Scouting Deep Dive: 2024 Receivers (Part 2)

As we go more in depth with the class of 2024, I'm releasing in-depth evaluations for several prospects at the top of a loaded class of receivers and tight ends. For more information about how we evaluate, here's a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/01/a-guide-to-how-we-evaluate/">guide to our scouting process</a> that explains the ins and outs. If you missed part one, check it out <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/01/scouting-deep-dive-2024-receiver-evaluations-part-1/">here</a>. We continue our 2024 scouting reports with a strong group of five pass catchers. [player_tooltip player_id="274603" first="Micah" last="Gilbert"], 6'4 195, WR- Charlotte Christian Length of Scouting: 1 month College Projection: Power Five Starter Strengths: Size, Route Running, Body Control Areas of Improvement: Speed, Experience Analysis: Though we haven't scouted Gilbert for a long time, he immediately jumps off the page. He is every bit of 6-4 and really knows how to use his frame. Even at his size, he excels at sinking his hips at the top of his routes and making quick breaks. He disguises his routes well and will often build routes off of one another, keeping defensive backs on their heels. He always seems to be in control and moves well. While it's not as important at his size, he's not likely to blow past defenders with pure speed. Adding to that, he's been hurt by a lighter schedule over the pandemic so he doesn't have as much film as some other guys. Still, he's an exciting prospect with multiple early offers. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2G4F5w">Sophomore Film</a> [player_tooltip player_id="260716" first="Brooks" last="Mauk"], 6'3 215, TE- Weddington Length of Scouting: 3 months College Projection: Group of Five Strengths: Length, Lead Blocking, Versatility Areas of Improvement: Route Running, Play Strength Analysis: Mauk has all of the physical tools to be a Power Five tight end. His frame can hold more good weight and he already puts up great numbers in the weight room. He's still a guy that's growing into his body and that bodes well for his future. His length and speed are already better than most Power Five guys with offers and he really came on strong at the end of last year. It's been a while since Weddington, which tends to use its tight ends as H-backs asks a lot of them as blockers, has had a tight end as physically talented as Mauk. He's an above average blocker that shows strength in the run game. I'd like to see that translate to more strength at the catch point. He hasn't been asked to run a high volume of complex routes, but with the traits there, Mauk is a guy that should blow up come camp season. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/15301477/61b7cdd706624604dc76ba3e">Sophomore Film</a> [player_tooltip player_id="190663" first="Terrell" last="Anderson"], 6'3 185, WR- Grimsley Length of Scouting: 3 months College Projection: Power Five Strengths: Athleticism, YAC Ability, Hands Areas of Improvement: Route Tree, Route Running Analysis: Anderson is one of the best young players in the state but doesn't always get that recognition. He's a long-strider that has deceptive speed and athleticism. He's not afraid to seek out contact as a ball carrier and can make people miss in the open field. His route running needs some polish and he's not asked to run a huge variety of patterns; that being said, he uses his body well on contested catches and has above average hands. He's tough to bring down one-on-one, so he's a threat to score at any time. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GWxkW">Sophomore Film</a> [player_tooltip player_id="279885" first="Keenan" last="Jackson"], 6'3 185, WR- Cuthbertson Length of Scouting: 1 month College Projection: Power Five Strengths: Strength at Catch Point, Frame, Hands Areas of Improvement: Route Tree, Release Analysis: Jackson is a slimmer 6-3, 185, with the frame to add some more good weight. His catch radius and leaping ability make him a major threat against man coverage and he has a good feel for finding the soft spot in zone coverage. He isn't asked to run a wide variety of patterns, sticking mainly to slants, hitches and nines, but I like his cuts and think his physical traits will translate well to other routes. I'd like him to be a bit more physical before the catch, but even when he's covered he makes a lot of contested catches. He's a bit raw (As many players his age are) but has a good feel for the game which bodes well for his development. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/9723630/61645abe664b6e011425d55f">Sophomore Film</a> [player_tooltip player_id="280033" first="Alex" last="Taylor"], 6'2 175, WR- Grimsley Length of Scouting: 1 month College Projection: Power Five Strengths: Release, Hands, Catch Radius Areas of Improvement: Lateral Quickness, Consistency Analysis: For me, Taylor has one of the highest ceilings of any prospect in the state. He flashes elite route running ability with a consistently strong release, but occasionally shortens his routes at the top. He has the occasional tendency to stiffen up a bit and invite tighter coverage out of his breaks though he has also shown the ability to completely shake defenders with his breaks. He has strong hands and a wide catch radius that has college teams excited. He's one of the best possession receivers you'll find and could end up as the best route runner in the class when it's all said and done. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GXKqg">Sophomore Film</a>