SBLive’s Top 10 wide receivers in Idaho high school football for 2023 season
SBLive Idaho is turning its attention to the best high-profile positional players in the state of Idaho.
Next up – top wide receivers.
The main criteria for these top players are statistics, coaches recommendations and the good old-fashioned eye test. Players are divided up by classification, and listed in alphabetical order:
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CLASS 5A
Photo courtesy of Boise athletics
Asher Bowie, Post Falls, senior
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Eastern Washington University commit is a big reason why the Trojans have the state’s best scoring offense (40.3 ppg). It’s not just his ability to make the big catch, which he has done plenty of times. He’s a great blocker for the top rushing attack (256 ypg), as well.
The numbers: Receiving: 38 catches, 509 yards, six TDs.
Coach’s comment: “Asher has really progressed this season into one of the best tight ends in the state at any level,” Post Falls coach Blaine Bennett said.
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Cooper Smith, Boise, senior
At this time last year, the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder was slinging the ball as a quarterback. So his understanding of the game has allowed him to make a smooth transition over. It’s also helped the Brave end a 21-year postseason drought and record the most wins (five) in 31 years.
The numbers: Receiving: 68 receptions, 870 yards, 11 TDs. Rushing: 280 yards, four TDs.
Coach’s comment: “Cooper is one of the best all-around athletes I’ve ever been around,” Boise coach Mike Altieri said. “He has a tremendous work ethic and a level of competitiveness that most kids his age don’t understand. No matter what he’s doing you will find him near the top.”
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CLASS 4A
Photo by Julian Jenkins
Gatlin Bair, Burley, senior
It probably hasn’t exactly been the senior season that the 6-foot-2, 200-pound four-star receiver envisioned. But through an injury that kept him out for two games and a 4-5 regular season, the Boise State commit has still shown why he's the highest-rated recruit in Idaho history.
The numbers: Receiving: 45 receptions, 700 yards, eight TDs. Rushing: 136 yards, four TDs.
Coach’s comment: The expectations a kid like him has (are) unthinkable,” Burley coach Cameron Andersen said. “Every kid that goes against him wants to beat him, and every single thing he does is scrutinized to the highest degree. Through all this, he just worked and became an amazing leader of our team.”
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Julian Bowie, Pocatello, senior
Yes, the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder is first and foremost a basketball player. He’s a three-time all-state player committed to Boise State. But if this season is any indication, Bowie would definitely have a future on the gridiron if he wanted to. He didn’t even play last season either.
The numbers: Receiving: 27 receptions, 637 yards, six TDs. Passing: 153 yards. Rushing: 30 yards.
Coach’s comment: “Julian is one of the most dangerous players in the country,” Pocatello coach Dave Spillett said. “He’s big enough to run through you, quick enough to make you miss and fast enough to make you look like you are standing still.”
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Cooper Cammann, Bishop Kelly, senior
The 5-foot-9, 160-pounder has done it all for the undefeated (9-0) reigning state runners-up. He’s a threat to score both through the air and on the ground. He’s even thrown a touchdown pass. Cammann is doing all of this while only playing just the first half of every game but two.
The numbers: Receiving: 22 receptions, 566 yards, nine TDs. Running: 322 yards, five TDs.
Coach’s comment: “Cooper is a tremendous athlete,” Bishop Kelly coach Chris Culig said. “He is an outstanding route runner and can make every type of catch. He is the complete package as a wide receiver.”
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Max Frank, Sandpoint, senior
Pick your poison when it comes to the 6-foot-1, 205-pounder. He’s great at going up and high-pointing the ball. And when Frank does make the catch, which has been often, he’s even better at making defenders miss. But he’s arguably even harder to bring down in the backfield.
The numbers: Receiving 41 receptions, 622 yards, six TDs. Rushing: 434 yards, 10 TDs.
Coach’s comment: “Max wants the ball when it counts,” Sandpoint coach Ryan Knowles said. “He wants the pressure and is on the attack.”
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Mason Krahn, Skyview, junior
Skyview has had many great receivers come through its program over the years. But the 6-foot-2, 220-pound three-year starter might be the best product when it’s all said and done. He’s already drawing interest from the likes of Texas Tech. Expect him to be a big-time prospect next season.
The numbers: Receiving: 49 catches, 887 yards, 13 TDs.
Coach’s comment: “Mason is always open because he has a knack for using his body to block out defenders. He runs good routes and has great hands,” Skyview coach David Robinson said. “He is a tenacious competitor and has developed a knack for taking over in key moments of the game.”
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CLASS 3A
Photo courtesy of Thomas Heuseveldt
Thomas Heuseveldt, Teton, senior
Coach David Joyce moved his 5-foot-11, 185-pound workhorse from primarily a running back to wideout at the start of the season. The decision has paid big-time dividends. Heuseveldt not only leads the state in receiving, but he is among the national leaders.
The numbers: Receiving: 68 receptions, 1,296 yards, 13 TDs. Rushing: 524 yards, 14 TDs.
Coach’s comment: “Thomas is a dynamic receiver/athlete who is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball in any phase of the game,” Joyce said. “His big-play and tackle-breaking ability are second to none in the state right now.”
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Jacob Yetter, Timberlake, senior
Yetter is only 5-foot-7, 146 pounds, but as his coach Kelly Amos says, “He is the real deal.” Yetter is already a multiple-time program record holder and when you include special teams, he’s well over 1,000 yards of total offense. Yetter has done it with his speed, agility and hands.
The numbers: Receiving: 65 receptions, 990 yards, eight TDs.
Coach’s comment: “Jacob is an all-in player. It doesn’t matter what he is doing, he is all-in every play,” Amos said. “It doesn’t matter if he is blocking, punting, playing defense, or tracking down a deep ball. He gives it everything he has.”
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CLASS 2A
Gavin Rasmussen, Declo, junior
The Hornets (9-0) are having their best season in five years and a lot of it can be traced back to their 6-0, 180-pounder. More so than his play-making ability and highlight-reel catches, it’s been his selflessness to do what’s best for the team, which has meant more run blocking this season.
The numbers: Receiving: 33 receptions, 541 yards, six TDs. Rushing: 229 yards, TD
Coach’s comment: “We spread the ball around in our offense, but when we really need a play, we are going to him,” Declo coach Josh Stewart said. “Damn, I’m glad he’s on our team.”
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