Scholar Ballers

Nick Rock April 8, 2021 @ 03:33 PM

There’s a ton of kids that can step on the field and ball out, but how many bring that same energy to the classroom? To maintain a 4.0 GPA and produce on the field is a very difficult task, and it should most definitely be acknowledged. All of these guys have showed both athletic and academic success, and it will only help them in their recruiting process. Take a look at some athletes who can produce on the field and in the classroom: [player_tooltip player_id="42801" first="Michael" last="Masunas"], TE, 6’5" 240lbs, Hamilton HS ’22<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-64677" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/IMG_4635-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> In the classroom, Masunas holds a current 4.16 GPA and translates his hard work from the classroom to the field. He sizes up with a strong, athletic frame with excellent length. He’s a natural pass catcher and a true power 5 talent, and he will have a huge role for Hamilton this upcoming season. He’s a polished blocker with excellent functional strength, as he translates that weight room strength to the field nicely. He did a good job working the flats and getting upfield after the catch with solid physicality his junior season. He has strong, reliable hands and has been continuing to impress and get better this offseason. He recently won overall MVP at the National Preps Showcase in Phoenix, and holds around 9 offers thus far. [player_tooltip player_id="42842" first="Brandon" last="Craddock"], LB, 6’0" 210lbs, O’Connor HS ’22 Craddock is one of the best LB’s in the state and holds a 4.0 GPA. He was able to rack up 141 total tackles last year as a junior and displayed excellent instincts and reaction with the ability to make plays sideline to sideline. He has a very high football IQ with the ability to diagnose plays. He has a solid striking ability and is a very effective tackler, as he can make tackles in the open field or fill an alley to stuff a run. He translates weight room strength to the field and is a very good athlete all around. He holds an offer from Morgan State, and is fresh off an offer from Yale, as he is part of the "My Recruits" program with long time player advocate Coach Perrone. Craddock holds a very high ceiling and projects to be one of the top LB’s in Arizona this upcoming season. [player_tooltip player_id="42834" first="Xander" last="Georgoulis"], RB, 5’10" 170lbs, Sunnyslope HS ’22 Georgoulis holds a very impressive 4.63 GPA, and his production is equally as good on the field. He was a key part of a very successful Sunnyslope team in 2020. He accelerates well through the hole and possesses nice top end speed for big play ability, as he busted loose for numerous big runs on the year. He has a nice burst and is slippery through tight spaces, and shows excellent vision for narrow developing holes. He’s flashed a nice change of direction to stop or cut on a dime without losing speed. He was a threat as a pass catcher and he showed the ability to run routes and catch the ball out of the backfield as well. Very good athlete all around and should draw some Ivy League attention.<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="100722" first="Jimmy" last="Lerblance"], ATH, 5’10" 160lbs, Benson HS ’22 Lerblance is small school 2A kid from Benson, Arizona that works his tail off in everything he does. He maintains a 4.25 GPA and is doing all the right things in the classroom and on the field to draw attention. Lerblance was an absolute ball hawk in 2A, helping Benson make a nice playoff run. He did a tremendous job reading the QB’s eyes, and also displayed solid route and concept recognition. He showed good ball skills all around as a CB. He could continue to add some run support film, as he’ll have a big opportunity to be a big time two-way player next season for Benson. Could continue to put on weight, but holds solid potential going forward. [player_tooltip player_id="100650" first="Cooper" last="Ross"], TE/DE, 6’6" 240lbs, Heritage Academy ’22 Ross is a dual sport athlete with a 4.0 GPA and tremendous size. If you don’t know, Heritage plays 8-man football, which makes it very tough for Ross to get recruited. However, the production is phenomenal, as he was able to haul in 34 receptions for 635 yards and 15 TD’s in just a 7 game season. He’s probably the most dominant 8-man player in the state, and is only continuing to get better. He was a complete mismatch in terms of size, speed, football IQ and athleticism over everyone in 8-man. He’s shown the ability to snag athletic catches, as well as the ability to be a feared blocker in the run game to finish blocks to the ground. He’s a man amongst boys, and projects to have a breakout senor campaign.<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-46178" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_20200825_161759832_HDR-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> Other 4.0 or above players that notified us are: [player_tooltip player_id="42788" first="Devin" last="Brown"], QB, 6’3" 190lbs, Queen Creek HS (USC Commit) ’22 [player_tooltip player_id="42793" first="Nason" last="Coleman"], TE, 6’3" 200lbs, Chandler HS ’22 [player_tooltip player_id="42798" first="Treyson" last="Bourguet"], QB, 6’2" 185lbs, Salpointe Catholic ’22 [player_tooltip player_id="42806" first="Ridge" last="Docekal"], QB, 6’3" 210lbs, Saguaro HS ’22 [player_tooltip player_id="42948" first="Levi" last="Robins"], DB, 5’10" 175lbs, Saguaro HS ’23 Jonathan Blohm, OL/DL, 5’10" 225lbs, Horizon HS ’23 Collin Shannon, LB, 5’11" 185lbs, Liberty HS ’22 [player_tooltip player_id="100698" first="Connor" last="Ferguson"], ATH, 5’8" 150lbs, Coolidge HS ’22 [player_tooltip player_id="131655" first="Davis" last="Rubel"], K, 6’0" 170lbs, Millenium HS ’22 (5.47 GPA)