Position Focus: WR (Part 1 of 2)

In our position focus posts, we will be talking about what college coaches are looking for in a WR. Let’s first state the obvious on what coaches are looking for… size, speed, and quickness. This is the same for any skill position. In a perfect world I’m sure coaches would look for their recruits to be excellent at all of those things, but we don’t live in a perfect world and there are all different types of Receivers that can be very successful. Focus on what your strengths are and develop your own style.

Next, let’s look at all of the other important things that these coaches will be looking for.

Route Running- You should be a perfectionist when it comes to this. Make sure every route you run is exactly as it is designed to be (if it calls for 10 yards, it better be 10 yards). Get in and out of your breaks quickly and create separation. Go 100% on every play and show even when the ball isn’t coming your way you run good precise routes.

Catching the Football (Hands)- This is pretty simple. Make catching the football come second nature. Always catch the ball with your hands and tuck it away. You can never catch enough balls at practice.

Ball Skills- Locate the ball and go get it at its highest point. Show the ability to go to the ground and make the catch also. Understand how the defender is playing you and what you need to do to make the catch.

After the catch- Show your athleticism once you get the ball in your hands and be a playmaker. Go all out and show a lot of effort. Coaches love someone who gives 100% every time. Make sure to have good ball security and show proper technique in how you carry the ball

Blocking- Coaches love a Receiver that blocks. Hustle every play and get yourself involved. There is no better way to show you are a team player than to hustle down the field and make a block that helps get your teammate extra yards. Show a couple of these plays on your highlight film and that will separate you from other wide receivers you are competing with for that scholarship. Being a good aggressive blocker will also get in the DB’s head and help get you open when it’s your time to get the ball.

All of these skills are things you can work on and practice to be better at. By working hard and working on the right things it will increase your chances of receiving the scholarship. In the next post we will highlight drills and things you can do to improve these skills.