Northern California: Under Recruited 2022 Prospects Pt. I

Photo: Tim Thomas Hudl

Paul Gregorian May 11, 2021 @ 12:24 AM

Northern California has produced many current and past NFL players and countless Division 1 prospects over the years. The 2022 class is no different and is loaded with talent across the region with FBS caliber players in every pocket within this part of the state. Below, we will break down the film of some of the under-recruited prospects in Northern California in the first part of this three part series.   LB [player_tooltip player_id="141932" first="Tim" last="Thomas"], Lincoln-Stockton HS A recent transfer to Lincoln High School, Thomas is one of the most impressive linebackers that Northern California has to offer. Able to line up all over the field at inside linebacker, outside linebacker and strong safety, he is an instinctual player with good fluidity in space while able to run sideline to sideline and track down ball carriers from behind. A physical presence in the box while able to take on and get off blocks while gaining ground, Thomas also shows good open field speed and is a big time hitter that flashes good explosion through his hips upon contact. The 2022 prospect can line up from multiple positions and rush the passer when needed with an active use of hands and understands angles at the top of his rush while also able to drop back and cover. A tackling machine, He is a FBS caliber prospect that will continue to see his recruiting stock rise this season.   OL [player_tooltip player_id="141916" first="Louie" last="Canepa"], Vintage HS Although Canepa has group of five offers already, he is a sure fire Power Five offensive line prospect that can be a multi-year starter at that level. A true natural bender at the position with a strong initial punch and good explosion out of his stance, he is an athletic tackle that flashes quick feet at the first level and can climb and block in space while sustaining blocks well at all levels. One of the most violent and nasty prospects the state has to offer, he is a very balanced player that shows good strength at the POA in pass-pro and keeps a good base and balance against both speed rushers and bull rushes and finishes blocks well. He should collect Power Five offers in the coming months.   OL [player_tooltip player_id="141946" first="Drew" last="Azzopardi"], Serra HS One of the top offensive lineman in Norcal, the Serra product has an ideal frame and athleticism for the FBS level and has added some nice size this off-season. During his Junior season, he was solid in pass pro against all types of rushes and does a good job at recovering with hand placement and lateral movement abilities. In the run game, he plays with good inside hand placement and can drive bigger defenders off the ball with lower body strength and power at the POA while finishing blocks and able to combo/reach in space when needed. Holding offers from Idaho and Southern Utah, he should start to see some FBS offers come his way before he graduates.   QB Matt Macleod, Menlo Atherton HS The 2022 prospect is a very mobile passer with a good pocket presence and overall athleticism for the position. Doing a good job at scanning the field and working through his progressions, he can throw into tight windows and has a quick release while able to push the ball downfield on both in-breaking and outbreaking routes. Macleod can scramble when needed and is elusive outside the pocket while able to make plays with his legs and make defenders miss in the open field. He shows nice touch and velocity on deep balls while able to drop 30+ yard throws into tight windows and throw his receivers open.   ATH [player_tooltip player_id="141925" first="Robert" last="Freeman"], El Cerrito HS Freeman is one of the most electric two-way athletes in the state and is a threat in all three phases of the game. Holding elite top end speed and acceleration through the LOS and in the open field, he flashes big time playmaking abilities and natural instincts in the return game and from his cornerback position. On tape, he shows good vision in traffic while having rare lateral agility and short area movement abilities while able to start and stop in a hurry and run through arm/ankle tackles with good contact balance and body control. He is a FBS caliber athlete that should start to see his recruiting take off going into his Senior season.   QB [player_tooltip player_id="142016" first="Jackson" last="Holt"], Oakdale HS Holt is one of the top pocket passers in the region and will be a steal for a team at the next level. A pocket passer that also shows good mobility, he has an ideal frame for the next level and a strong build already. Showing good mechanics and footwork in the pocket, he does a good job at throwing on the run and puts nice zip on the ball while throwing across his body from off-set positions. Very accurate on short and intermediate throws, he is a very high IQ player that also puts nice touch on balls over the top and can squeeze the ball into tight windows while under pressure. This off-season and Spring season, he has solidified himself as one of the top Pocket Passers in Northern California.