WAVERLY - Justin Vetter wants to pursue a career in marketing and sales once the curtain closes on his college career at Wartburg.

But when it comes to promoting his worth on the football field, Vetter leaves the sales pitch to his teammates. The senior receiver sells himself through hard work and his production on Saturday afternoons.

"It seems he catches every single ball that's thrown to him," fellow receiver Dan Bauder said. "There's not many people out there that can say they've caught every ball thrown to them.

"When this guy has a chance to make a play, he makes a play. He's amazing."

Used as a second, third or even fourth option in the passing game the past two years, Vetter has become quarterback Nick Yordi's top target this fall.

Going into Saturday's homecoming game against Loras, the 6-foot-2 Vetter has hauled in 28 catches for 519 yards and four touchdowns. His 86.5 yards receiving per game is tops in the Iowa Conference.

"Justin has really emerged as a big-play receiver this year," Yordi said. "In tough situations or when we're down in a game, he's the guy I look to. I've developed a relationship with Justin where I know he's going to make a big play for me no matter where I put that ball."

Case in point was last week versus Coe.

After posting a 72-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter, Vetter turned a short slant pass from Yordi into what eventually was a game-winning, 67-yard TD catch in the third period.

"Looking back, it was probably the biggest catch I've ever had," Vetter said.

By day's end, the Nashua-Plainfield alum had four catches for a career-high 160 yards - two less yards than he totaled his entire sophomore season.

"It's fun to score touchdowns and catch a lot of balls," said Vetter, who hadn't reached the end zone in a game prior to this season. "I knew I was helping the team the best way I could there."

Unlike some elite receivers who rely on lightning-quick speed or a distinct height advantage, Vetter has an alternative method.

"I try to run good routes, try to focus on change of direction and body position," he said.

In addition to that, head coach Rick Willis attributes it to hard work.

"He's got a tremendous work ethic," Willis said. "He sets a great example for how he approaches things. He's a smart player, a good leader and obviously has demonstrated the ability to make plays."

Vetter was a quarterback in high school until the final week of his senior season.

"I was sick of quarterback," he said.

Vetter moved to receiver and had 10 receptions in his last game at Nashua-Plainfield. Still, he came into his first fall camp at Wartburg uncertain of his role or his abilities.

"I was pretty nervous because I didn't really know the position at all," he said. "I didn't even know if I could catch the ball consistently.

"It was a big change for me. It was a lot more running."

He spent his freshman season gaining experience on the junior varsity squad. As a sophomore, he was part of the Knights' three- and four-receiver sets, finishing the year with 15 receptions for 162 yards.

Vetter took on a more significant role last season until separating his shoulder in the league opener against Buena Vista. The initial diagnosis revealed he would need surgery and miss the remainder of the year.

After a second opinion, he rested the shoulder for nearly a month before returning to the lineup.

"The whole time I was out, it was terrible," Vetter said. "I just wanted to be out there."

He came back to end the year with 18 catches for 209 yards.

However, with the graduation of receivers Kyle Duchman, Nick Weber and Jeff Lahr, Vetter realized his role in the offense would expand this season.

So far, it's happened nearly every week.

Besides the Buena Vista game, Vetter has caught at least four passes in each contest. He even had a career-high 10 receptions for 127 yards against Cornell three weeks ago.

"We work hard to get him open," Bauder said, "and he just keeps making plays, It's unreal."

Vetter hopes the journey can end with a trip to the postseason - something he's never experienced in high school or college.

For that to be a possibility, Wartburg will need to win its final four games … and then wait to see if it's enough.

"If we take care of business, we're going to be right there to accomplish our goals," Vetter said. "We're still working hard and keeping our eye on the prize.

"It's not over yet."

That is Vetter's sales pitch.

Contact Matt Coss at (319) 291-1468 or matt.coss@wcfcourier.com