The Rize: Scouting Notebook on Receivers, Part 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Saturday, June 27, 2026 Prep Redzone Next was back-in-action in Jackson, New Jersey, as they hosted "The Rize." A double-session prospect showcase, this event drew middle school prospects from all across the country to see how they stacked up against their national counterparts. Each prospect was personally hand-selected by middle school guru <a href="https://x.com/AlPopsFootball">Al Pops</a> to compete and attend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As per usual, I attended and report to you my positional notes for the position group referenced in the title of this article. My evaluations are through the lens of a high school coach and talent evaluator.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BrendanScoutsNJ">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for the latest New Jersey high school football prospect news and not miss a beat!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2212455"],"_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-6a4f837215932"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A tight end prospect out of the Buckeye State, Creed Jackson, was one of only three that I got a look at. Jackson had solid size with an even better build, and with his older brother at Ohio State, expect him to potentially develop into a top-tier athlete. I caught him running a pivot route against press coverage. I, personally, do not think that is the correct route for him given what I saw. I think for the pivot route to work for Jackson, he needs to be paired with a quarterback who will get it out quickly as a presnap read when defenders are playing off; conversely, if defenders are playing up and tight, Jackson needs to determine how to use his frame to bump and create more space for himself. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1688455"],"_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-6a4f8372159e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming from the Heart of Dixie, Jayden Vanhorn showed how well he can run and move. With little resistance, Vanhorn was able to get open and create space throughout the phases of his route. For Vanhorn's game to take the next leap his hands must get stronger. Time working the jugs machine and vice grip exercises will improve his ability to catch. I noticed a few passes that were thrown to the offensive MVP at the Atlanta regional that he juggled</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2076845"],"_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-6a4f837215a76"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A Jersey native that was in the mix at receiver happened to be [player_tooltip player_id='2076845' first='Xavier' last='Christian']. If there is one thing I want Christian to walk away from this camp knowing, it is that the ball is best when it is in his hands. Christian showed that he can create and get open, but I want it in his possession sooner. As such, he would benefit from attacking the ball, coming back to it as it is in flight. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2133972"],"_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-6a4f837215af8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It is no coincidence that the prospect who had the fastest 40 yard dash at the New England regional threatened upfield and got defenders on their heels in a hurry. Troy Durand showed everyone just exactly how well he moves. Further, Durand has the size that allows him to stem off of an inside release, level out, and use his body to box out defender's path to the ball and allow himself to secure an easy reception. Ball adjustments are something that Durand can work to improve. Running over the middle, his quarterback threw a poorly placed ball that was way behind him. That withstanding, Durand extended and got his hands on it - a pass I wish he was able to convert.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Rize Event Coverage</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-defensive-line-part-1">Defensive Line, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-defensive-line-part-2">Defensive Line, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-defensive-line-part-3">Defensive Line, Part 3</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-offensive-line-part-1">Offensive Line, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-offensive-line-part-2">Offensive Line, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-linebackers-part-1">Linebackers, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-quarterbacks-part-1">Quarterbacks, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-quarterbacks-part-2">Quarterbacks, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-receivers-part-1">Receivers, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-receivers-part-2">Receivers, Part 2</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-receivers-part-3">Receivers, Part 3</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-running-backs-part-1">Running Backs, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-running-backs-part-2">Running Backs, Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->