Mismatch Makers: The Big WRs No One Could Stop at ASU 7s

You can't teach size, and you definitely can't fake strong hands. A handful of big-bodied wideouts at ASU 7s didn't just rely on being bigger — they paired it with some of the most reliable hands on the field. Whether it was going up over defenders, winning in tight spaces, or just hauling in everything thrown their way, these receivers showed they can be trusted targets no matter the coverage.    One of the top performances of the day in my eyes — regardless of position. [player_tooltip player_id='401157' first='Devin' last='Fitzgerald'] brought a complete skill set to the table and just kept making plays. He's built solid, big and stocky, but that doesn't slow him down one bit. He's got surprising burst for his frame, and that first step helps him win early in routes while also allowing him to get in and out of his breaks cleaner than you'd expect. His hands are strong and steady. He can go up and win contested balls, sure — but half the time, he didn't even need to. He was open more often than not thanks to his combination of route control and acceleration. Every time he lined up, the defense clearly keyed in on him. Didn't matter. He played through the attention, stayed efficient, and kept producing. Just a really well-rounded performance from a guy who looks ready to be a true WR1 this fall.     As I was walking up, [player_tooltip player_id='1190644' first='Dontay' last='Tyson'] Jr. already stood out — just a massive presence on the field. But it wasn't just about size. Once he got moving, he covered ground smoothly and looked way more fluid than most guys with his build. He's not the twitchy, quick-cut type, but when he builds up speed, he's a load to deal with. There's a physicality to the way he moves, and once he has a head of steam, he's tough to bring down in any scenario. What really stood out, though, were his hands. Soft, natural, and dependable. He absorbed the ball effortlessly and made some impressive grabs that looked almost casual thanks to how clean his hands are. You could also see the basketball background come through in how he used his frame — posting up, shielding defenders, and controlling his body mid-air to finish plays. It was a really solid showing from a guy who looks like he can be a serious matchup problem all season long.     [player_tooltip player_id='591191' first='Jai' last='Jones'] is about as well-rounded as they come. He's got the size to win physically, but still moves well enough to challenge DBs vertically and make plays in space. His routes are polished and purposeful, and he understands how to set defenders up, using sharp angles, tempo changes, and well-timed breaks to create separation. He doesn't just run a route — he works defenders with intention, reading leverage and adjusting on the fly like someone who's been doing this at a high level for a while. There's a maturity in how he sees the field. He knows where the soft spots are, how to drift into space, and when to break things off early or sit in a zone. It's not just physical tools — it's the mental side that really jumps out. It felt like every rep he took, he found a way to make himself open, and his quarterback clearly trusted him. It's no surprise he's already getting plenty of college attention — he looks not just talented, but refined and ready to produce from day one at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='883448' first='Trey' last='Smith'] took home MVP honors after helping lead Williams Field to the championship, and it was easy to see why. Every time he lined up, there was a real sense that something big could happen. His straight-line speed is a serious problem for defenders — he's a true deep threat, the kind of guy who forces safeties to turn and run from the snap. But what really sets him apart is that he's not just a one-trick pony. He doesn't rely solely on burning past people — he understands how to pace his routes, change gears mid-pattern, and attack defenders underneath before hitting them over the top. That balance made him a nightmare to cover. When teams dropped back to take away the deep ball, he'd work underneath with smart routes and strong hands. And when they crept up to stop the short game, he was already a step past them before the ball left the quarterback's hand. He's clearly put time into his craft. Paired with a QB who can consistently find him, there's no reason he can't be one of the most productive receivers in the state this year.     While he isn't the biggest receiver on the field at 6'0", 170 lbs, [player_tooltip player_id='400867' first='David' last='Rushing'] plays like he's 6'3" and 200. It's partly his athleticism — he can elevate with the best of them and has excellent body control once he's in the air. But more than that, it's his mindset. He plays angry — in the best possible way. Every route he runs is full speed, every target is attacked like it's his last, and every jump ball feels like a 50/50 in name only. He's got that edge to him, where even if he's not the biggest, he still sets the tone. It reminds me a lot of how people describe Isiah Pacheco from the Chiefs — just aggressive, relentless effort with every single thing he does. That's how Rushing moves, how he runs his routes, and how he goes after the football. You can tell he's a competitor through and through, and it's that full-tilt approach that makes him stand out, even in a field full of more physically imposing guys. He's the type of player who raises eyebrows the longer you watch him.     Eric Avila might not jump off the screen with speed or twitch, but there's something to be said for a receiver who knows how to use his tools. He's got solid straight-line speed and a long, rangy frame that naturally expands the quarterback's strike zone. That length alone gives him a massive catch radius, but what stood out most was how he put it to work. He knows how to get to his spots and time up his breaks to give himself just enough space to work with. He's not the smoothest mover out there — his strides are a bit longer and less sudden — but he makes up for that with strong positioning. Even when the ball isn't placed perfectly, he's got a knack for adjusting mid-air and hauling it in. I watched him most closely during Casteel's matchup against a loaded Chandler team. Not much went their way overall, but Avila was one of the bright spots. He found ways to stay involved, slipped into open space, and made a few grabs that forced Chandler's defense to pay attention. It was a really solid showing from someone who should be on people's radars moving forward.

You can't teach size, and you definitely can't fake strong hands. A handful of big-bodied wideouts at ASU 7s didn't just rely on being bigger — they paired it with some of the most reliable hands on the field. Whether it was going up over defenders, winning in tight spaces, or just hauling in everything thrown their way, these receivers showed they can be trusted targets no matter the coverage.