Over-Performing Underclassmen Pt. 2: Pass Catchers

Some of the most electrifying moments in football come from the guys hauling in the passes — and this year, it's the underclassmen pass catchers who are taking over. These young wideouts are lighting up defenses with contested catches, breakaway speed, and an instinct for making big plays when it matters most. Whether it's creating separation with smooth routes or turning a four-yard slant into a 60-yard touchdown, these receivers are showing that age is just a number when it comes to making an impact. In this article, we're highlighting ten standout underclassmen pass catchers who are making serious noise.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Freshmen:</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='1218871' first='Roye' last='Oliver III'] has made a massive impact on Open-hopeful Hamilton, with two 100+ yard receiving games in his first month on a high school football roster. With blazing speed, he has no trouble getting behind defenses and isn't likely to be caught from behind. Oliver runs some really precise routes and moves incredibly smoothly across the field which is rare to see from a freshman. As he continues to grow, Oliver could quickly become one of the top prospects in the state, regardless of class.      [player_tooltip player_id='1120426' first='Hajj' last='Brown'] has burst onto the scene for Centennial through the first half of his freshman season. Quickly turning into a deep-ball specialist, the speedy wideout is averaging a whopping 28.6 yards per reception. For a smaller receiver — currently 5'11 170 lbs — he plays very physically and has shown the ability to make catches through contact. Brown is a player coaches should be watching closely as his game continues to develop.      [player_tooltip player_id='1614659' first='Kaelan' last='Williams'] has been a huge spark for his offense seemingly whenever they need one. He runs nice routes and has no problem getting separation. Where Williams really excels is when his quarterback starts to scramble. He does a great job of finding open space and making himself a visible and reliable option. Averaging 86 yards a game and 27 per reception, he's a player to keep a close eye on as he works through the rest of his high school career.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sophomores:</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='677746' first='Braxton' last='Huynh'] is having an incredible start to his sophomore season for defending Open champions, Liberty. He already has three games with more than 100 receiving yards; including a 168-yard, three-touchdown showing against Mountain View. Huynh has an excellent release off the line of scrimmage when facing press coverage, ensuring that the timing of the offense isn't thrown off. His burst in routes makes it nearly impossible for defenders to keep up with him when he makes a cut. Huynh is a player coaches should try to get in on now, before it's too late. At this pace, he'll be one of the top recruits in the state in no time.      Much like his brother, [player_tooltip player_id='1190656' first='Sean' last='Roebuck'] has been tormenting opposing defenses for Marana. He's got great speed and quickness but also truly understands how to attack the defense. Doing a great job of using his body to out-position defensive backs and give him an easier path to the ball. A smaller player, he certainly doesn't lack physicality and has shown that he can keep concentration to make difficult catches through contact. Used a bit as a gadget player in the offense, Roebuck has 455 total yards so far this season. He'll be a huge part of their success this season as the top-ranked Open Division team looks to keep their undefeated season rolling.     After contributing on varsity as a freshman, [player_tooltip player_id='1190648' first='Isaac' last='Massey'] has stepped in a big way to start his sophomore year. While he hasn't been a frequent scorer — only one touchdown on the year — his ability to stretch the field and make key catches on key third downs has made him a valuable asset for ALA- Gilbert North's offense. In a massive upset win over Higley, Massey came up big with five catches for 79 yards. His smart route running and reliable hands allow him to work through coverage and make tough grabs. As the season progresses, expect Massey to continue making an impact, especially as he continues to develop a connection with the quarterback.      [player_tooltip player_id='1603407' first='Aaron' last='Crawford'] is electrifying with the ball in his hands. Whether it's returning punts or catching passes, he's a shifty player who can leave defenders grasping at air. That agility really shines in his route running as well, his quick twitch gets him instant separation which makes him really effective in the short game. That's not the only way he's effective though, Crawford also does a great job of using speed and deception to win deep and end up behind the defense. With his well-rounded game, Crawford is a player to keep a close eye on.      [player_tooltip player_id='498322' first='Aidan' last='Whitaker']'s sophomore year first-half highlights (below) starts off with him making an amazing one-handed grab along the sideline in the endzone. The clip is the epitome of Whitaker's game all rolled up into one. His secure and reliable hands, his body control around the sideline, his ability to help his scrambling quarterback, and his clutch gene are all on full display within one single play. Beyond that, he does a great job of attacking zone defenses from the slot and is always a threat to score if he's lined up on the outside. With his speed, defensive backs consistently struggle to keep up. Whitaker is proving to be one of the top playmakers in his class.     Skyler Lawrence does an excellent job of keeping concentration to make difficult catches through contact. Whether that's going up and high-pointing the football with a safety draped on him or slowing down for a back shoulder ball and securing it as he gets run over by a corner, Lawrence is a big play waiting to happen. His quickness is incredibly dangerous around the goal line where his quarterback seems to find him whenever he gets just a bit of separation. With really impressive physical tools and a good understanding of the game, Lawrence is a player coaches aren't going to want to miss out on.      Facing off against a top-tier Basha defense, [player_tooltip player_id='884458' first='Quvohn' last='Lewis'] had himself an amazing day where he finished with 140 yards and two touchdowns and averaging 35 yards a reception — showing that he can do it at the highest level. The physical wideout uses his strength both to get open before he has the ball and to stay off the ground after he gets it. Lewis' impressive catch radius allows him to get to passes that are seemingly out of reach. As he continues to develop as a route runner, Lewis is going to be a player to watch going forward.

Some of the most electrifying moments in football come from the guys hauling in the passes — and this year, it's the underclassmen pass catchers who are taking over. These young wideouts are lighting up defenses with contested catches, breakaway speed, and an instinct for making big plays when it matters most. Whether it's creating separation with smooth routes or turning a four-yard slant into a 60-yard touchdown, these receivers are showing that age is just a number when it comes to making an impact. In this article, we're highlighting ten standout underclassmen pass catchers who are making serious noise.