Sophomore Stock Risers

The 2023 class in Arizona is stacked with raw talent all across the board. Many of these guys went toe-to-toe with power 5 committed seniors and produced. Usually it’s rare to see a sophomore take control of a game, but not for these guys. Take a look at 5 sophomores who have been seeing a big spark in their recruitment:<img class="alignright wp-image-64677" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/IMG_4635-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="206" height="275" /> [player_tooltip player_id="42934" first="Cole" last="Martin"], ATH, Hamilton HS There’s reason he’s the #1 sophomore in Arizona, as his 19 offers speak for themself. He is a very complete football player all around. At CB, he shows loose hips, fast twitch, excellent change of direction, breaks on the ball exceptionally well, can open the hips and tun and run with receivers, great ball skills and solid physicality. He aids in run support and is just a flat out playmaker. As a return specialist, Martin had numerous big time returns. He is extremely elusive and shifty in open space, making opponents look silly. He has solid top end speed and is a threat every time he touches the ball. He will play CB at the next level, but is a threat every Friday night the entire time he's on the field. The majority of his offers are from power 5 programs, and he will be one of the most followed prospects in the nation come his senior year. [player_tooltip player_id="42924" first="Kyler" last="Kasper"], WR, Williams Field HS Kasper has exceptional length at 6’5" 185lbs, and is your prototypical X or Z. He shows a solid burst off the LOS, and explodes into his routes generating separation. He’s a very clean route runner overall with good route integrity, and does a good job getting stacked over DB’s. He displayed very reliable hands as he made numerous one-hand/athletic catches throughout the season. Kasper has an excellent leaping ability with body control, constantly high pointing and hauling in contested balls. Very good technique as a route runner and pass catcher with solid speed overall. Kasper does a phenomenal job staying on and finishing blocks with violence. On film, he’s frequently taken opponents out of the play. He shows solid physicality at the LOS to get off pressed CB’s and transitions into his route well. Kasper has that dog mentality as a sophomore, and is an extremely well-rounded WR. In October, he snagged 3 offers in 3 consecutive days from Iowa State, Iowa, and Arizona State. [player_tooltip player_id="42902" first="Devon" last="Dampier"], QB, Pinnacle HS Dampier really matured throughout his sophomore season. He did a good job hitting receivers in stride with solid timing, often throwing them open. He has good arm strength, as he has shown the ability to hit deep outs with velocity and placement. He likes to escape the pocket often, and did a very good job extending plays and throwing on the run with accuracy. He shows a smooth release and did a good job getting the ball out quick when he needed to. He can hit all 3 levels of throws with velocity or touch, and will only continue to progress as a passer. On the ground, he did a good job deciding when to abandon the pass and tuck it and go to pick up solid chunks of yards. He ran read options well, and shows a nice burst through the hole when he decides to pull it. He most recently was offered by Northern Arizona, and should pile up more offers soon.<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-24527" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-2-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> [player_tooltip player_id="42909" first="Deric" last="English"], WR, Mountain Ridge HS English has a solid frame and length at 6’4" 210lbs. His position maturity is highly impressive. He does a good job setting up his routes, and can hit a quick 3 to change direction or emphasize a stick at the top of the route, both generating solid separation. He gets his head around quick with coordination and gets upfield after the catch. He can take the top off a defense as well, as he shows long strides to get downfield with a large catch radius. Good leaping ability with strong, athletic hands to haul in contested balls. He is physical at contact, and utilizes a mean stiff arm. English has most recently been offered by Northern Arizona, was offered by the University of Arizona in November, and holds anther offer form Morgan State. [player_tooltip player_id="42908" first="James" last="Durand"], OL, Basha HS Durand has a thick, strong frame at 6’4" 280lbs. He has solid position versatility along the OL with the ability to adapt and move around. He does a good job getting leverage on his opponents and utilizing his strength. He shows solid hand placement and picks up stunts well. Durand possesses solid power and drive in the run game, and did a good job pulling or getting to the back of the box or second level to engage. He shows a good pass set and holds his ground very well even against strong opponents. Colleges will like his versatility and IQ, as he will only continue to develop and get better. He was offered by Northern Arizona last week, and picked up an offer from New Mexico back in April. He should see a major spike in his recruitment soon.