Underrated Wideouts In The District Finals

As we go deeper into the playoffs, everyone needs to be stepping up and taking a bigger role. Especially with offensive weapons, you'll see some breakout performances by guys you might not have expected. Below are some wideouts that I think may be a tad underrated, but could be a major difference maker in this district championship round!    Limited film, but I do like what I see out of Owen this season. It's very clear he does his job, is consistent, and has some natural skill at the position. First thing I noted was his ability to sell a block before busting down the sideline for a huge play up top. Big Rapids also likes to get him in space with some screens, and he can deal quite a bit of damage. Big Rapids is one of the best teams in their division, and if Owen can unlock a big performance, this team will be district champions, and a whole lot more!     I got a chance to see Jones work a few weeks ago and came away really impressed. His route running is good, his speed and physicality are top notch, and his catch radius is way better than I had anticipated. He is nearly impossible to guard on a double move. Time and time again, he sells one move and abruptly changes course, leaving DBs tied up and unable to close back in on him. Stephan and his team have a massive challenge this Saturday against Howell, so Jones will be an important piece for EK. He gives this team a true deep threat that could be tough to stop for Howell.     Troy is a speed-in-space guy that can deal real damage both over the top and underneath. Multiple highlights showcase his ability to take sweeps, turn the corner and gash the defense for some chunk plays. In the screen game, Troy is able to make some guys miss in space and turn on the jets to get into open field. He has a few highlights as a return man, and I was really impressed with that aspect of his game as well. His vision and acceleration are very rare, and it serves this Romeo team well. They have a big challenge this week as they attempt to topple a team they have already beaten once, so Smith will be a major player in this matchup.     James is as dangerous of a weapon as there is in D5 this year. Whether it's in the screen game and making guys miss, or taking the top off the defense, James can shake up a game in a hurry. He's a good route runner, and has a big catch radius, but I love the way he creates separation. His footwork and change of direction are phenomenal. I got the chance to see him play a couple of weeks ago, and one of the best plays from him was a sweep right that he was able to cut back and go against the grain, using vision and speed to get to the crease and take it the distance. He has a big role with this FGR team, and will be a huge piece this week to take home a district championship.     If you're looking for the measurables, Pratt has them. And he knows how to use them. When I watched him against Haslett, I noticed the body control right away. He was able to adjust in the air to make the catch, then readjust to land and continue getting yardage. His QB has the luxury of throwing it in his general direction, and Tommy's wide catch radius allows him to just go get it over clearly disadvantaged defensive backs. Williamston is on an incredibly run this season, and with weapons like Pratt, it's hard to see them slowing down any time soon!

As we go deeper into the playoffs, everyone needs to be stepping up and taking a bigger role. Especially with offensive weapons, you'll see some breakout performances by guys you might not have expected. Below are some wideouts that I think may be a tad underrated, but could be a major difference maker in this district championship round!