Texas Pass Catchers: Off-Season Watchlist

<p>Spring and summer are crucial for recruitment and development, involving team workouts, spring football practices, 7-on-7 events, showcases, visits, and more. Often, especially in Texas, multiple prospects under the radar go unnoticed due to the number of players in the state.</p>   <p>At Prep Redzone, we focus on uncovering those athletes who deserve recognition. These prospects can compete at the next level, be it D1, D2, D3, NAIA, or JUCO, showcasing their considerable talents. Here are five prospects to watch:</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1335724' first='Matthew' last='McClain'] is a versatile and athletic prospect who excels at both wide receiver and defensive back. Personally, I prefer his skills as a wide receiver, where he demonstrates smooth route running, speed, and body control. He displays a quick release against off-man due to good acceleration and foot quickness to eat up space quickly and reach the stem. He's able to create separation off breaks due to good change of direction, balance, and burst off the plant foot. Good hands, hand-eye coordination, and body control to adjust mid-route or high point the football. McClain just added to his extensive offer sheet with Utah State. </p>   <p>Note - 3.6 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/matthewmcclain_/status/1919591269522702720 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Gavin Westerberg is one of those prospects who, after watching the film, leaves you confused about why he doesn't have a big offer sheet. He has the YAC threat and the mental processing to defeat zone coverage. He simply makes his quarterback's life easier. Post-catch, he displays solid change of direction, balance, and upfield burst. Westerberg knows how to find and attack the void of defenses. He can bring a new variety to an offense at the next level. Add him to your recruiting board. </p>   <p>Note - 4.43 40</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/WesterbergGavin/status/1859985191088902471 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Malachi Cunningham primarily impacts the game in the slot, but he can occasionally line up as a Z receiver. He displays the ability to create separation off his breaks due to good change of direction and subtle movements to throw off defenders. He possesses good hand-eye coordination and body control to adjust mid-route, and also has solid ball tracking skills. This multi-sport athlete is a breakout candidate for the upcoming 2025 season. </p>   <p>Note - Multi-Position/Sport Athlete</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MalachiC_18 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Kobi Baldonado can line up inline or outside at the slot position, providing his offense with alignment and assignment versatility. He efficiently attacks the middle of the field along with seam and corner routes. Baldonado displays solid hand-eye coordination, body control, and strong hands at the catch point to win against contest. He's a reliable third-down and red-zone target. </p>   <p>Note - 3.5 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/kobibaldonado88/status/1856901227063165039 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">AJ Birdow is another breakout candidate for the upcoming 2025 season. He's a vertical threat out of the slot due to solid foot speed. He also has solid stop-and-go ability, freezing the defense or immediately getting upfield post-catch. Birdow, the young prospect, is a player to watch throughout 2025. </p>   <p>Note - Multi-Position Athlete</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Ajbirdow3/status/1874203832282210422 </div></figure>

Spring and summer are crucial for recruitment and development, involving team workouts, spring football practices, 7-on-7 events, showcases, visits, and more. Often, especially in Texas, multiple prospects under the radar go unnoticed due to the number of players in the state.