Jerreth

Sterns

Many were surprised to see Sterns (5'9/195) not invited to the combine after the impressive chemistry he and Hilltoppers QB Bailey Zappe built, but that doesn’t mean he’s not catching the attention of scouts and analysts alike. According to PFF, Sterns has the most receiving yards in a season by a Group of Five wide receiver (1,891 yards in 2021).

Sterns (5'9/195) was one of the Combine’s biggest snubs after leading the nation in receiving last season with a line of 148-1891-17. Sterns saw 92.9% of his snaps come from the slot per PFF.com, and reportedly also showed well in the vertical jump at his pro day workout. Sterns had a chance to show his skills at the Shrine Bowl in February, and was dubbed a “winner” of the week by Shrine Bowl Director of Football Operations Eric Galko. Whether or not he hears his name called in the draft, Sterns will find himself on an NFL roster come training camp. A strong pro day and solid 2021 could get him into the Day 3 conversation.

Sterns (5'9/195) was quarterback Bailey Zappe’s right-hand man at WKU -- either one will call the other the best player at their respective position in the country because of how well the chemistry they had worked. Sterns has been especially clutch in the red zone according to PFF, recording the most red zone targets without a drop since 2020 (34).

It’s almost certain that Galko gets an earful of prospect takes from NFL scouts and executives during the Shrine Bowl, and he took to Twitter on Wednesday to share a few things he observed over that week. One of his observations was related to Sterns (5'9"/195), who was inexplicably snubbed from the NFL Scouting Combine despite leading the nation in receiving in 2021. Galko said that Sterns was able to show good vertical separation and deep speed, which came as a surprise to some scouts, and made him a big winner from the event. These kinds of praises only make it worse that Sterns won’t get to display his skills at the combine, but hopefully a solid Pro Day will show he is worth of a team’s draft pick this spring.

Sterns (5'9"/195) put together an all-time season in his one year at the FBS level. He combined with Bailey Zappe to break a multitude of records, eventually ending up with a ridiculous stat line of 150 catches, 1902 yards and 17 touchdowns. He might not be the biggest or fastest guy out there, but his production was absolutely undeniable, and there is a place for guys that just get open and produce no matter how they do it, just ask Cooper Kupp. For the guy that won the receiving triple crown at the FBS level (led the FBS in receptions, yards and touchdowns) to be snubbed is a bit ridiculous. Draft Bible’s Robert Gregson also listed Nebraska’s Samori Toure, Oklahoma State’s Tay Martin, Middle Tennessee State’s Reed Blankenship, Alabama A&M’s Aqeel Glass, Sacred Heart’s Julius Chestnut and Lenoir-Rhyne’s Dareke Young.

No surprise here as Sterns (5'9/195) and Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe were the best QB/WR tandem in all of College Football by connecting for over 1,900 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Houston Baptist transfer is one-and-done in his first year with the Hilltoppers as he was named first-team All-Conference USA that ended with a win over Appalachian State in Boca Raton Bowl. Sterns doesn’t have a large frame, but his speed and route-running abilities could make a viable three-option deep threat in the NFL.

Sterns (5'9/195) had the kind of game that only adds to your NFL prospect profile ahead of draft season, catching three touchdown passes on the afternoon in a game that featured six touchdown passes from quarterback Bailey Zappe. Sterns’ longest score of the day came late in the third quarter when he and Zappe hooked up on a short hitch route that Sterns took for a 37-yard touchdown after slipping a tackler on his way to the end zone. Sterns’ 2021 season ends with a receiving line of 150 receptions for 1,901 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Sterns (5'9/195) has been the lead guy for a Hilltoppers offense that has thrown for over 5,500 yards this season. His 1,707 receiving yards not only leads Conference USA, but the country, with Utah State wide receiver tailing him by 100 yards at 1,607. Sterns has caught 14 touchdowns on the season, while also leading the nation in receptions (135) and targets (169). Perhaps most impressive is Stern’s hands, which have proven to be vice grips, as he’s dropped just three passes on the year per Pro Football Focus. Sterns will make for an interesting prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s seen 93.4% of his snaps come in the slot, which could workout well for one lucky team in today’s pass heavy league. Sterns and the Hilltoppers take on Appalachian State in the Boca Raton Bowl on December 18th.

Sterns (5'9/195) was largely held in check in the first half, as the Hilltoppers only managed one touchdown through the first two quarters, which came on their opening possession. With the Hilltoppers in comeback mode for the entirety of the second-half, Sterns caught touchdown passes for 13 and 34 yards in the third and fourth quarters, and also hauled in a beautifully caught pass on a contested catch which resulted in a two point conversion early in the third quarter to cut UTSA’s lead to 42-34. Sterns has been one of the most productive receivers in the nation playing in head coach Tyson Helton’s air raid offense. Sterns has now caught 136 passes for 1,710 yards and 14 touchdowns, and will look to add to that total in Western Kentucky’s upcoming bowl game.

Sterns (5'9"/195) continued his stellar season, going over 100 yards for the seventh time this year. He’s been the main beneficiary of Zappe’s absurd season, with 1500+ yards this year already to go along with 12 touchdowns. Sterns has a shot to lead the entire CFB in receiving yards this year, and he’s done it with constant catches as he’s also well over 100 receptions for the year. His touchdown in this one was more of a run, as he took the short toss to the sideline, juking two would be tacklers before walking into the end zone. He’s got speed and elusiveness for days, and he displays that every time he takes the field. He’ll take on Marshall next, with a good chance to cement his place atop the yardage boards.