Mind Your X’s and Z’s: Iowa’s Top C/O 2022 Wide Receivers Pt. IV
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There is a lot a wide receiver has to be on every down in order to be successful: tough, coordinated, agile, resilient, instinctive, athletic, strong, intelligent, creative, focused, the list goes on and on. Take a look below at some…
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Continue ReadingThere is a lot a wide receiver has to be on every down in order to be successful: tough, coordinated, agile, resilient, instinctive, athletic, strong, intelligent, creative, focused, the list goes on and on. Take a look below at some of Iowa’s best who put it all on display on a regular basis as they head into their Senior years.
Lonny Melvin Jr, Jefferson, hudl, Twitter
WR, 6’0, 180
Melvin is a superbly gifted athlete that demonstrates high end start-stop ability, leaping and jumping, and straight line speed. Melvin uses these traits to get open on his routes and make very difficult, highly athletic catches. What impresses most about Melvin is his understanding of zones; he adjusts his routes to attack space or finds a soft spot and sits. Be it underneath or vertical, it is fun to see Melvin throw his hand up to let his quarterback know he’s open.
Caeden Da Silva, Nevada, hudl, Twitter
WR, 6’3, 190
Read here if you are looking for speed, Da Silva has it. His sprint mechanics are on point and they compliment a lot of natural athletic ability; his feet burst off the line, he gets behind coverage on vertical routes, and can maintain speed through changes of direction. Da Silva has a big frame and catch radius that make him especially difficult downfield and in the red zone. He shows excellent hand-eye coordination when making big plays passed or over defenders.
Caeden Janssen, Cedar Falls, hudl, Twitter
WR, 6’5, 175
Janssen uses his natural advantage of height, paired with strong hands and leaping ability, to make a lot of catches where only he can get to the ball. He displays top caliber field awareness on the sideline and in traffic. Janssen does a great job of threatening defensive backs in his routes, getting them out of position, and then taking advantage. He outleverages opponents and then uses superior athleticism, cutting, and pivoting, to get open and make them pay.
Daryl Jensen, Estherville Lincoln, hudl, Twitter
WR, 5’9, 160
The agility and burst that Jensen incorporates in his game is off the charts. He is so dangerous on screens and short routes; he has big play ability and is a threat to take it all the way every time he touches the ball. On screens Jensen is elusive and slippery. He has primetime shake and juke ability. He makes defenders miss with one move, and is gone. Jensen is just as dangerous on crossing patterns; he is so fast that it is easy for defenders to lose him in zones.
Tyson Fairbanks, Akron-Westfield, hudl, Twitter
WR, 6’1, 195
Fairbanks is an advanced route runner who uses precise and agile footwork to get open, especially on sideline routes like corners, comebacks, and fades. He is a true outside threat that demands extra attention in coverage. Fairbanks makes a lot of contested catches and does not let contact interfere with his focus. He picks up hard earned yards after catches juking, cutting, lowering the shoulder, and fighting through defenders. He is tough and hard-nosed.
Carson Brown, Dowling Catholic, hudl, Twitter
WR, 6’2, 170
Brown is a sure-handed receiver who has shown a lot of competence operating a big route tree with plenty of success. The way he cuts in and out of underneath routes creates space between himself and defenders. He is shifty and north-south once he gets the ball in his hands. Brown’s advanced understanding of the position makes him a security blanket for the quarterback and a reliable option when a first down is needed; he knows where the sticks are.
Cam Guenther, Linn-Mar, hudl, Twitter
WR, 6’1, 175
Guenther is a big time vertical threat who reaches full speed within just a few steps out of his stance. He gets behind zone coverage and knows how to attack the body of a defensive back in man coverage to create separation as he passes. Guenther adjusts to the ball well when it is in the air and makes catches in stride. He uses the threat of his vertical game to keep defenders at bay and gets open on hitches and slants. Guenther is a very physical blocker, too.
Sal Capaldo, North Polk, hudl, Twitter
WR, 5’11, 160
Capaldo is a blueprint of a slot receiver and executes the job description of his position at a high level. He makes a lot of catches on underneath routes and over the middle of the field where there is high traffic. Capaldo shows no fear as he looks the ball in and makes the catch while dealing with a lot of contact or the threat of a big hit. Capaldo has the ability to stretch the field and make downfield receptions; he can go up and get it over bigger defensive backs.