Hands of Gold: Wide Receivers to Haul In

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Why is having wide receivers with "hands of gold" such a major point of emphasis?&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. </strong>Reliable hands are key in crucial plays at key points of the game. If the receiver drops the ball on a major 2nd &amp; medium or 3rd down, it is not only a drive killer, but it also sucks up the momentum out of the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2.</strong> The receiver who has the clutch hands on the team will get “have to have it” balls drawn up and opportunities thrown their way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3.</strong> Making catches in traffic on multiple occasions is a key trait that scouts look for in receivers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4.</strong> Late hands! So many wide receivers who have late hands are so successful because the DBs do know the ball is coming and cannot react at the last second.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5.</strong> Attacking the football in jump ball situations. Once timing the football correctly in jump ball situations, the WR must attack with aggressiveness and the "my ball" attitude.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6.</strong> Quick ball tracking. Tracking the football quickly and securing it to then make YAC. This is critical in the quick passing game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Any young wide receiver that wants to work on his hands should research Jerry Rice. Why? Because Jerry had some of the best late hands and reliable hands in NFL history. When adjusting to Steve Young's lefty ball, he would practice using the 49ers equipment manager Ted Walsh (who threw left-handed) because he knew how important tracking the football was. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pmv1XdbpYGc&amp;t=122s">Jerry Rice: A Football Life </a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>More clips of Rice that every young WR should watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLhcDhlM83A">Jerry Rice Reveals His Secrets to Making Big Catches, Getting Open, &amp; Getting Yards After the Catch</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbnIhynu4KI&amp;list=PLW5qT4HIAd1YVkC2BYg7FN0S9sByimr53&amp;index=4">Jerry Rice: I hated off days</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Physical WR's:</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1513229"],"_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-68854653adc85"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1513229' first='Brien' last='Walker'] is that wide receiver with truly golden hands. His ability to win contested jump ball situations is excellent to watch on tape. Further, knowing how to high-point the football with a large leaping ability was evident. Walker has the talent to make outstretched grabs one-handed. His hand-eye coordination was key in making deep and intermediate catches away from his body. Given that, his body control in the corners of the end zone and boundaries allowed him to make huge plays at critical points. Nevertheless, Walker should not go unnoticed by scouts because of the work he can do catching the football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19953839/672b917b612a2a6625d82c2b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68854653ade16"} /--> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Td#4 <a href="https://t.co/nv5F5DbYJ8">pic.twitter.com/nv5F5DbYJ8</a></p>&mdash; Brien_walker.14 (@brienwalker14) <a href="https://twitter.com/brienwalker14/status/1865578023795257652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1649171"],"_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":1746163,"_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-6889772b04cdd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1649171' first='Christian' last='Larocca'] is a do-it-all chess piece within his offense, consistently showing off his “hands of gold” across his tape in multiple aspects. Moreover, LaRocca was able to flash jump ball catches and sideline toe tappers on tape. Displaying his late hands was a major factor. His willingness to be physically aggressive at the catch point while draped by DBs in coverage. As a result, he is versatile in the short, intermediate, and deep portions of the passing game, as his clutch hands showed up in all aspects. This is a clutch receiver that will be reliable for his team into the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19690133/673824648d38eae5be0cb90b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6889772b04e83"} /--> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a great time <a href="https://twitter.com/FORDHAMFOOTBALL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FORDHAMFOOTBALL</a> camp this past Wednesday. Had a lot of fun competing, can't wait to go back next year. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/classof2027?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#classof2027</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/brooklynfb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#brooklynfb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ArtAsselta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArtAsselta</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachPetrarca?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachPetrarca</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachAluotto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachAluotto</a> <a href="https://t.co/Pu9ITH78bp">pic.twitter.com/Pu9ITH78bp</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1649171' first='Christian' last='Larocca'] (@ChristianL608) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristianL608/status/1931003754616148088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1143058"],"_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-688bfe1f80b67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A physical presence on the outside that wants to go up and get the ball when it comes to red zone situations. [player_tooltip player_id='1143058' first='Isaac' last='Suazo'] has an excellent leaping ability and strong hands to pluck the ball in contested jump ball situations. Suazo shows no hesitation when facing contact, securing tough catches in traffic. Furthermore, there is room to grow in his game still. Suazo does flash athletic talent, especially on jet sweeps that he was able to take for extra yardage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20298118/674e70d1aa0c9298c9450083' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-688bfe1f80d1a"} /--> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a great weekend showcasing my talent, competing and having fun at the big apple 7 on 7 tournament <a href="https://twitter.com/coach_perlo_apr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coach_perlo_apr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jared_valluzzi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jared_valluzzi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNY?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNY</a> <a href="https://t.co/ClJ2UKnswd">pic.twitter.com/ClJ2UKnswd</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1143058' first='Isaac' last='Suazo'] (@isaac_suazo7) <a href="https://twitter.com/isaac_suazo7/status/1934366141591285898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Quick Game WR's:</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1371650"],"_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-68854653ade69"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A smooth athlete that moves in and out of breaks with speed. [player_tooltip player_id='1371650' first='Ebube' last='Onukaogu'] is also a quick tracking receiver that knows how to secure the football efficiently on screens, stop routes, and slants. Shielding off the defender and tracking the ball to make valuable YAC was a part of making him such a successful receiver. Onwukaogu uses the late hands technique on deep routes. Showcasing his concentration and reinforcing why he's a receiver with truly hands of gold.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22588015/6775e94bf9455fe0e0eb97b7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68854653ade8d"} /--> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a great camp today at Wagner and a great opportunity to be coached by WR coach @CoacCzeluz hope to be back up there soon. <a href="https://twitter.com/EHALLAthletics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EHALLAthletics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EhallFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EhallFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DavisReem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DavisReem</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coach_wheels1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coach_wheels1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dannylandberg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dannylandberg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachmouse1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachmouse1</a> <a href="https://t.co/OfJ9V8rTDn">pic.twitter.com/OfJ9V8rTDn</a></p>&mdash; Ebube Victor Onukaogu (@Ebube_Onukaogu) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ebube_Onukaogu/status/1935529739353039341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1649131"],"_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":1741499,"_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-68854653aded0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1649131' first='Jason' last='Deonarinesingh'] is a versatile wide receiver that made all types of tough catches for his team on tape. That ability to flash his late hands was on display with a crucial touchdown grab in the back of the end zone in a contested situation. Even more, Deonarinesingh was a key weapon on quick screens and slants, which enhanced his YAC ability. The quick game is a staple of his game, and he has to have precise hand-eye coordination to react quickly. Continuing to feature these hands of gold in this offense by getting him the ball will allow him to create more positive net plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20059615/6732ec19a95ccf78a9378fae' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68854653adef1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1649156"],"_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":1743601,"_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-6889772b04fc0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1649156' first='Lake' last='Chiesi'] is a quick WR that is a screen game specialist. To add, he has an large ability to track the football at a fast rate on bubble screens both on the boundary and in the slot. Chiesi has "hands of gold" because of how reliable he is in the short passing game. The ability to catch the ball and turn upfield for YAC was a clear component in his game. Additionally, his toughness in making catches and then absorbing big hits while maintaining control of the ball was a big point of emphasis in his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20079575/6740c86aa403a896489a4817' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6889772b04fe3"} /-->