Who Are The NE 2027 Receiving Yards Leaders Returning Next Year?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we turn the page and head into 2025, it's time to start looking at some returning talent in the current junior, sophomore, and freshman classes and their production this past season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now let's examine the sophomore receivers who gave defenses fits last season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Mary's <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1192536' first='Ben' last='Barlow']</em> and his connection with QB [player_tooltip player_id='488106' first='Gage' last='Hedstrom'] proved to be deadly as they connected for over 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. Barlow more than doubled his production from a year ago and was one of two receivers in 8 &amp; 6-man football to have over 1,000 receiving yards. In the end, Ben finished his sophomore campaign with 43 catches for 1,025 yards and 20 touchdowns, averaging nearly 24 yards per reception. <em>Ben</em> was also an all-star on defense with 59 tackles, two TFLs, and an impressive eight interceptions (two returned for touchdowns).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southwest's <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1616932' first='Deric' last='Kelley']</em> had a tremendous breakout season as the Roughrider's top target in year two. <em>Kelley </em>hauled in 43 receptions for 867 receiving yards and scored 12 touchdowns.<em> Deric</em> showed his big play ability with an average of 20 yards per reception. <em>Kelley</em> was also a major contributor on defense with 88 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. <em>Kelley</em> was a nice surprise when I went to watch his film, as he immediately stood out with his 6'4" frame. His size creates mismatches on most of his reps while possessing the athleticism and speed to adjust to the ball. <em>Deric</em> will be one of the top returning wideouts in 6-man next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16608311/672bd982eb1e8565d4c36bfe' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a18eada2a80"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Archbishop Bergan's <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1085194' first='Cale' last='Sheets']</em> entered the season high on our radars after a strong freshman season and spring/summer camp cycle. <em>Sheets</em> delivered on those expectations with another standout season on both sides of the ball, further cementing himself as one of the top athletes in his class. <em>Cale </em>finished his sophomore season with 35 receptions, 783 receiving yards, 41 rushing yards, nine receiving touchdowns, a rushing touchdown, 22 tackles, a TFL, and two interceptions. <em>Cale</em> is a solid route runner who flashes a great change of direction and sharpness when coming in and out of his breaks. Reliable hands and the catch point with a good burst upfield to pick up extra yardage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16396313/66dcaef4a701b0b90803212b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a18bca775c7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central City's <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1192526' first='Turner' last='Hanke']</em> came up big in the Bison's run to the state championship game. <em>Hanke</em> and fellow wideout [player_tooltip player_id='1114855' first='Wyatt' last='Dent'] formed one of the most explosive receiving duos in Class C1. <em>Turner</em> ended his sophomore campaign with 42 receptions, 712 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns, 54 tackles, 10 TFLs, five sacks, two interceptions (one returned for a TD), a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. <em>Turner</em> is a taller, big-bodied receiver (6'2" 200)with the top-end speed to burn defenses (4.66 40-yard) and the toughness/balance to stay upright through contact. <em>Hanke </em>has already made a few visits and will likely gain more interest with a strong track season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19772660/67802c869e24a0c9060de459' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a18bca77605"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Santee's <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1616934' first='Akesha' last='Starlin']</em> was the WR1 for one of the most explosive offenses in 6-man football last season. <em>Starlin </em>hauled in 33 receptions for 568 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns. <em>Akesha </em>also posted 14 tackles and recovered two fumbles on defense. There's limited tape from <em>Akesha's</em> sophomore season, but I look forward to seeing more from the Warrior's playmaker!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Rounding Out The Top 10:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1616936' first='Kade' last='McFadden']</em> - Centennial: 44 receptions, 565 receiving yards, nine receiving touchdowns, 28 tackles, and two fumble recoveries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1616937' first='Luqman' last='Harris'] - </em>Twin Loup: 22 receptions, 494 receiving yards, seven receiving touchdowns, and 33 tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1429576' first='Jace' last='Schukar'] - </em>Loomis: 21 receptions, 451 receiving yards, 1,434 rushing yards, four receiving touchdowns, 24 rushing touchdowns, 51 tackles, 2 TFLs, three interceptions (one returned for TD), two fumble recoveries, a punt return for TD, and a KO return for a TD.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1616938' first='Alex' last='Kimminau'] </em>- Archbishop Bergan: 31 receptions, 435 receiving yards, four receiving touchdowns, 51 tackles, 2 TFLs, and an interception.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1616939' first='Joe' last='Sullivan'] - </em>Gretna: 30 receptions, 416 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make sure to follow&nbsp;<em>@PRZ_OscarG</em>&nbsp;for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->