Dougherty is a unique player in that he could be a prospect at receiver, defensive back or place kicker. He flashed upside in all three phases during the 2025 season at Maquoketa Valley. The junior earned first-team all-state honors as a defensive back after collecting 15.0 tackles, 13 of which were solo stops. He picked off three passes, returning one of them for a touchdown. Dougherty caught 29 balls for 433 yards and a touchdown. He converted 35 of 38 extra-point attempts and five of six field-goal tries, including a long from 35 yards out. During his 11th-grade highlight video, Dougherty delivers as a well-rounded receiver. He makes plays on contested throws and also can speed by defensive backs. The quickness and agility that leads to success as wideout translate well to the secondary, where his length and athleticism make him sticky in coverage. There’s also a big leg on special teams that might interest college coaches.

The second of two Dougherty’s is the youngest of this group, coming in as the only junior in the top five receivers back for 2025. Eli Dougherty Eli Dougherty 6'2" | 180 lbs | ATH Maquoketa Valley | 2027 IA of Maquoketa Valley returns after posting just 23 catches for 538 yards and eight touchdowns last season, making him the leader of the group with a hefty 23.4 yards per catch.

With Maquoketa Valley quarterback Brady Wall Brady Wall 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB/DB Maquoketa Valley | 2026 State IA returning this fall, Dougherty will once again catch passes from the No. 2 most productive QB in Class A, and the Wildcat offense has a chance to be one of the more formidable in the state this fall.

Dougherty was a pain for opposing defenses in 2024. The sophomore receiver hauled in 23 balls for 538 yards (23.4 YPC) and eight touchdowns. He could end up developing into a contributor at the position on the next level. Defensive back should also be in play. Dougherty intercepted six passes and recorded 12 solo tackles last fall. He kicked a 26-yard field goal and 40 extra points to boot. Dougherty’s sophomore highlight video shows the speed to stretch the field, a playmaker in the back end of the defense and an accurate kicker. It feels like there’s plenty of room for much more growth as well.