Editors note: This is the third in the eight-part “YPS Top 40” series from Your Prep Sports highlighting 40 of the top returning football players for the 2023 season.

Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

The YPS Top 40 is an eight-story series highlighting 40 of the top returning football players in the Your Prep Sports area by position group.

After stories on the top returning quarterbacks and running backs in the Your Prep Sports area started the series it continues today with a look at some of the best returning pass catchers in the area.

In the next few days five other position groups, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, defensive back and special teams will all be featured.

Here is a look at three of the top returning pass catchers in the Your Prep Sports for 2023.

Jackson Naeve

Senior, Regina

Naeve became not just one of the best receivers in Class 1A last season but one of the most dangerous overall offensive weapons in a standout junior season.

Used primarily as an outside receiver, Naeve led Regina in receptions (31), receiving yards (550) and touchdown receptions (8) but made an impact in the running game as well as on special teams.

Naeve lined up in the backfield at times rushing for 181 yards and averaged 19.9 yards per kick off return, taking one kickoff back for a touchdown.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Naeve has great hands and is a precise route runner making him one of the most difficult receivers to defend in Class 1A.

Naeve ranks fourth among returning players in 1A in both receiving yards and touchdown receptions and will be one of the focal points of the Regina offense this fall.

Carsen Newton

Senior, City High 

After emerging as one of the most reliable receiving weapons for the Little Hawks last season Newton will look to become an even bigger part of the Little Hawk passing attack this fall.

Newton led City High with 39 receptions a year ago and tied for the team lead with six touchdown grabs while ranking second on the team with 497 receiving yards.

The speedy Newton ranks in the top seven among returning 5A players in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns and should be in for a big senior season after hitting stride late last season.

Newton had 33 receptions for 438 yards and all six of his touchdowns catches over the final six games of the season highlighted by a career-high 11 reception, 73-yard performance in an opening-round playoff loss at Johnston.

Over the final six games Newton had at least three receptions five times and had touchdown receptions in four different games.

Trenton Schutte

Senior, West Branch

This article says top ‘receivers’ however ‘pass catchers’ would be a better descriptor because regardless of whether Schutte lines up at tight end or receiver the West Branch senior is a playmaker in the passing game.

Schutte ranked third on the team with 23 receptions last season and was second with 268 yards to go with a touchdown.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Schutte has a combination of size, speed, athleticism and physicality that makes him a mismatch for defenders.

Expect Schutte to be a factor in the run game with his block at the line of scrimmage but as the only Bear returning with double digit receptions the senior tight end will also be a key element of the West Branch passing attack.

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