2023 Rankings Breakdown: San Diego Edition

I’ve seen a lot of quality football players this spring and was excited to see Prep Redzone’s <a href="https://prepredzone.com/california/rankings/2023-rankings/">updated class of 2023 rankings</a>. The rankings were released last week and here are my thoughts on the players in the San Diego Section on the list, and maybe some guys who are underrated who could be on the list. <ul> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="145133" first="Jeremiah" last="McClure"] from St. Augustine is the highest ranked San Diego player on the list. McClure didn’t get a lot of chances to showcase his talent as a sophomore for the Saints but performed well at the National Preps Showcase in San Diego in February. He looked good as a defensive back in three games this spring and he should have a breakout junior season.</li> <li>Lincoln outside linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="25424" first="David" last="Peevy"] had his stock rise after a very strong sophomore spring for the Hornets. He dislocated his shoulder in the season finale against St. Augustine, but he should be rested and ready to go this fall and be an even bigger part of the Hornets’ defense. He will definitely pick up some offers this summer or at least after his junior season.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="145169" first="Marcus" last="Ratcliffe"] is a big safety prospect from Cathedral Catholic. The Dons do a fantastic job of mixing their coverages and Ratcliffe excels in all of them. He is an elite cover one free safety who flies to the ball and also can come up and play man-to-man as a strong safety. His length helps him bat down deep balls and he has an offer from San Diego State.</li> <li>Lincoln running back [player_tooltip player_id="145173" first="Roderick" last="Robinson"] is a load at 220 pounds. He runs downhill and it takes more than one defender to bring him down. He also has very good speed for his size and is efficient with his jukes and moves. He reminds me of a shorter Le’Veon Bell from his Steelers days.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="2472" first="Samuel" last="Cooper"] had a lot of buzz after his freshman season and played very well last spring. He has a slow release but a very good arm. He throws a good deep ball and is accurate on shorter routes. He runs like a running back and knows how to make defenders miss. He is the best dual threat quarterback in San Diego in the class.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="145194" first="Cayden" last="Dawson"] is a tight end who could split out and be a receiver if need be. He is good at jump balls and runs crisp routes. I expect him to be a bigger part of the offense this fall.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="25445" first="Chris" last="Snyder"] and [player_tooltip player_id="145192" first="Surahz" last="Buncom"] are two very good young receivers for Mater Dei Catholic. Snyder was the number two receiver for the Crusaders this spring and Buncom was the third receiver. Buncom is more of a deep threat and Snyder is a very good route runner who is sure-handed. Snyder has six offers and Buncom has one from Pittsburgh.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="25435" first="Jonah" last="Rodriguez"] is a left tackle with incredible strength for his class. He blocks down in the running game and pancakes guys without leaning too far forward. He is also a good pass blocker who played well against the top teams in the region like Lincoln, Cathedral Catholic and St. Augustine. Rodriguez has offers from San Jose State and San Diego State.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="145201" first="Victory" last="Johnson"] was impressive in just three spring games for Bishops of La Jolla. Watching his tape it is clear that he has mastered the fundamentals of being a linebacker. He reads his guards well, has a good drop step, gets to his spots quickly in zone coverage. Taking those fundamentals with his elite sideline-to-sideline speed and you have a great college prospect. Arizona State recently offered Johnson.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="25440" first="Misael" last="Sandoval"] is a massive right tackle from St. Augustine who moves well in the running game and terrifies linebackers. He is 6-foot-6 and around 320 pounds who is solid at all aspects of the game. He has an offer from San Diego State.</li> <li>Mater Dei Catholic quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="145214" first="Dominic" last="Nankil"] is a basketball guy who was the JV quarterback for the Crusaders last season. He learned from three-year starter Trevor Appelman and has patiently waited his turn. He already has an offer from New Mexico State and will have two great weapons in Snyder and Buncom to throw to this fall.</li> <li>Steele Canyon running back [player_tooltip player_id="145237" first="Major" last="Givens"] was on my "top rushers in Southern California" list multiple times this spring. He has breakaway speed when he gets into the open field and is patient when finding cutback lanes and dodging defenders.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="25377" first="Chris" last="Fewell"] bounced back and forth from JV to varsity this spring for Lincoln and has a lot of upside. He is a good pass rusher and maintains the edge well in the running game. I am excited to see more of him this fall.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="25451" first="Joaquin" last="Thomas"] is now at Granite Hills after beginning his career at Helix. He is a smaller running back and I don’t know if he is a track guy or not, but he has elite football speed and yes there is a difference. He had five rushing touchdowns as a sophomore for Granite Hills and played along side good dual threat quarterback Justus McComb.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="145244" first="Jaylen" last="Hall"] is the opposite of Thomas, transferred to Helix from Granite Hills. He has track level speed and can be a kick returner, receiver, defensive back and play just about anywhere you ask him to. He is a three-sport athlete at Helix which I love.</li> <li>Scripps Ranch will give the quarterback reigns to [player_tooltip player_id="145247" first="Jax" last="Leatherwood"] after reliable starter Luke Durkin graduates. Leatherwood already has a college-ready body at 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds. He stands tall in the pocket, has a quick release and is accurate. I am excited to see him get some meaningful snaps for Scripps Ranch this fall.</li> </ul>