SAN ANGELO, TX — Here are our top 10 wide receivers — along with a few tight ends — to watch heading into the upcoming 2026 high school football season in West Texas:
Evan Boehle, Wall, Sr.
Boehle has been a starting wide receiver for Wall since his sophomore year. Over the last two seasons, he has posted a combined 85 catches for 1,249 yards and 15 touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder has 4.5 speed and could become the Hawks’ top target this fall. With the team losing most of its starters from last year’s state-title team, he should also be an important leader.
Wall's Evan Boehle (11), Jager Thompson (7) and Reid Robertson (1) celebrate after a touchdown against Idalou in the regional final at San Angelo Stadium on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.
Andrew Young, San Angelo Lake View, Soph.
The 6-4, 185-pound Young is loaded with potential. He joined the varsity midway through last season as a freshman and caught two touchdown passes in the district-title game against Andrews. He then had four catches for 70 yards in the Chiefs’ first-round playoff game. After starting for Lake View’s basketball team, he returns for his sophomore year on the football field and could be one of this area’s breakout stars.
Gavin Johnson, San Angelo Central, Sr.
Johnson is a speedy receiver who has made an impact for the Bobcats since he was a sophomore when he was a first-team all-district selection. With Central losing two big-time receivers in Colton Hill and Jimmy Edwards, the 5-10, 165-pound Johnson could emerge as the Bobcats’ leading pass catcher this fall.
San Angelo Central wide receiver Gavin Johnson waits for the snap with Odessa Permian cornerback Nata Cardozo preparing for coverage Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at San Angelo Stadium.
Jager Thompson, Wall, Sr.
Thompson is another big-play threat for the Hawks with 4.5 speed. The 5-8, 160-pounder had 44 catches for 573 yards and eight TDs last year for Wall’s high-scoring spread offense. He and Even Boehle should form the best receiving duo in the Concho Valley and help ease the growing pains for first-year quarterback Gunner King.
Hunter Kresta, Ballinger, Sr.
Kresta is a matchup problem for opposing defenses with his 6-4, 185-pound frame. He also has 4.6 speed and athleticism to add to his size. Last year, he turned 27 catches into 664 yards and five TDs. With quarterback Wyatt Clemens back from injury, Kresta could be poised for a big year.
Ballinger's Hunter Kresta races down the sideline for a 64-yard touchdown catch in the Bearcats' 61-6 win over San Angelo TLCA on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Lake View Stadium.
Kingston Garza, Mason, Sr.
The 6-1, 165-pound Garza qualified for the state track meet last year in three events and brought home a bronze medal in the 400-meter run. That 4.5 speed makes him one of the area’s most dangerous wideouts. He was the Punchers’ top receiver in their new spread offense last season with 37 catches for 698 yards and eight TDs. With eight other offensive starters returning, including quarterback Ryder Balmos, expect Garza to deliver another strong season.
Jayden Welborn, Sonora, Sr.
With a 6-2, 175-pound frame and 4.6 speed, Welborn has the tools to be one of the best wideouts in West Texas. He was a first-team all-district receiver last year with 35 catches for 545 yards and five TDs. He should be the Broncos’ No. 1 pass catcher again this fall, and he’ll have eight other offensive starters around him, including third-year quarterback Aaron Segura.
Chris Rodela, San Angelo Lake View, Sr.
Rodela doesn’t have big size, but the 5-7, 165-pounder has 4.6 speed, and he has been a dependable receiver for the Chiefs the past two years. Last season, he hauled in 37 passes for 318 yards and five TDs. He’s the team’s most productive returning receiver and should be an even bigger part of their offense this season.
Lake View wide receiver Chris Rodela walks back to the bench after his 52-yard touchdown catch against Snyder on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at San Angelo Stadium.
Justin Reynolds, TLCA San Angelo, Sr.
Reynolds flew under the radar while playing for a winless team last year, but few people in the Concho Valley had more receiving yards. The 6-foot, 180-pound Reynolds produced 567 yards and four TDs, and he was also a second-team all-district pick at safety. With quarterback Jonah Munoz also back, Reynolds could be in line for another solid season.
Casen Roberts, Junction, Sr.
The 6-foot, 160-pound Roberts gives the run-heavy Eagles a big-play threat in their passing game. He turned 20 catches into 522 yards and eight TDs last year and added a rushing TD. On defense, he had 79 tackles and six interceptions. He was a first-team all-district player on both sides of the ball.
Tight Ends
Garrett Walling, Eldorado, Sr.
The 6-2, 230-pound Walling was Eldorado’s top receiver last year with 52 catches for 655 yards and seven TDs. He was also a standout linebacker and punter. He should be a big part of the Eagles’ passing game again and cause headaches for opposing defenses.
Evan Arredondo, Sonora, Sr.
Arredondo is a 6-5, 230-pound matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. A knee injury sidelined him during basketball season, and it’s something that could slow him down this fall. He’ll be a force to be reckoned with if he’s healthy, however. Last year, he had 26 catches for 471 yards and four TDs, and he was the Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year in his district.
Tucker Beaty, San Angelo Central, Sr.
Beaty was a second-team all-district linebacker last year who will be playing at tight end this season. The athletic 6-4, 220-pounder has been active at college camps during the offseason — highlighted by an offer from UT Permian Basin — and he could give Central’s passing game a new dimension.
Honorable Mention
Nolan Martinez, Winters, Sr.
The 6-3, 170-pound Martinez was impressive when he had the ball in his hands last year. He had 19 catches for 415 yards — an average of 21.8 yards per catch — and scored seven TDs. He projects to be the Blizzards’ top playmaker this fall.
Kanin Green, Christoval, Sr.
Green is the leading returning receiver for the Cougars after posting 27 catches for 355 yards and two TDs last season. The 5-10, 160-pounder was a second-team all-district wideout last year who should take the next step for Christoval this fall.
Angel Diaz, Sonora, Sr.
The 5-10, 185-pound Diaz has 4.6 speed and gives the Broncos yet another weapon in their passing game. Last year, he had 18 catches for 365 yards and six TDs. He was a first-team all-district player at wide receiver and safety.
Ellis Johnson, San Angelo Central, Jr.
Johnson is a newcomer to the varsity who could make an immediate impact. The 6-1, 185-pounder is one of the Bobcats’ top juniors, according to head coach Mark Smith, and he’s the son of Angelo State wide receivers coach Jason Johnson, so he may know a thing or two about playing the position.
Other Players to Watch
Isaiah McGrew, San Angelo Central; Calvin Whitfield, San Angelo Lake View; Gabriel Alvarez, San Angelo Lake View; Hudson Surber, Wall; Dominic Johnson, Reagan County; Brindon Gamez, Eldorado; Wyatt Killough, Sonora
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