Top-tier wide receivers in New York's high school football scene: Introducing the standout Section VI WRs
In the bustling world of high school football in Western New York, a group of standout wide receivers are making their mark. These players, hailing from various schools across Section VI, have caught the attention of coaches and fans alike with their impressive performances last season.
One such player is Tayon Mullen, a junior at McKinley. Last season, Mullen had an impressive 14 catches for 432 yards and two touchdowns, earning him a spot on the fifth team all-state as a defensive back. Ryan Hough, a senior at Wilson, led his team with 23 receptions for 398 yards and seven touchdowns, scoring on nearly one-third of his touches.
Evan Zankl, a senior at Williamsville South, is another star on the rise. Zankl had 47 receptions for 650 yards and six touchdowns as a junior, and is also a 5-foot-10 track star. Nick Skutnik, a senior at Iroquois, had a phenomenal season with 86 receptions for 1,286 yards, both single-season Section VI records. Skutnik excels not only as a receiver but also as a cornerback, returner, kicker, and punter.
Isaiah Nellis, a senior at Eden/North Collins, had 45 receptions for 640 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior, with quarterback Brady Waring returning for his senior season. Jack Eskridge, a senior at Bennett, averaged an impressive 30 yards per reception last season, with 26 catches for 781 yards and eight touchdowns.
Joseph Santoro, a junior at Williamsville East, caught 32 passes for 515 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore. Santoro is fast and versatile, lining up as a wide receiver, running back, and kick returner. Winter Mentley-Peters, a senior at Gowanda/Pine Valley, was the second-leading receiver for the Panthers as a junior with 38 catches for 539 yards and seven touchdowns, with Carter Capozzi as his quarterback.
Aiden Hopwood, a junior at Depew, was one of the best sophomore receivers in the section in 2024, catching 23 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns.
While these players have made a significant impact in Section VI, they do not appear on the national elite wide receiver lists. For a more precise and updated list of top wide receivers specifically from Section VI, one would need to consult specialized local recruiting sites, Section VI football reports, or New York state high school athletic association resources.
As the summer progresses, these lists will continue to be updated. Some other players to watch include Devin Hewes, a senior at Chautauqua Lake, who formed one of the best wide receiver duos in the section last season. Jake Dinino, a senior at Niagara Wheatfield, is 6-foot-2 and creates matchup problems for smaller defensive backs.
Jaylin Coleman, a senior at WNY Maritime/Tapestry, averaged 19.5 yards per reception last season, with 37 catches for 721 yards and five touchdowns. Cardel Staples, a senior at McKinley, caught 34 passes for 522 yards and three touchdowns last season, and had multiple explosive plays, including a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown.
Blake Gerstung, a senior at Akron, was a second team all-league selection and had 32 catches for 382 yards and six touchdowns as a junior. Darryl Smith, a senior at Niagara Falls, had 38 receptions for 814 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver, and recorded seven pass breakups and four interceptions as a defensive back.
Austin Miles, a senior at Olean, led Olean in receiving in 2024 with 31 receptions for 350 yards and 6 touchdowns, and made three interceptions on defense. Silas Nellis, a junior at Eden/North Collins, had a huge sophomore season with 60 catches for 953 yards and 11 touchdowns, breaking several school records.
Nick Jacobson, a senior at Chautauqua Lake, had 54 receptions for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, playing as the primary receiver for Eagles' QB Brayden Gibbs. Aiden Defazio, a senior at Portville, averaged 37.8 yards per reception last season (16 catches for 604 yards and seven touchdowns). He was named third team all-state as a defensive back.
These players, along with those already mentioned, are just a few of the many talented wide receivers in Section VI high school football. As the new season approaches, fans and coaches alike are eager to see how these players will continue to shine on the field.
Football remains a focal point in the high school sports scene of Western New York, with talented wide receivers making their mark. Among these is Jake Dinino, a senior at Niagara Wheatfield, who possesses a height advantage that creates challenges for smaller defensive backs. Furthermore, Cardel Staples, a senior at McKinley, showcases his versatility, not only as a receiver but also as a returner, contributing a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown last season.
