DeStigter’s go-to receiver throughout the season, Kolby Heemskerk Kolby Heemskerk 5'10" | 160 lbs | WR Western Christian | 2026 State IA finished the year with 54 receptions for 716 yards and ten touchdowns. Just under one-third of his completions went to Heemskerk and half of his passing scores landed in the hands of his fellow senior.

Heemskerk is a possession receiver that served as DeStigter’s safety valve when a play would break down, a pass-catcher that works well in space with quick cuts and hands to pluck the ball out of the air, Heemskerk also served as a returner for the Wolf Pack this season, providing plays when his team needed them.

Despite being limited by injury last season, Heemskerk flashed potential when he was on the field. I wrote about him in the spring and wanted to check in to see how things were going for him as a senior. The answer? Quite well. Heemskerk led the Wolfpack with 38 receptions for 520 yards and nine touchdowns through the first seven weeks of 2025. On defense, he piled up 61.0 tackles (53 solo, 2.0 TFL) with an interception and a fumble recovery. He also averaged 35.2 yards with a TD on four punt returns and 21.0 yards on 16 kick returns. Heemskerk is capable of helping colleges on either side of the ball and special teams, depending on need and vision for his future. His receiver skills include speed and sharp route running with a good feel for getting open. As a defensive back, Heemskerk operates at a high tempo with physicality.

An injury limited Heemskerk to six games in 2024, but the versatile performer was able to flash upside when he was on the field. As he shows during his junior highlight video, Heemskerk is a dangerous weapon with the ball in his hands. He turned 16 receptions into 165 yards and four touchdowns, while also chipping in on defense. Heemskerk biggest impact may have occurred on special teams, however. He returned 12 kicks for 298 yards (24.8 YPR) and averaged 15.9 yards on seven punt returns. It’s a speed profile with football dog mixed in. He’ll get into defenders when blocking and breaks tackles. As a receiver, Heemskerk operates best from the slot, where he can find holes in the middle of the field or get deep.