Key Traits: Catch-in-Traffic & Concentration

Rounding out the group is C.J. Yates, a receiver whose game is built on reliability in high-pressure moments. His two defining traits—catching in traffic and elite concentration—consistently show up when his team needs him most.

Time and again, Yates secures the football with defenders draped over him. He finishes through contact, handles poorly placed throws, and stays locked in even as hits arrive. That ability to maintain focus in chaos separates dependable receivers from average ones, and Yates thrives in those situations.

At the same time, he adds big-play ability. When given space, Yates shows enough speed to turn catches into long gains and take plays the distance. That combination of toughness and explosiveness makes him difficult to defend.

Ultimately, Yates brings balance to the receiver position. He breaks games open when opportunities arise, yet he also delivers in tight windows and critical moments. With his hands and concentration, C.J. Yates continues to prove he can be trusted—and that reliability makes him one of the more intriguing wide receivers in the 2027 class.

Central Regional has a good one in receiver CJ Yates CJ Yates 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Central Regional | 2027 State NJ . The first thing I noticed about Yates on tape was that he will slow play things, setting up angles and creases, before he turns up to top speed and makes cuts. He is apt at doing this because it appears he has looser hips than your average player, allowing him to bob-and-weave effectively. Also able to win up-top, Yates manages to come down with the ball both in traffic and in double coverage – several times – on tape. Defending him 1on1 can be a difficult task, as he shows a second gear on deeper routes. Yes, he is probably a receiver at the next level; but I feel that Yates is one of those players who is simply at his best when the ball is in his hands. He is relatively raw and with a high ceiling.

Down the shore – Central Regional to be exact – is where CJ Yates CJ Yates 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Central Regional | 2027 State NJ calls home. A receiver, we see Yates slow play things along the perimeter before truly unleashing his full speed and cutting defenders up. While he makes these cuts in open space, his hips look very shifty. Back to his receiving skills, Yates is able to come down with the ball through double coverage/traffic – something he has shown time, and time again on tape. Speed is also a part of New Jersey’s #64th ranked player too, as he manipulates it to gain angles on defenders and beat his man, showing a true second gear on film. A felt that as a receiver, Yates is still a bit raw and can refine a few things: sharpness of his routes and attacking the ball most notably; however, I feel strongly that Yates is the type of player you look to get the ball to in various ways, as he is very good with the ball in his possession as a runner.