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2026 West Michigan High School Football Preview: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends to Watch

We are continuing our countdown to the 2026 high school football season with our players-to-watch list. Here is how they are being released:

Quarterbacks — https://powerstrengthpro.com/2026-quarterbacks-to-watch/

Running Backs — https://powerstrengthpro.com/running-backs-to-watch/

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends — Tuesday, August 4

Offensive/Defensive Linemen — Tuesday, August 11

Linebackers — Tuesday, August 18

Defensive Backs — Tuesday, August 25

There will be a lot of future college talent on display this Fall at the wide receiver and tight end positions. Here are the players to watch in the OK Conference and River Cities Alliance in alphabetical order:


WIDE RECEIVERS

Brody Amshey, Rockford (‘28)

A fast and explosive athlete, Amshey gives the Rams a major option on the outside.


Isaiah Boonstra, Zeeland East (‘27)

Boonstra has been a top target for the Chix for the last 2 seasons. Big things appear to be in store for his Senior campaign.


Dane Briggs, Forest Hills Northern (‘27)

Briggs had a solid season in 2025 as a Junior and is poised to make a much bigger splash this Fall.


Judah Britton, Northview (‘29)

Britton burst onto the scene in 2025 as a Freshman and played well. He should be the Wildcats top target in 2026.


Aaron Collins, Caledonia (‘27)

Collins has been a consistent performer for the Fighting Scots the last 2 seasons.


Justin Davis, Grand Rapids Christian (‘28)

Davis had a big sophomore season and will be a big part of the Eagles plans in 2026.


Andrew DeCarlo, Coopersville (‘28)

An up-and-comer for the Broncos, DeCarlo brings a tireless work ethic to the wide receiver position.


Drew Ferwerda, Rockford (‘27)

At 6’6” with the ability to go get the football, Ferwerda will be tough for defenses to stop.


Amani Frierson, Grand Haven (‘27)

With his speed and quickness, Frierson will be a guy the Bucs want to get the ball in space. He is committed to play at Ferris State.


Will Fussman, Kenowa Hills (‘27)

Fussman is committed to Central Michigan. His speed and route running combo make him one of the top playmakers in West Michigan.


Finn Galloway, Holland (‘28)

Galloway was not only a problem for opposing defenses in the passing game, but also ran the ball for the Dutch out of the Wildcat formation. He is a true game-breaker. See how Finn is preparing to take his game to another level here: https://powerstrengthpro.com/finn-galloway/


JT Gill, West Ottawa (‘28)

Gill is not just a standout on the basketball court. He can really catch the ball too. He should be a big part of the Panthers plan in 2026.


Drew Haist, Big Rapids (‘28)

Haist brings strength, athleticism, and a high football IQ to the Cardinals offense.


Max Jansma, Sparta (‘28)

Entering his Junior season, Max has put in the work to become one of the most polished route-runners in the area.


Stephan Jones, East Kentwood (‘27)

Jones is one of the most electrifying wide receivers to watch this Fall, turning short catches into explosive gains with his combination of speed and vision. He is committed to GVSU.


Wyatt Kloosterhouse, Coopersville (‘28)

Kloosterhouse separates himself from defenders with crisp route-running and reliable hands, making him a name college scouts are already circling.


Tray Knox, Holland (‘28)

Knox plays bigger than his listed size, high-pointing the football and using his frame to shield defenders on every route.


KV Korenstra, Grand Haven (‘27)

Korenstra doesn’t just look fast on tape — he’s a legitimate track star, and that speed shows up every time he lines up for Grand Haven. His work ethic and team-first mentality have already been tested, filling in at running back last season due to injury and looking primed to do it again in 2026. KV is committed to Ferris State. Check out how he prepares in the off-season at PowerStrength: https://powerstrengthpro.com/game-changing-off-season/


Talen Moody, Sparta (‘27)

Moody brings a quiet confidence, the product of an offseason spent working to be ready whenever his number is called.


Zach Payne, Forest Hills Eastern (‘28)

Payne has put in the work this offseason, and it shows every time he steps on the field — a receiver ready to make the most of every opportunity this Fall.


Miles Pell, Forest Hills Central (‘29)

Pell was outstanding as a Freshman on Varsity in 2025. He is primed to take another step as a Sophomore.


Thomas Puksta, West Catholic (‘27)

Whether it’s winning contested catches downfield or creating yards after the catch, Puksta gives his offense a matchup problem every time he lines up.


Luke Rosenbrook, Forest Hills Eastern (‘27)

With a rare blend of burst and awareness, Rosenbrook projects as one of the top wide receivers to watch when the pads come on this Fall.


Landen TenBrink, Hamilton (‘29)

Few receivers can match TenBrink’s combination of size and body control, and he’s poised for a breakout Fall season.


Miles Tran, Hudsonville (‘27)

Tran approaches every rep like it’s his last, and that mindset has him poised to carve out a big role this Fall.


Isziah Walker, Godwin Heights (‘27)

Walker brings a competitive edge to every route, and opposing secondaries will have their hands full against him this Fall.


TIGHT ENDS

Graham Beyer, Grand Haven (’28)

At 6’6”, Beyer has more than just the size to play the position. He has the athleticism, hands, and ability to block too. Beyer already has offers from South Florida, WMU, Toledo, and Kent State.


Dax Blackport, South Christian (‘29) 

Blackport played varsity football and basketball as a Freshman in 2025 at 6’4” 220 lbs. He will be a major weapon for the Sailors offense.


Connor Garzelloni, Hudsonville (‘27) 

Garzelloni gives the Eagles offense a true dual threat at tight end, equally comfortable blocking in the run game as he is as a receiver.


Brennen Gillen, Forest Hills Northern (‘29) 

Gillen is a rising prospect who has worked hard to be ready for his opportunity in the Huskies offense.


Thomas Gunnink, Hudsonville (‘27) 

Few tight ends bring Gunnink’s blend of blocking toughness and pass-catching ability.


Kamden Kennedy, Lowell (‘27) 

As a Senior, Kennedy has taken on a leadership role up front, setting the tone with his physicality as a blocker before doing damage down the field as a receiver.


Ty Lawson, Cedar Springs (‘27) 

A really effective blocker in the Red Hawks power T offense, he has also proven to be a reliable pass catcher when needed.


Carter Scholten, Unity Christian (‘27)

The Saders will rely heavily on Scholten’s leadership after he started both ways on the 2025 team, which reached Ford Field and the Division 4 state title game.


Colton Smith, Fruitport (‘28)

As a Sophomore, Smith showed his ability to compete at the Varsity level by turning in an All-Conference season.


Jaxon VanHoutum, Sparta (‘28) 

Set the single-game school record for receiving yards with 187 in week 2 last season against Wayland.


This Fall promises no shortage of playmaking at wide receiver and tight end, with this group bringing speed, size, and versatility to offenses across the area.

Be on the lookout for our Offensive and Defensive Linemen to Watch list next Tuesday.


GET STARTED AT POWERSTRENGTH

3rd-12th grade athletes of all sports and abilities can start a specialized training program at PowerStrength at any time while spots remain. Choose the PowerStrength location most convenient for you – Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, Holland, and Byron Center.

Visit https://powerstrengthpro.com/athlete/contact/ to learn more or click below to schedule your free assessment and get started.

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