Roster Breakdown: JWP Bulldogs

<strong>JANESVILLE, MN-- </strong>It may not have been the season the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Bulldogs were looking for in 2020, but now with that in the rearview mirror, the Bulldogs are full-speed ahead to the 2021 season. It’s no surprise that the Bulldogs are a young team, but most young teams haven’t logged the varsity playing time; in my opinion, this 2021 Bulldogs team has logged over the last few seasons. We dive into the prospect list that will make this team a possible contender in 2021. <strong>PROSPECT LIST</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="49851" first="Dawson" last="Slaughter"], OL/DL (2022)</strong> Slaughter will be the anchor of the Bulldogs on both sides of the line in the 2021 season. Slaughter has a sound pulling ability to maneuver some dudes around the line to pave the way for his tailback [player_tooltip player_id="112109" first="Ryder" last="Thissen"]. Slaughter is a prospect that I want to see more of his finishing ability on the line because I think this kid is loaded with potential. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2ES3hh">Junior Tape</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="49961" first="Austin" last="Westphal"], ATH (2022)</strong> Westphal is the do-it-all player for the Bulldogs. He has been a four-year starter at cornerback since junior high and, offensively, can line up anywhere you want him to, and he will have success. Westphal also shows off an intense burst wherever he is on the football field and is tough as nails, which is a vital trait you want out of your captain. From what I have seen on tape, Westphal is a good jammer off the line. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2DgxAP">Tape vs. Bethlehem Academy</a> <strong>Eli Blaisdell, WR/DB (2022)</strong> Blaisdell is another two-way prospect that I believe is the best fit at wide receiver due to his reactive ability to turn quickly when the football is coming his way. Blaisdell did see some reps at cornerback but should return to the secondary in 2021. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2C7Bkr">Highlight Tape</a> <strong>Jon Daschner, ATH/LB (2022)</strong> Daschner doesn’t have much film to give me much of a perspective on his game, but he was an active special teams participant and played some linebacker as a junior. Daschner shows some potential for the Bulldogs in his footwork which could fit into their plans offensively. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FA67U">Tape</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="22946" first="Karson" last="Lindsay"], QB/DB (2023)</strong> Lindsay, in my eyes, is the core leader of the bread and butter that will make the Bulldogs tick in 2021. His athleticism when he makes his passes is what sticks out to me. He has so much strength in his arsenal regarding his throwing ability; the sky’s the limit for this kid. Lindsay has excellent mobility and is durable (6’0 210) in the pocket. A little work on his mechanics and this kid will rise even higher in my Mankato Area QB rankings. Lindsay is also a sizeable cornerback with the added vertical to stack up against the taller wide receivers. He is textbook when it comes to his tackling ability, especially when he has the momentum to drive the player with the football to the ground with ease. Lindsay could be a tremendous asset in a few years at this position for some lucky Division I football program. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EfEDt">QB Junior Tape</a> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EfEDt">CB Junior Tape</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="112109" first="Ryder" last="Thissen"], RB/LB (2023)</strong> Thissen is another fundamentally sound tackler from this Bulldogs 2023 class. His outstanding vision on where the quarterback is going with the football is a great reason why he’s a top 10 linebacker in the Class of 2023. I am a big fan of Thissen’s ability to collapse at the line and make a play. Thissen, in my eyes, is a scholarship level player that, if he can make more weight in the weight room, could be a special player. Thissen also is the Bulldogs starting running back that had some great success in 2020. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Eh2MQ">Sophomore Tape</a> <strong>Jack Cahill, LB (2023)</strong> Cahill was an asset on the Bulldogs special teams unit in the 2020 season and suited up at the linebacker position for a few games. Cahill isn’t the biggest linebacker you’ll ever see, but it seems like he plays with some grit. He will be another two-way option for the Bulldogs in his junior season in 2021. <strong>Kelton Erler, ATH (2023)</strong> Similar to Cahill, Erler was another key contributor to the special teams unit for JWP. Will be a competitor on both sides of the ball next season. <strong>Michael VanRavenhorst, DL/OL (2023)</strong> VanRavenhorst looks to be the strong and long frame (6’3, 190) from the Bulldogs special teams unit last season. He lined up as a backup defensive end that could see significantly more snaps in 2021. <strong>Cole Schlueter, OL (2024)</strong> Schlueter could be the next Bulldog on our 2024 rankings and watchlist. An eye-opener last season for the Bulldogs, Schlueter already has a good frame at center as just a freshman. According to a source, Schlueter may not be even close to done growing either and should have a solid sophomore season on both sides of the line for the Bulldogs. <strong>Ryan Kronebach, WR (2024)</strong> Look for Kronebach to be one of [player_tooltip player_id="22946" first="Karson" last="Lindsay"]’s top wide receivers in 2021. Kronebach has reliable hands and a good burst of speed. Lengthy WR at 6’2 150 and has been gym rat this offseason in the weight room. <strong>Ty Melchior, ATH (2024)</strong> Melchior will look to be another part of the special teams unit looking for his spot in the Bulldogs rotation on both sides of the football.