Six Star Football takes a look at wide receivers from around the state who are flying under the radar.
Arkell Smith, 6’1, 165, WR, 2018, Carthage
An electric player who can take a massive hit to the side and stay on his feet, Smith may be one of the most overlooked WRs in the state. He has excellent speed and is great at keeping his team alive on the offensive end during nights where things are looking slow. As you can imagine, Smith is usually the top dog on nights when Carthage is rolling.
Ian Torrey, 6’5, WR, 2018, Portageville
A basketball standout who plays football just as well, Torrey saw time in his most natural position this year at WR. At 6’5, Torrey is one of the taller WRs you’ll see who has the athleticism and creative spark to make things happen. He currently holds offers from SEMO and Murray State.
Aaron Ludders, 6’2, 185, WR, 2018, Carl Junction
The all-state sprinter proved he could ball this year as Carl Junction’s crowd favorite WR. Ludders is great at separating himself from defenders in open field and burned his opponents on several occasions. Since Carl Junction fund success running the ball, Ludders didn’t see as much action as you’d expect. However, when he did get the look he didn’t disappoint with big plays off catches across the field.
Barrion Clemons, 6’0, 170, WR, 2018, Ritenour
A very creative player who can burn opponents after the catch, Clemons is an overlooked player who had a productive year for Ritenour. A force on both sides of the ball, he has great hands for picking passes and coming up with big plays when his quarterback is looking his way.
Zach Zerwig, 6’1, 175, WR, 2018, Vianney
A great option for Vianney, a player they will miss greatly. Zerwig plays well in the long and short game alike as he is good at doing whatever his coach asks of him. Zerwig isn’t so much a player you can give the ball and watch him go. He shines best when he has to outwork his defenders to grab a long ball.
Evan Neal, 5’10, 152, WR, 2018, Van Horn
An intelligent playmaker with the athleticism to make things happen, Neal is a good WR who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. At 5’10, 152-pounds, Neal is a well sized athlete who excels inside the numbers with his perfectly timed routes. Neal also proved great on the special teams unit for Van Horn.
Zach Westmorland, 6’1, 181, WR, 2020, Joplin
Arguably the most talented athlete in the Ozark Conference, Westmorland is a do-it-all player that excels as a WR. A strong, athletic player, Westmorland has good size and speed and all the other qualities coaches look for in their program. More importantly, Westmorland can easily catch passes and create opportunities for himself. He has good eye for holes and can shake off opponents who try to trip him up on the run.
Jonathan Watts, 6’4, 173, WR, 2018, Platte County
Another towering figure who is difficult to handle, Watts is an impressive WR who combines speed, size and a big rangy frame. He presents a huge target down field and consistently makes tough catches on deep balls. He is good at making plays on the deep ball, but looks best when he catches a short pass up the middle and turns around to make plays. Watts is among the big sleepers in the KC area and is currently drawing lots of attention from Division II programs.
Charles Shelton IV, 5’11, 160, WR, 2018, Pattonville
An important piece of Pattonville’s success this year, Shelton IV is a hard worker how refuses to give up. He makes tough catches, can create space in open field with or without the ball, and has a good sense of his surroundings when his defenders are closing in on him. We are very impressed with Shelton IV.