Class of ’27: WNY WRs

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best of the Best</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1513223"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f52c8c7bcfa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A first year varsity player, Nellis had a big breakout season as he led Eden's newfound aerial attack in all receiving categories (60 rec. 953 yards and 11 TDs). He is a prototypical slot receiver with quick feet and sound route running abilities. He has a high motor and goes and gets the ball at its highest point. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1257837"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f52c8c7bd53"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kicinski spent his sophomore season as St. Joe's top CB but when you see him play, you will know why he should be considered a top WR prospect. He has blazing speed with tremendous ball skills. He's an excellent route runner with phenomenal concentration. Owen does have experience in the backfield as well if he is needed at RB. Currently ranked #28 ATH in NYS, I expect his stock to rise this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1649172"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1522489,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f52c8c7bdb6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I first got to see Santoro play in his freshman season when he was the Williamsville East starting JV RB. He was a quick, shifty runner that was hard to bring down with his low center of gravity. Last season, in his breakout sophomore campaign, Joe transferred his quickness to the varsity lineup as their top receiving target. He is explosive out of his breaks and has solid hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1649124"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1474838,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67f52c8c7be0b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is a name we will hear a lot of for the next two years. Depew's passing attack is young and will only grow as time goes on. Hopwood is the Wildcat's top target and rightfully so. He is a solid route runner with good hands. He is versatile enough to play in the slot or out wide. Aidan's awareness is excellent and he has breakaway speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rising the Ranks</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Along with Nellis, [player_tooltip player_id='1449594' first='Sawyer' last='Balone'] was a 2024 breakout player for Eden and should continue to grow as the Raiders passing game threw for over 2,600 yards last season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are some question marks with Orchard Park's passing attack with the graduation of their QB and top WR. But that will open the door for incoming juniors, [player_tooltip player_id='1513385' first='Max' last='Mancabelli'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1631664' first='Joey' last='Miller']. Of the two, Mancabelli has more varsity experience as he was the Quaker's 2nd leading receiver and top return man. Miller is a JV product that will be a name to watch in his varsity debut.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch in 2025</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1506749' first='Jack' last='Africano'] - A three-sport athlete out of Amherst that could be in for a breakout season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1339477' first='Jason' last='Love'] - A shifty receiver from Canisius coming up from JV that has the potential to be a gadget player for the Crusaders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1561155' first='Kobey' last='Underwood'] - A 6'3 WR for the Lackawanna Steelers. Lackawanna is notoriously a running football team but Underwood will give them that passing threat they need to keep defenses honest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->