By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
There are many talented receivers across our coverage area that features more than 60 teams. Below are some of the top receivers to watch this season. This list is in alphabetical order.
Quarterbacks to Watch – CLICK HERE
Running Backs to Watch – CLICK HERE
Receivers to Watch – CLICK HERE
Offensive/Defensive Linemen to Watch – CLICK HERE
Linebackers/Defensive Backs to Watch – CLICK HERE
NOTE: Some worthy players may appear on one of our other five football watch lists. A player can only appear on one list.
JAMBOREE PHOTOS – CLICK HERE
ALL FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS – CLICK HERE
Nathan Bartel, Lebanon Junior
Last year Lebanon had four players rush for at least 600 yards. Three of the four have graduated meaning Bartel (52-600-8) is in line for a large workload. Keep in mind this is a program that has had backs like West, Evans, Horlsey, Berry, etc. all run wild in the Ozark Conference. Bartel has home run speed, he’s tough to bring down and he’s running behind a huge and experienced line. Watch out.
Joel Beshore, Lamar Junior
Technically, he broke out last year by helping Lamar win a state championship with 40 tackles and three interceptions defensively, as well as 323 rushing yards. But, with Case Tucker gone, Beshore should be in line for a larger role in Lamar’s offense. Even still, he’ll again be a standout defender on one of the area’s top units.
Kael Combs, Nixa Junior
He might be the best basketball player in the Ozarks and is the perfect example of how basketball abilities translate well on a football field. The 6-foot-4 standout is stepping on the gridiron this fall and could quickly become one of the area’s top receiving threats. Nixa’s running attack will force defenses to load the box. Combs being 1-v-1 on the outside will quickly become a mismatch.
Kaden Degraffenreid, Bolivar Senior
Bolivar has some great line play returning and along with classmate James Miller, Degraffenreid could have a monster season. At 6-foot-7, 250 pounds, he has an advanced frame and his size and athleticism are exactly what coaches are looking for on both sides of the ball. He might even project best as a tight end in college, although he’ll play some tackle this year. As a defensive end, his length allows him to cover space, especially if you’re trying to use him as a read. Unique talent in Polk County.
Hunter Means, Mountain Grove Junior
How he wasn’t an All-State pick last year blows my mind. Means was a two-way monster in one of the state’s top small-school conferences, finishing with 81 tackles and 16 tackles for loss. He earned All-Region honors on both sides of the ball. He’s going to make opposing SCA coaches miserable for the next two years.
Hudson Moore, Joplin Junior
If Randy Moss grew up in the Ozarks, he would be Hudson Moore. The 6-foot-5 playmaker is a matchup nightmare because of his speed and length. An All-COC pick as a sophomore at Carthage, a move to Joplin and hooking up with Always Wright could see his numbers increase, which is why he’s on this list; Moore has high-major talent and the rest of Missouri will be put on notice this fall.
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Samias Pickett & Zaide Lowery, Kickapoo Juniors
Pickett is the man in the secondary and Lowery is the guy at receiver, but both are exceptional, multi-sport talents. Pickett had a great season at corner last year, which makes sense as he is known for his defensive abilities on the basketball court. Lowery, who is a Power 5 basketball prospect, might become the No. 1 player in the class in Missouri on the hardwood, but his physical gifts at 6-foot-4 make him an impossible cover on the gridiron. Both players will be names to know this fall.
Carter Pruett, Liberty Sophomore
As a freshman he was named All-SCA as a running back. He’ll again be an all-conference player this year, but the position is an absolute guess. He runs like a running back with the ball in his hands, but he can also line up at receiver and cause problems on the outside. Oh, he can spin the ole pigskin too. Pruett is a pure football player and will find ways to make plays on both sides of the ball.
Bear Shore, Camdenton Junior
In Camdenton, Shore = Football and Bear is simply the next in the succession line. As a sophomore he flashed some signs of being ready in limited action. There was a two-game span against Lebanon and Hillcrest where Shore completed 13 of his 16 attempts for 144 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions. He has a great feel for the offense and he’s accurate, he might have some bumps in the road but he should put up some numbers.
Spencer Skyles, Ava Senior
As a sophomore, Skyles was one of the top young players in the SCA at running back and linebacker (839 yards from scrimmage, 10 TDs; 42 tackles). Injuries derailed his junior season but now he’s fully healthy and Ava returns a ton of experience. Look for Skyles to prove why he was seen as one of the league’s top athletes.
Cohl Vaden, Webb City Senior
He’s seen time at receiver and defensive back in each of the last two years, now Vaden – also a basketball standout – will slide over to quarterback. In the jamboree, he looked fluid after knocking some rust off. He’s a cerebral athlete that will adjust quickly and can also make some big throws. If Dante Washington is able to play for the Cardinals, they could have a dynamic duo.
ALL AREA FOOTBALL SCHEDULES – CLICK HERE
OTHERS TO WATCH
Zane Clayton, Pierce City Junior
Logan Daniels, Fair Grove Senior
Kam Durnin, Camdenton Junior
Montana Hacker, El Dorado Springs Junior
Hernan Hernandez, Cassville Junior
Karon Johnson, Willard Junior
Eli Kerr, Lockwood Junior
Jaron Malotte, Saroxice Junior
James Miller, Bolivar Senior
Peyton Mills, Thayer Junior
Silas Morton, Strafford Sophomore
Scooter Osborn, Willow Springs Junior
Trey Pulford, Willard Senior
Case Sanderson, Nevada Junior
Spencer Ward, Nixa Sophomore
All Wright, Joplin Sophomore
