Small School Sunday: Dominant WRs to Track

High schools throw the football more than ever nowadays. As a result, more and more receivers are starting to produce on Friday nights and make an impact. Here are some small school receivers doing exactly that.    Langston Butler is one of the top playmakers for a potent Sonoraville passing attack. He is an inside-out threat at receiver, carrying size that projects best to the slot but can play on the outside thanks to his skill set. He is an advanced route runner, creating separation at the top of his route. He plays with fantastic footwork and mixes up tempo when he breaks down corners. He has enough acceleration to beat defenders after he gets them off-balanced and frequently finds the ball over his shoulder. He should soak in targets in the short and intermediate areas of the field, consistently showing the ability to get corners vertical and work back toward the QB.     Buckner is a massive receiver prospect who has flown under the radar. He is far too big and athletic for his level of competition, consistently dominating his individual matchups. He is an obvious jump-ball threat, which will be his selling point long-term. He already wins the reach battle naturally but shows on tape the willingness and ability to fight through contact for positioning while not losing track of the football. He is a good athlete. He frequently runs by corners in press coverage to stretch the field vertically. He will also make plays after the catch when given a crease to run. Buckner is doing what he should be doing to his level of competition, which is dominate. He is the top playmaker for Mt. Zion and is proving it on tape and on the stat sheet.     Jamere Smith is a multi-level playmaker with a solid size and speed profile. Measures in around 6'1 165 with plenty of room to grow. He is light on his feet and changes direction well, giving him access to in-breaking route concepts towards the middle of the field. He has the speed to split safeties and out-run corners, allowing him to take the top off the defense. After the catch, he is fluid enough to weave in and out of running lanes and will also drop his shoulder to fall forward for a yard or two. Smith has the skills to make an impact at all levels of the field, and that's exactly what he does on tape.     [player_tooltip player_id='1577356' first='Carter' last='Hayes'] is having a highly productive junior season, leading the charge for one of the most explosive passing attacks in the state. Hayes won't scare you coming off the bus, but he is a well-rounded athlete with a multi-sport background, also playing baseball and lacrosse. Hayes is capable of working multiple releases at the line, getting DBs off-platform, and creating pauses. Has the long speed to go across the field and gradually get behind safeties. Has good enough speed to outmatch his level of competition in space, but it's his deception and savviness as a route runner that stands out the most on tape.     [player_tooltip player_id='569364' first='Bryson' last='Campbell'] was one of the most prolific receivers in the state as a junior, and he is following up that campaign with yet another impressive senior season. Campbell is a long and lanky 6'1 170. There is plenty of room left for him to grow. As a senior, he looks like a more fluid athlete. He is showing some bounce on his feet and the ability to weave in and out of running lanes after the catch. He can play above the rim, getting his long arms through a crowd to pluck the ball out of the air and bring it back to his chest. Campbell has produced well enough and has the upside to play at the college level. He should get a shot.     Tristan Houston is an explosive WR prospect who instantly grasps your attention on tape. His short, stocky, and explosive frame projects best to the slot, but he attacks all levels on tape. He is fast, but it's his fiery footwork and change of direction at critical points of the route that flash the most on tape. He can stop on a dime and add double moves to completely displace corners. He does what he can do physically at his size, which is to watch the ball into his hands and fight for good footing. Players like Houston always seem to fly under the radar, but there is a place for him on an FCS roster given his ability to attack in 1 on 1 coverage.

High schools throw the football more than ever nowadays. As a result, more and more receivers are starting to produce on Friday nights and make an impact. Here are some small school receivers doing exactly that.