Rankings Update (August): 2023 Newcomers

As the 2023 class inches closer and closer to their Junior year, we have also had more time to digest each of their sophomore seasons. Not only have we had this time to do so, but college programs have had time to do so as well. This has resulted in offers, as well as increased interest in specific prospects. In our August Rankings Update, we have included a few of our favorite prospects who we feel have been most worthy of being added to our Rankings, and who will find ways to climb the ladder as time goes by. Feel free to check them out, as well as the other players we have added. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="165706" first="Zavion" last="Hardy"] (DL)- </b><i>Tatnall Square Academy</i> Perhaps one of the most desirable traits that Hardy possesses is his length, frame, and ability to fire off of the edge. His burst, and ability to use his feet to beat offensive linemen allows him to get to the passer, or create pressure. Hardy has great strength for his age as well, which helps him to beat opposing players, and rip off of blocks, helping him to make tackles in pursuit, as well as down the field. Next season, not only do we think he will continue to dominate, but he will be able to further prove why he is worthy of being added, and ranked 8th overall in our new update. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="165705" first="Marcus" last="Washington"] (LB)- </b><i>Grovetown</i> As much as we love watching Washington play on the offensive side of the ball, we think he will certainly be a better LB moving forward. This is due to the fact that he plays with good bend, balance, and a natural awareness of the game at hand. This allows him to be able to react well, make tackles in pursuit, or when he has to come down and lower his shoulder against ball carriers. Paired with this, his vision, and the angles and leverage he takes helps him to be very effective, and borderline dominant against his competition. To add to this, he plays aggressive, and very well in space. He also has ball skills, and the ability to change direction that you would like to see out of a player of his build. 2021 should be a big season for him, but until then, we think he is worthy of being placed 7th overall in our new rankings. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="165708" first="Kelton" last="Smith"] (OL)- </b><i>Carver</i> This time around, as we have added Smith to our rankings for the first time, we have made sure to place him properly, ranking him 29th overall. His quick feet off of the snap of the ball, as well as the way he is able to play at a good base, while also using his wide frame to his advantage, can all be seen to be rare factors in a prospect of his size, and age. Smith also does a good job of using his hands, and extending his arms without being outleveraged. The way he rolls his hips off of the snap of the ball, and translates his strength into his blocks is also great to see, which only further solidifies his place on this list, separating him from other players in his class that play the same position. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="165707" first="AJ" last="Hoffler"] (DL)- </b><i>Woodward Academy</i> Hoffler’s aggressive playing style was enough to catch our eye this time around, awarding him with a ranking of 28th overall in the 2023 class. Not only does he turn the edge very well, but he has good speed off of the edge. Even though he can be a bit tight hipped at times, his feet help him to place himself in a good position to make tackles. When rushing the passer, he uses various pass rush moves, rips off blocks, and uses his strength to overpower opposing players, causing them to be out leveraged. Next season, expect him to be able to expand on each of these abilities, which would make him even more dominant than he already is.