Ten ’22 WRs to Keep an Eye on
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It’s no secret that receivers are my favorite position to evaluate. I played the position, I’ve studied the position immensely, and I kind of know what it takes to succeed as a wideout. The ten players highlighted in this article…
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Continue ReadingIt’s no secret that receivers are my favorite position to evaluate. I played the position, I’ve studied the position immensely, and I kind of know what it takes to succeed as a wideout.
The ten players highlighted in this article may be flying under the radar, but they all possess the necessary tools to be a successful wideout at the next level. I’m confident that when football resumes this year (fingers crossed) that these athletes will be ready to showcase their abilities and shake up the ’22 wide receiver rankings.
So, without further ado, let’s get to know ten ’22 wideouts that are poised for a breakout season…
Amarion McDonald | Marist
McDonald’s release off the line is as quick and explosive as a D. Rose first step. He forces the DB to come out of their backpedal early with the way he eats up their cushion in an instant. Has swift feet and is an above-average route runner who won’t hesitate to climb the ladder and high point the rock over taller defenders. Be on the lookout for McDonald; this kid has the potential to develop into a special player.
Myles Walton | Homewood-Flossmoor
Walton is a route-running aficionado who can put a DB on skates out of breaks. His amazingly quick feet leave DBs in a bind with how explosive he is off the line. He’s your prototypical slot receiver who can be a threat at all three levels (deep, intermediately, and short).
Eli Reed Eli Reed 5'11" | 185 lbs | WR Downers Grove South | 2022 State IL | Downers Grove South
Reed is a possession receiver that’s capable of making big-time plays down the field. His versatility allows him to be equally effective in the slot or out wide, and he’s a naturally gifted runner of the football who can pile up the YAC. He has a good feel for the game which is evident by how he feels his way through the defense to consistently get open and move the chains.
Nolan Wiley | Libertyville
Nolan first got on my radar at “The Best of Lake County” showcase back in September where he and his Libertyville teammates put on a passing clinic, to say the least. I like Nolan’s ability to stretch the field as a deep-ball-maestro. He has reliable hands and good body control and possesses the ability to track the ball downfield effectively. I think Nolan has a chance to breakout this year with an increased role in the Wildcats’ offense.
Ak’Tavion Agee | Marist
Agee is the type of player you just have to get the ball in his hands and watch him GO! Once the ball is in hands, he’s as gifted and creative of a runner as they come. Projects best as a slot receiver and possesses the speed to pop the top off opposing defenses, but the catch-and-run game is where he can really cause problems for his opponents. Adds value as a lethal return specialist. It’s going to be a treat to watch this kid develop over the next few years.
Ben Clawson Ben Clawson 6'0" | 190 lbs | WR Hersey | 2022 State IL | Hersey
You can’t teach the “IT” factor. Regardless of what other evaluators may think about his speed and stiffness, just cut on his tape and you’ll see a player that understands how to play the game football and possesses that coveted “IT” factor. He’s a cerebral route-runner that knows how to find his way through the defense. Can be a threat in all three levels of the passing game and is sure-handed as they come. He’s another receiver on this list who has the ability to turn into a RB when the ball is in his hands. Displays great vision and is a crafty runner—just an all-around good football player with a promising future.
Christian Keyheaz Christian Keyheaz 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Mt Zion | 2022 IL | Mt. Zion
Keyhea commands the attention of opposing defenses the moment he steps on the field. He’s a threat to beat you deep and has enough breakaway speed to consistently hit paydirt on any given catch. Goes right over the top of smaller DBs and has a big catch radius, which every QB loves. I’m positive that there would be a lot more buzz surrounding this kid’s name had it not been for COVID delaying Illinois’ football.
Jalen Tripp Jalen Tripp 6'3" | 190 lbs | ATH Lincoln Park | 2022 State IL | Lincoln Park ’22
Tripp is a productive, versatile, tall wide receiver that gives defensive backs problems with his huge catch radius. Can be a dangerous red-zone threat with the size and length to box out any defender. I expect big things from this pass-catcher out of Lincoln Park.
Carl Strawder | Zion-Benton
Quick off the line and even quicker going in and out of his breaks—possess game-changing foot-speed. A competent route runner that can work out-wide or in the slot. Has above-average speed along with incredible instincts to make plays big plays down the field.
Kendall Sprouts | Morgan Park
Sprouts has the potential to be a target machine with the separation he creates from his crisp route-running. I got a chance to see him at the HEROH League this off-season, and all he did was get open and catch everything thrown his way. I watched DB after DB try and jam him at the line, but Sprouts was just way too quick with his release. What is also impressive about Sprouts is the great balance and body control he possesses–two attributes all great receivers should possess. Keep an eye out for Sprouts; I expect him to be a key contributor to Morgan Park’s offense whenever football resumes.