Program Prospect Preview: Elk Grove Thundering Herd

Elk Grove high school is one of the most dominant programs in the entire state and is returning many top FBS caliber players on both sides of the ball along with a handful of other college level athletes. Lead by a big and physical offensive line and a back that has Power Five abilities, the Thundering Herd should make a big push deep into the SJS playoffs during the Fall 2021 season. Below, we will break down the film of some of the top returning players that will be on the 2021 team and will make a big impact this Fall.   OL [player_tooltip player_id="25423" first="Simione" last="Pale"], 2023 Pale is one of the most dominant offensive lineman in the 2023 class across the entire state. Already holding offers from Oregon and Oregon State, he projects as a guard at the next level and should make an impact as soon as he steps foot on a college campus. On tape, he is a mauler that wins with initial punch and a a strong base/good leg drive while able to sustain blocks downfield and finish with good physicality. He has an explosive first step and plays with surprisingly good pad level for his size while quick to snap his hands/chest in pass pro. He will most likely turn into a National Recruit in the coming months.   RB/QB Ethan Archuleta, 2022 Archuleta made the switch to quarterback this year in the option based offense ran by the Herd, and showed once again he has elite speed and short area quickness near the LOS while able to have a chance to make big plays every time he touches the ball. Also a physical and high motor defender, he projects on the offensive side of the ball at the next level. The '22 prospect is very versatile and shows a terrific initial burst and third level speed, while able to run through arm tackles and make defenders miss in the box while showing strong hands/body control while catching the ball out of the slot. He is a well put together player that has next level abilities.   RB Zeke Burnett, 2022 Zeke is one of the top backs in Northern California regardless of class. Already holding offers from the likes of Nevada, Colorado and Fresno state, he is a very balanced runner that has Power Five abilities. Running behind his pads with natural forward lean, Burnett has great first level acceleration and vision in traffic while effective in either a power run or zone scheme. He also shows good foot quickness and lateral movement abilities while able to catch the ball out of the backfield from awkward body angles. Running through contact, he does not absorb contact and gets vertical in a hurry.   DL Nilasoni Finau, 2022 Nilasoni just picked up his first offer from Northern Colorado last week and has a FBS ceiling. Having ideal size for the nose tackle position, he moves very well for his size and is strong at the point of attack. Explosive out of his stance, he plays with a low pad level and heavy hands while able to lock out blockers and violently shed when needed while athletic enough to two gap. More of a run defender, he is twitchy enough to turn into a interior pass rusher and should see his recruiting stock rise in the coming months.   OL Champ Ulufalu, 2022 Ulufalu is another top offensive lineman in Northern California and has D1 potential at the next level. Also projected as a guard, he moves very well for his size and is athletic enough to pull/block in space while able to drive block and create immediate knock-back on interior defenders. Already having good size at the position, he will continue to add size and will thrive in the right system. Heavy handed and showing good feet while keeping a strong base through out his blocks and controlling defenders, it will be very interesting to see the first FBS school to pull the trigger on offering him.   LB/Edge Pita Vi, 2022 One of the most unknown prospects in all of Norcal, Vi is a big time hitter and one of the most explosive and physical second level defenders across the region. Having ideal size for the next level, he projects as a rush end or inside linebacker. On tape, he shows terrific natural instincts while able to play off the edge and is a natural bender while flashing a quick use of hands and can convert speed to power when working against bigger tackles. Showing good closing speed, he brings a good thump upon contact and explodes through ball carriers. He also shows good change of direction abilities and is a still developing player that has tons of untapped potential.   WR/OLB Gio Bellecci, 2022 Bellicci is a rangy prospect that has nice upside at the next level due to length and range. Showing good ball skills and high point ability, he is a long strider that can make contested catches and has D-III+ level abilities. At 6'2"+ he has a good combination of height and athletic ability while playing with a very high football IQ and natural instincts while a mismatch as an outside receiver.   OL Payton Maze, 2022 Maze is very smart and athletic prospect that shows good first step explosion out of his stance and can play tackle or guard at the next level depending on what level he is playing at. A high motor player with good natural bend in the hips and ankles, he finishes blocks well and is light on his feet through out his run progression and can sustain blocks through the first level while snapping his hands in pass pro and showing good inside hand placement.     Other Prospects To Watch.... OL/DL Kylan Fontes, 2022 WR/DB Niko Perez, 2023