By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
There are many talented pass catchers across our coverage area that features more than 60 teams. Below are some of the top receivers and tight ends to watch this season. This list is in alphabetical order.
NOTE: Some worthy players may appear on one of our other SEVEN football watch lists. In an effort to highlight as many players as possible, A PLAYER CAN ONLY APPEAR ON ONE LIST.
The football watch lists we will be releasing are: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers/Tight Ends, Offensive Linemen, Defensive Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs and Breakout Players.
RECEIVERS TO WATCH
Tegan Asbury, Branson
Asbury is an absolute burner on the perimeter and impossible to cover without help over the top. In 2023, Asbury was one of the best big-play threats in the area, converting 28 receptions into 623 yards and eight touchdowns – a ridiculous 22.3 yards per catch. If you can’t jam him at the line, just forget it.
Braydon Bellah, Marionville
Bellah helped Marionville to the Class 1 state championship and an undefeated run by taking the top off of opposing defenses to the tune of 691 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. His big plays come in a variety of ways and he’s terrific in the open field. He’s still just a junior.
Gardner Casey, Bolivar
He made a name for himself on the basketball court, but Casey has turned himself into a college prospect at receiver. He runs great routes and has great hands, but also has positional versatility, being able to play out of the slot or line up in the backfield. As a junior, Casey had 45 receptions for 664 yards and 10 scores. He could see a position change but either way he’s a big-time playmaker.
Sam Clark, Ozark
The most versatile football player in the Ozarks is Sam Clark; there’s not much he can’t do on the field. As a junior, Clark was a threat in all three phases of the game, excelling as a receiver, defensive back and kick returner, while also becoming an elite kicker. Clark will play on Saturdays and must be accounted for anywhere on the field. Look for him to build on his 57-682-4 numbers from last year.
Joseph Degraffenreid, Webb City
It’s no secret that Webb City doesn’t put the ball in the air much, but that doesn’t make JD any less of a playmaker. He’s a big, physical target at 6-foot-2 who can high-point balls and run by corners and safeties. He’s already garnering college attention after finishing his junior year with nearly 400 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Tyrone Harris, Seneca
Seneca is losing an incredible senior class, but the addition of Harris should help give the Indians another weapon offensively. As a junior at Neosho, Harris was one of the COC’s top threats outside the numbers, blending raw athleticism with the natural ability to go high-point balls and create yards after the catch. Seneca won’t sling it around the way Neosho did, but Harris will be able to alleviate the loaded boxes the Indians are used to seeing.
Karson Murray, Carthage
It’s rare for a tight end to make this list, but Murray isn’t like most tight ends at the high school level. As a junior, he racked up 416 receiving yards, which is more than big-time tight end prospects that have come from the area recently. At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, he has the physical tools to play D1 football and the game to back it up.
Davin Thomas, Joplin
Joplin has become known for producing D1 talent and Thomas is next up. The 6-foot-1 receiver is one of the most complete receivers on this list. He can run by you, runs crips routes and has game-changing sub 4.5 speed. As a junior, Thomas finished the season with 47 catches for 680 yards and six scores. Thomas will play on Saturdays.
Wyatt Vincent, Nixa
He’s widely considered a top 100 outfielder in the country, and the future Missouri State Bear could hear his name called in the next MLB Draft, but Vincent is also a DAWG on the football field. Most kids in his position would specialize, instead he turned 24 receptions into 639 yards and seven touchdowns. Nixa is loaded with talent and Vincent is as gifted as they come.
Hudson Williams, Neosho
Right now he’s the early favorite to lead the area in receiving yards and is the area’s returning leader in receptions (69) and receiving yards (789), to go along with his seven touchdowns as a junior. He’ll have a new quarterback, but Cade Spiva should allow him to build on those numbers.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Jordan Arthur, Houston
Owen Borbe, Camdenton
Keivon Flint, Nixa
Aiden Myers, Hillcrest
Quortin Parks, Pierce City
Cody Voysey, Strafford
Brody Wilson, Kickapoo
Braxton Wolfe, East Newton
Jarrett Zerby, Mount Vernon
