very impressive for a kid his age. One thing he could work on his his route running as it can be shaky at times, but is nothing that can't be fixed, and you can already see some improvements he is making. Morse is a super talented wide out who is going to dominate at the high school level when it's his time.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Fourth on this list is Max Hopkins from the great state of Indiana. Hopkins is a Tight End who stands 6'6, 210 lbs., so it should be no surprise that he is also a star on the Basketball court. His insane stature as an 8th grader means he is completely unguardable at the Middle School level. For reference there are Tight Ends in the NFL who are shorter than 6'6, in 8th grade his height is ludicrous. Playing basketball means that Hopkins has great jumping ability, and he showcases really good footwork and a catch radius that is out of this world. The only downside about Ball is he may decide to choose basketball over football, but in either sport he will be a sure fire home run.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Last but not least on our list is Minnesota's [player_tooltip player_id='1454217' first='KJ' last='Staples']. Staples is a Tight End, Defensive End hybrid that showcases great skills at both spots. Being a pass rusher as well means that Staples has intimate knowledge about blocking schemes, which will make him a rock solid run blocker as a tight end. Staples also has incredible strength as a tool in his tool box, either able to push a tackle backwards as a D-lineman, or move your best linebacker out of the way as a tight end. Its not all blocking schemes though for the Minnesota native, as Staples also showcases true 4.7 speed and great hands, truly a quarterback's best friend.</p>
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A Quarterback is only as good as the weapons around him, and these five pass catchers are some of the best weapons to come out of the midwest. Don't be surprised when you see these five playing on Saturdays.
First up on the list is South Dakota's Kacyn Larson. Larson stands at 6 ft 150 lbs and plays not just receiver, but defensive back and running back as well. Versatility is a major upside for Larson, as not only…
Next up is Nick Payne Jr. hailing from Wisconsin. Payne is a freak athlete who's biggest strength is speed, speed, and more speed. Similar to a Tyreek Hill or DK Metcalf, Payne not only demonstrates his quickness on the gridiron,…
Third on the list is Ohio's Will Morse. Morse is one of his QB's (Nate Miller III) favorite targets, and its pretty easy to see why. Morse showcases impressive jump ball ability from a reviver standing 5'9, but his best…
Fourth on this list is Max Hopkins from the great state of Indiana. Hopkins is a Tight End who stands 6'6, 210 lbs., so it should be no surprise that he is also a star on the Basketball court. His insane stature as an 8th grader means he is completely unguardable at the Middle School level. For reference there are Tight Ends in the NFL who are shorter than 6'6, in 8th grade his height is ludicrous. Playing basketball means that Hopkins has great jumping ability, and he showcases really good footwork and a catch radius that is out of this world. The only downside about Ball is he may decide to choose basketball over football, but in either sport he will be a sure fire home run.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
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Last but not least on our list is Minnesota's KJ StaplesKJStaples
6'0" | 255 lbs | DL
Elk River | 2029 StateMN
. Staples is a Tight End, Defensive End hybrid that showcases great skills at both spots. Being a pass rusher as well means that Staples has intimate knowledge about blocking schemes, which will make him a rock solid run blocker as a tight end. Staples also has incredible strength as a tool in his tool box, either able to push a tackle backwards as a D-lineman, or move your best linebacker out of the way as a tight end. Its not all blocking schemes though for the Minnesota native, as Staples also showcases true 4.7 speed and great hands, truly a quarterback's best friend.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
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KJ
Staples
6'0" | 255 lbs | DL
Elk River | 2029
State
MN
. Staples is a Tight End, Defensive End hybrid that showcases great skills at both spots. Being a pass rusher as well means that Staples has intimate knowledge about blocking schemes, which will make him a rock solid run blocker as a tight end. Staples also has incredible strength as a tool in his tool box, either able to push a tackle backwards as a D-lineman, or move your best linebacker out of the way as a tight end. Its not all blocking schemes though for the Minnesota native, as Staples also showcases true 4.7 speed and great hands, truly a quarterback's best friend.
