The Separators: Speedy WRs Who Left DBs In the Dust at ASU 7s

Not every receiver out at ASU 7s won with size. Some just flat-out ran away from people. The speedy wideouts with crisp routes made their mark by turning defenders around with polished footwork and sudden change of direction. These guys didn't need jump balls or physical battles — they created space with clean releases, sharp breaks, and a knack for knowing when to accelerate. You didn't have to be watching long to see who the separators were. They kept DBs on their heels all night.    [player_tooltip player_id='549596' first='Zerek' last='Sidney'] could've easily landed on either list — size or speed — because he brings both to the table. He's not the biggest receiver on paper, but he plays like it, with strong, reliable hands and a physical edge that shows up in contested catches. What really stood out, though, was how fast he is. He's got legit top-end speed and was a constant threat downfield, but he also made himself available in the short game, giving his QB a reliable outlet when things broke down. Sidney was everywhere for Desert Edge's offense, doing all the little things right — coming back to the ball, finding soft spots, and always playing at full speed. That consistency helped him stand out to more than just fans; he really caught the attention of the coaches in attendance. That effort didn't go unnoticed, as he recently earned one of just six ASU Golden Tickets handed out to top priority recruits. Bottom line: he picked a great night to have a great night.     It's not just about raw speed with [player_tooltip player_id='1190656' first='Sean' last='Roebuck'] — it's the way he carries it. Everything he does looks smooth, under control, and efficient. From the line of scrimmage to the way he explodes out of a break, there's no wasted movement. You almost have to watch him twice to realize just how fast he's moving, because it's so effortless. His change of direction and acceleration blend into each other so well that defenders don't have time to recover. Beyond the physical traits, Roebuck has a strong feel for the game. He consistently found soft spots in coverage and attacked them with purpose. His footwork is tight and clean no matter where he's lined up — on the outside or working inside. He's the kind of receiver who can win on all three levels. There's polish here already, and if he keeps progressing, he's going to be a tough cover all season.     [player_tooltip player_id='883368' first='Donovan' last='McNabb Jr.'] brings a serious vertical element to Brophy's offense, and it was clear during ASU 7s that he's more than just a fast kid on the outside. He's got real, functional speed that makes him a constant deep threat — the kind of guy who forces corners to bail early or risk getting dusted. Once he gets into his stride, there aren't many defenders who are going to catch him. But what really stood out was his polish. He's not just a burner; he's already showing strong hands, great awareness, and impressive sideline control for a younger player. There's a clear foundation being built here. He's carving out his role and earning trust with his big-play ability, and if he continues developing at this pace, he's going to be a big piece of Brophy's offense this fall.     John Booker Jr. made himself hard to ignore with the way he performed out there. He's just a naturally gifted athlete — fluid, explosive, and instinctual. He's got the strength to go up and fight through contact on contested balls, but also the speed and body control to make sure a lot of those throws don't end up contested in the first place. There's just a smoothness to how he moves, whether he's tracking a deep ball or snapping off a route underneath. And it's not just the athleticism — he's got real receiver instincts. He can adjust mid-air, make acrobatic grabs, and secure the ball all the way through the catch. Time and time again, I'd hear a burst of noise from the sideline and look over to see him standing up with the ball, having just made another tough grab. It felt like he was in the middle of every momentum-swinging play for Williams Field. With weapons around him and a QB who can deliver the ball accurately, Booker's in a great position to put together a breakout year. He already looks like a go-to guy, and if this performance is any indication, he's going to be a real problem for defenses all season long.     If you're talking about speed being a weapon, [player_tooltip player_id='1120439' first='Jhaheem' last='Brown'] has to be in that conversation. He was one of the fastest players on the field all night, and it felt like he could've touched the ball multiple times every single series without it being forced. What makes it even more impressive is that he did all this while playing next to a top talent like Sidney — yet Brown still stood out in his own right. His burst off the line is special. He gets instant separation with such quick twitch and sharp cuts, and once he sees green grass, he's gone. There's another gear he can hit that most defenders just don't have. But it's not just raw speed — he knows how to use it. Desert Edge lived off the deep ball for much of the night, and Brown was a major reason it worked. Whether he was clearing space or taking the top off the defense, he made life tough for whoever was lined up across from him. He's electric — and the kind of player who only needs one step to change a drive.     I'll be honest — I hadn't really heard of Jaxsun Sharp coming into the night, but that's what makes these events so fun. He made a name for himself in a hurry. He stood out almost immediately with how clean and consistent he was on every rep. His route running was among the sharpest I saw all night — crisp breaks, no wasted steps, and a real sense of timing that kept defenders guessing. Despite not being the tallest receiver out there, his long arms gave him a bigger catch radius than you'd expect, and he made the most of it with strong, dependable hands. What really stuck out was how much trust his quarterback and coaching staff had in him. In pressure moments, when things started to break down or the clock was running low, they kept going back to him. That kind of trust doesn't happen by accident — Sharp showed that he knows how to get open and where to be. You could also see he's been well-coached; he read coverage well and made smart adjustments on the fly. He might not have had a bunch of hype going in, but he's absolutely a name I'll be watching closely the rest of the way.

Not every receiver out at ASU 7s won with size. Some just flat-out ran away from people. The speedy wideouts with crisp routes made their mark by turning defenders around with polished footwork and sudden change of direction. These guys didn't need jump balls or physical battles — they created space with clean releases, sharp breaks, and a knack for knowing when to accelerate. You didn't have to be watching long to see who the separators were. They kept DBs on their heels all night.