2024 Stock Risers: August Update

Going into the 2021 football season, the 2024 recruiting class will be playing their sophomore seasons. As one could imagine, this class, as young as it is, already has it’s fair share of budding stars. Over time, we at PrepRedzone have managed to further evaluate, and add additional players to our rankings. In doing so, some of the top players in the class have both fallen, and climbed up the rankings. Players have begun to separate themselves from the other prospects in their class, and even among their position group. Because they have already managed to do so off of freshman tape, and full offseasons, we have no doubt that they will shine this upcoming season. Below, we have added a few of the players in which we think best deserved to see their stock rise. We doubt you’ll be disappointed. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="137438" first="KJ" last="Bolden"] (WR)- </b>Buford Bolden is a very fast, and twitchy player. In short area situations, his shiftiness helps him to gain good yards, and put defenders in the spin cycle. With this, his overall burst, and the way he gets out of his breaks with his footwork is impressive for his young age. Bolden also displays good vision, as he is able to read how defenders take angles, and is able to track the ball cleanly as well. After the catch, Bolden has already been a weapon for Buford’s team, and will likely continue to be moving forward. In this version of our rankings, he has seen a jump from 5th overall, to 3rd. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="137476" first="Reece" last="Fountain"] (QB)-</b> Rome It should come as no shocker that Fountain has managed to climb up our list. Despite being a bit raw due to being a freshman, he does a good job of pushing the ball downfield, and making deep strikes. He has a decent release, and the arm strength he has is good enough to fit the ball in tight windows, and at places on the field that most would deem as college level throws. The way he squares his shoulders certainly needs a bit of improvement, but as a young prospect, the poise and pocket presence he has is still impressive. His footwork is okay for his age, but we love the way he finds the open man. His mechanics, and overall body movement is predominantly fluid, and developmental, which we think is a good sign. Because of all of this, we have moved him from 3rd in his class, to 2nd overall. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="137450" first="Terrence" last="Cunningham"] (DL)-</b> Providence This time around, Cunningham has seen a bump from 10th overall in our previous rankings, to 9th. When watching him, it is evident that he has strengths in rushing the passer, and pushing the pocket. Even though he is a bit stiff, his brute strength, and the way he uses his hands and arms, can be viewed as special for his age. Off of the ball, Cunningham is very explosive, and the way that he attacks the ball carrier and passer is something to keep an eye on as he further develops in his frame, and ability. Cunningham is also solid in pursuit, and he does a good job of using his speed and athleticism to help him make plays. When doing so, he allows for his solid build to help him become effective. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="137458" first="Christian" last="Woods"] (LB)- </b>Cartersville For a 2024 prospect, Woods has decent bend, and it has become evident that the way he moves with fluid athleticism, and plays with a head full of steam, is something that sets him apart from other players in his class. Woods has moved up one ranking spot this time around, and can now see himself at 20th overall. When evaluating his film, it can be seen that he does a good job of shuffling, and he reads the plays well in live time. He also plays with good discipline, and he wraps up well on ball carriers as he makes tackles. Woods also does a solid job of shooting gaps, and playing with an edge. Next season, we think he will continue to grow into his ability, further justifying our current ranking of him on our list.