ORDER GAME PHOTOS

As we head towards a new football season in the fall of 2021, IdahoSports.com is getting fans ready by unveiling the Top 10 players at each position.  These lists feature players from all corners of the state, and from all six classification levels.  Each week, we'll publish a new list of Top 10 players.  Here's the schedule:


July 5 (Offensive Linemen)

July 12 (Defensive Linemen)

July 19 (Running Backs)

July 26 (Linebackers)

August 2 (Wide Receivers/Tight Ends)

August 9 (Defensive Backs)

August 16 (Quarterbacks)


Without further ado, here are the Top 10 wide receivers and tight ends to watch out for in 2021.  These selections have been made by the editorial staff at IdahoSports.com, and are listed in alphabetical order by school.  We considered a wide range of factors when making this list, including individual stats, team success, All-State or All-Conference accolades, and college football recruiting buzz.

Kody Walk, Capital (Sr.)

Walk already holds offers from Idaho State, Idaho and Eastern Washington, and is one of the top-ranked tight ends in the Class of 2022.  He was a 1st Team All-Conference selection a year ago, and his 6-5, 230 lb. frame has college coaches salivating over his potential.


Bruin Fleischmann, Century (Sr.)

The 6-4, 212 lb. senior was Century's starting quarterback last year in the season opener.  After that contest, Fleischmann made the move to receiver, and delivered 46 receptions for 843 yards and 15 touchdowns.  This past spring, he committed to Air Force to continue his football career, where he is expected to play tight end.


Jett Shaw, Dietrich (Sr.)

Opponents will literally pick their poison this year, as both Shaw and junior Cody Power bring explosive abilities to the receiver position.  Shaw earned 1st Team All-State honors a year ago, as he finished with 52 catches for 901 yards and 14 touchdowns.


Ethan Mikita, Eagle (Sr.)

Mikita is a three-year starter at slot back for the Mustangs, and the 5-11, 190 lb. senior could play either wide receiver or running back at the next level.  As a junior, Mikita turned 43 touches into 608 total yards and 5 touchdowns.  He averaged over 14 yards per touch.


Colston Loveland, Gooding (Sr.)

The senior tight end signed with Michigan in July, and is just the fifth Idaho high school prospect since 2002 to earn a four-star rating.  The 6-5, 230 lb. senior caught 69 passes last year for 816 yards and 6 touchdowns a year ago, and Gooding's fortunes this year will depend on whether the opponent can stop Loveland or not.


Alden Waddington, Lakeland (Sr.)

The 6-5, 195 lb. senior finished with 25 catches for 372 yards and 4 touchdowns a year ago.  On the surface, those numbers don't immediately jump out, but Waddington had to share targets with tight end Ammon Munyer, who has since moved on to play at Weber State.  Now that Waddington has the top spot to himself, it will be fascinating to see what he does with it.


Clay Silva, Lighthouse Christian (Sr.)

Don't let his size fool you.  At 5-10 and 140 lbs., Silva put up the gaudiest numbers of anyone on this list.  As a junior, Silva finished with 58 catches for 1,030 yards and 19 touchdowns, and earned 1st Team All-State honors for his efforts.


Dillon Stosich, Melba (Sr.)

Stosich easily could have made our Top 10 Defensive Backs list as well, as his two-way skills are among the best in Class 2A.  As a receiver, Stosich grabbed 21 balls for 456 yards and 5 touchdowns, and used those receiver skills to also nab four interceptions on defense.


Davis Thacker, Meridian (Sr.)

In an injury-shortened campaign in 2020, Thacker finished with 29 catches for 409 yards and 7 touchdowns.  Thacker brings size (6-3, 205 lbs.) and great leaping ability to the receiver position, and was a starting forward on Meridian's state title-winning basketball team last season.


Taylor Freeman, Rigby (Sr.)

The 6-1, 175 lb. senior had 22 catches for 452 yards and 6 touchdowns last year, and those numbers could have been higher, but Freeman had to move to quarterback a few times during the season because of injuries.  In the Class 5A state championship game against Rocky Mountain, Freeman played QB in the second half and nearly rallied the Trojans back, completing 12 of 19 passes for 176 yards in a 17-14 loss.  Rigby will use Freeman in a variety of ways this year, and every time he has the ball in his hands, you'll have to hold your breath.