20 Best Missouri 2024s Without an Offer
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I’m excited to be venturing out of my normal recruiting territory for this feature and heading south to the Show-Me State for a PrepRedzone feature focusing the 19 best Missouri sophomores without an offer at this point in time. With the upcoming addition of Missouri to our important Prospect Index – which streamlines the ability for college coaches to find, review, and contact PRZ prospects in our database – I watched and evaluated a lot of MO 2024 film of recruits from Sikeston to Fairfax and everywhere in between. Within the thousands of tapes and hundreds of athletes I was very excited about 19 Missouri natives who had some eye-popping film and looked & played like future Division 1 athletes, so I decided to make an article about it. Also of note, none of these prospects have a college football offer of any kind at the time of this article’s publishing, so we may have some serious sleepers on our hands and I am stoked to be bringing to our Missouri subscribers a real first-look at some of these studs. I also wanted to add that I have an aunt and uncle who raised my cousins and still reside in the tiny town of Fayette, around 30 minutes outside of Columbia, so I’m not without roots in the great state of Missouri, and have for a long time been under the impression that the Show-Me State is one of the most underrated football hotbeds in the nation. With all of that being said, let’s get to know some sophomores who can ball. Thanks for reading.
Jaden Reddell Jaden Reddell 6'5" | 235 lbs | TE Raymore-Peculiar | 2024 State MO (Raymore Peculiar) WR. 6’4, 205 lbs. @JadenReddell
The most impressive of the prospects I watched in preparation for this feature came out of Raymore Peculiar and their sophomore wideout Jaden Reddell Jaden Reddell 6'5" | 235 lbs | TE Raymore-Peculiar | 2024 State MO . Standing at 6’4 and 205 lbs., he’s long, strong, and a smooth & fluid athlete who can use the strength in his lower body to power through tackle attempts and glide past defenders in pursuit. He also has outstanding body control, and can go up and high point the football and remain upright when he comes down with the ball after a tough catch, leading to more YAC after he takes off and runs. He also has great speed and can torch opponents angles with the ball in his hands, and made some impressive contested catches to show off his concentration and soft hands. He can also adjust to and track the ball in the air, and can use his big frame and wide catch radius to make for a complete matchup nightmare for DBs. His strength and athleticism show up in every one of his sophomore highlights and it was an overall very fun tape to watch filled with long runs and completions and a bunch of DBs getting snagged on and embarrassed. Whether his future is at WR or TE he is going to be an impact player at the college level and someone is going to pull the trigger and offer soon after more eyes get on his . I’m excited to follow his career for the years to come and I think he’s going to be a superstar as an upperclassman as well as at the next level. He visited Mizzou in August.
Talan Chandler Talan Chandler 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL Nevada | 2024 State MO (Lutheran St. Charles) OL. 6’4, 280 lbs. @ChandlerTalan
The best of the offensive lineman without an offer I checked out for this piece was Lutheran St. Charles’ mauler Talan Chandler Talan Chandler 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL Nevada | 2024 State MO . The 6’4, 280 lb. OT looks like an XL linebacker on tape as he can move, flip his hips, and adjust in space to opponents paths like that of a much smaller prospect. He’s got a lot of strength in his frame, particularly in his initial punch, and is always looking to finish his opponent into the ground every rep. A menacing drive blocker, Chandler also knows exactly how to use an opponents weight, drive, or leverage against them to get ’em into the turf, and can seal the edge or get depth in his pass set to combat smaller, faster rushers. He also will absolutely bully smaller defenders on tape, but has the strength to matchup with, withstand, and bring the fight to higher profile defensive lineman when called upon. His footwork also looks pretty solid, and although he isn’t asked to pull, fold, or cross very often on film, there are a lot of positives in his game and he’s a nice athlete at his size who is only going to get bigger, stronger, and faster as the years roll on, which should frighten St. Peters area defenders for the next two seasons. He’s visited Memphis, Mizzou, and Kansas State so far this fall.
David Dossett David Dossett 6'3" | 190 lbs | WR Lee's Summit | 2024 State MO (Lee’s Summit) WR. 6’3, 190 lbs. @DavidDossett8
Possessing a great, long frame for the WR position, Dossett has the downfield ability to play the X and has strong hands to pluck the ball out of the air on over or underthrown passes in his vicinity. He can also track the ball in the air well, and has no problem making receptions through contact and/or over the middle. With his long legs and the strength in 190 lb. frame he also can high step or slip through weaker tackle attempts and has YAC ability thanks to his long strides, balance, and body control. He’s also got the aggressiveness to help out in run blocking or on special teams, and it looks like he’s a reliable, go-to wide receiver who can come through in tough situations to make an important, clutch, or necessary play for his team when they need it most. If he can hit the weight room hard this offseason and build on his already menacing skillset he’s going to be one of the most high-potential wideouts in the entire state by the time he’s a senior.
Ryan Jostes Ryan Jostes 6'6" | 260 lbs | TE Washington | 2024 State MO (Washington) TE. 6’6, 230 lbs. @ryan_jostes
With optimal size for the TE position as well as a high-profile TE recruit, Jostes uses it to his advantage in the run game as he is an aggressive and high-motor run blocker who can send smaller defenders flying upon full extension of his arms but also has the size, toughness, and pad level to handle bigger, stronger opponents on the edge. I really like his first step and how fast he gets out of his stance for a 6’6er, and his hand placement is noteworthy as well. He never stops driving his feet once he engages with an opponent, can work to the second level and track down smaller opponents in space, and looks to finish whenever he sees an opportunity. Good strength as well who can send you flying if he lines you up correctly, and there is overall a lot to like on film as he is generally dominating the kids in front of him in his game tape. From what I can see it seems safe to say that OT may be in his future depending on how much he continues to grow, but he did record some receptions over the course of 2021 and has some decent hands for a kid of his size.
Ethan Venable Ethan Venable 6'1" | 215 lbs | ATH Oakville | 2024 State MO (Oakville) RB/DE. 6’2, 220 lbs. @venable_ethan
A quick and disruptive DE who doubles as an XL running back for the Oakville offense, Venable is dynamic, instinctive, strong, and a natural football player who could line up anywhere on the field on either side of the ball and get whatever is asked of him done with force. Defensively, he sees and finds the ball well, can get to the backfield in a hurry, and even shows a little bend around OTs outside shoulder. His first step and closing speed also stand out on film, and he’s a violent tackler who makes sure ball carriers feel his power when he gets ahold of them. As a RB he has good speed for his size as well as balance through tackle attempts, and he uses that 6’2, 220+ lb. frame like you hope he would, as he will run over and through defenders and never shy away from contact. I think his future resides best at the LB position, but he’s getting the job done and then some as a prep RB and DE. Venable was a First Team All-Conference and Newcomer of the Year selection for his efforts in 2021 and he has a fun Sophomore Tape to watch.
John Price (Lincoln College Prep) RB/LB. 6’1, 195 lbs. @John0P
The sophomore posted 116 carries for 1098 yards and 17 TDs in 2021 and added 54 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 4 PBUs, a forced fumble, and an interception on the defensive side of the ball. Possesses a long frame that is a wiry, smooth, and filled with explosive power as a RB and LB. He’s a fluid runner who glides along the turf before effortlessly sticking his foot in the ground and cutting by outstreched opponents while bouncing off weaker tackle attempts. Contact balance, burst, vision, and speed, it’s all present and noticeable on film and shows up all over his tape as a RB. He can start, stop, and redirect really well behind the LOS and can see cutback lines impressively, and popped off some exciting runs in 2021 that involved many a broken tackle and embarrassed defender. He also doubles as a violent and physical LB who attacks blocking attempts with power and finishes tackles with as much force as possible. Another natural and fluid football player who has a very exciting 2021 highlight tape. I love watching him play football.
Jobe Bryant Jobe Bryant 5'11" | 160 lbs | WR Park Hills Central | 2024 State MO (Park Hills-Central) WR. 5’11, 175 lbs. @jobebryant011
Bryant doubles as an already accomplished PG on the Park Hills basketball team and received a significant amount of recognition from our sister company PrepHoops in his budding high school career. He’s only got a few games of sophomore football tape posted from 2021, but from what he has recorded it’s obvious he’s an explosive playmaker and already one of the best football players on the field as only a sophomore. If Bryant sees a crease, he’s gone, and he can turn a simple WR screen or dump into a massive TD run thanks to standout speed and overall YAC ability, and utilizes those skills to execute as a dangerous returner of both punts and kicks. He can flip his hips and cut on a dime with ease, and has the balance and lower body strength to slip through tackle attempts at his legs, which combined with his top end speed and slipperiness makes for one of the hardest ball carriers to corral in the entire MO 2024 class. Watching him run through traffic so smoothly is very entertaining and gives me flashes of Discovery Channel documentaries highlighting those giant schools of fish that endlessly wrap around each other, and although he seems to be a hoops first guy at this point in time I think he has some serious potential on the gridiron as a recruit. Colleges should not be shy, Bryant can absolutely ball. vs. Fredericktown vs. Potosi vs. MISLC
Darius “DJ” Jones (Fort Zumwalt West) WR/RB. 5’10, 175 lbs. @_dariusjones1
Tallied 93 touches for 1002 AP yards and 13 TDs in his sophomore campaign. Impressive speed and burst put him out in front of defenders reactions and angles early in the play but can get into shift into another gear in the open field to blow by pursuit angles and finish runs for six. Also possesses good vision – especially near the LOS – and soft hands that help him catch the rock out of the backfield as well as downfield as a wideout, where he can make tough catches through contact in the middle of the field. Strong one-cut runner who can send defenders flying when they don’t break down and has the lower body strength to run through weaker tackle attempts as well. The name of his game however, is speed, and he’s got plenty of it. The speed alone would make him a D1 prospect, and when you combine that with his offensive versatility and strength in his hips and legs you have a very promising and athletic recruit. He’s only getting bigger and faster too! Check him out –> Sophomore SZN
Jude James Jude James 6'3" | 220 lbs | ATH Francis Howell | 2024 State MO (Francis Howell) WR. 6’4, 190 lbs. WR/S. @judejamesss
Boy, was I fan of Jude James Jude James 6'3" | 220 lbs | ATH Francis Howell | 2024 State MO after getting my eyes on his midseason and eventual sophomore tape. Possessing an intriguing 6’4, 190 lb. frame that has a lot of room to fill in, he is outstanding and getting up and high-pointing the football, no matter if there is a defender draped all over or a big hit incoming. His long legs help him cover a ton of ground when he gets up to top speed – as showcased by his crazy run down of a DB after his quarterback threw an interception that saved a TD – and he can burn by defenders in pursuit with seeming ease. James also shows great concentration and strong hands that helped him reel in a dart of a slant over the middle more than a minute into his tape, and throughout the midseason film a lot of defenders fail to even get a hand on him after the catch. With how fast he is and how he can absolutely jump out of the gym I think he’s a big sleeper in the already accomplished 2024 crop of Missouri wideouts. Full Sophomore Highlights
Ayden Harris Ayden Harris 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB Lutheran-St. Charles | 2024 MO (Lutheran) OLB. 5’10, 210 lbs. @AydenHarris_3
Probably the hardest hitter to make this list, Harris explodes through ball carriers and freezes them in their tracks and knocks them backwards and occasionally airborne thanks to some great tackling form, noteworthy strength at his weight, and a nose for the football. Also impressively, he laid these big hits from a variety of angles reacting to different offensive plays and players. It seemed like just about every game he played in in 2021 he laid a bone-shattering hit that had to have seeped into the minds of opposing ball carriers. Harris is very comfortable moving and tackling in space, has noteworthy closing speed, and takes good pursuit angles that help him cut off runs and catches for minimal gains. I also like his hustle and the energy he brings to the field and his defense, and overall he’s just a fun thumper to watch hit. I’ll be excited to see how he continues to grow, develop, and smack people. 2021 OLB highlights
Demetrius Jones Demetrius Jones 6'2" | 265 lbs | DL Lutheran North | 2024 State MO (Lutheran North) DT. 6’3, 265 lbs.
Posted 8 sacks in his sophomore campaign. On the first play of ’21 midseason he walks the opposing center backwards so fast that the OC tackles the RB with his back and butt. Operating as either a true NG, 3tech or out near the edge as a 5T, Jones has a great first step and scary closing speed for a kid of his size that can impact the run and pass games. He’s also got the lateral quickness to beat lineman through their inside shoulder and the strength to demolish 1-on-1 blocks with power moves and rushes and the body control to break down and tackle in space. He made some clutch tackles, including what looked like a 4th and goal stop, and is overall a very intriguing iDL prospect with a lot of athleticism at his size and age. With how coveted defensive lineman are year after year I’d guess Jones is going to see college attention sooner rather than later. Midseason highlights ’21
Aiden Taylor Aiden Taylor 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL East St. Louis | 2024 State IL (De Smet) OL. 6’2, 305 lbs. @TurnMeUpAiden
Coming out of powerhouse De Smet, sophomore lineman Aiden Taylor Aiden Taylor 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL East St. Louis | 2024 State IL looks nimble, flexible, and athletic, and is capable of playing all around the OL with his 6’2, 305 lb. frame and 6’8 wingspan. With great strength in his initial punch as well as when he brings his his hips through contact, Taylor sent opponents flying on down blocks, pulls, folds, and in the open field, and any other time he was given a chance on a run block, and is an excellent moving truck to run behind for RBs and QBs alike. Thanks to his quickness, flexibility, and balance he’s able to always get to the toes of defenders and not miss defenders, and he’s got the natural pop and strength to finish blocks with authority to create wide running lanes. Definite name to keep an eye on out of the Spartans program in talent-rich St. Louis. Sophomore SZN
Anthony Thompson Anthony Thompson 6'1" | 275 lbs | DL Parkway North | 2024 State MO (Parkway North) DT. 6′, 255 lbs. @_OLassassin_
Explodes out of his stance and made a crazy defensive TD on the first play of his sophomore highlights that saw him get to the backfield and into the RB so quickly that he snatched the ball right out of his hands and made a clean break for a 50-yard fumble recovery that saw him get down to the opposing 2-yard line. With great lateral agility as well as upfield speed, opposing lineman need to honor his ability to beat them through either shoulder, and his speed rushes and hand usage are lethal against slower tackles and guards. I also see some speed-to-power and pass rush combinations used and executed, and he can make plays in the backfield when given the opportunity and doesn’t let his body get too out of control. If he can hit the weight room hard and add some more strength and muscle this season he is going to be a serious force for opposing OL for the next two years. Soph. SZN
Elijah Stevens Elijah Stevens 5'10" | 200 lbs | ATH Rockwood Summit | 2024 State MO (Rockwood Summit) RB/WR.
A powerfully built, big play offensive weapon who can play WR or RB, Stevens glides by sprinting defenders effortlessly and has the speed to take the ball to the house once he gets the edge or gets downfield unimpeded as a receiver. He’s got great balance with the ball in his hands that allows him to make clean cuts through contact or run by arm tackles and diving opponents, and I also love what he put on film as a defensive back. To open up his film as a safety he made an impressive standup goal line stand on a burning WR fresh off a snag on a slant. He halted the kids progress immediately, kept his feet churning, and drive the wideout backwards and far away from the goal line. He’s a strong tackler and takes good angles to the football as well as flying around with a ton of speed overall. I’ll be interested to see what position(s) he’s getting recruited at as he gets older. Midseason ’21
Gus Dames Gus Dames 6'5" | 305 lbs | OL St. Louis University | 2024 State MO (SLUH) OL. 6’5, 300 lbs. @GusDames1
Strong hands and a strong initial punch were the first things to stand out when watching Dames’ game tape, but I also like how he can get some depth in pass set against faster rushers and he displays some balance when adjusting to and trying to reroute DEs near the top of the arch. He’s got a huge lower body and plays with a solid base that helps him withstand power rushes as well as dominant when drive blocking in the run game. With already noteworthy size for a FBS OT I’m sure there are teams already monitoring the SLUH offensive tackle. vs. Lindbergh vs. De Smet vs. CBC
Others to Watch
Keodrick Sherrod Keodrick Sherrod 5'9" | 195 lbs | RB Sikeston | 2024 State MO (Sikeston) RB. 5’9, 195 lbs. @Keodricksherrod
I am a big fan of RBs with lower centers of gravity and contact balance and Sikeston’s Sherrod has both traits in droves as he can rumble through tackle attempts at his lower body with losing too much momentum as well as solid burst that can help take advantage of holes and creases between tackles. I also like his quickness near the LOS and in the open field, and overall he’s a really tough 1-on-1 tackling assignment for lineman, backers, and DBs. Sherrod rushed for 650+ yards and 6 TDs to go along with 105 receiving yards in 2021 and looked good doing it. You got a fan in me, Keodrick! Sophomore 2021
Andrew Mateas Andrew Mateas 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL Washington | 2024 State MO (Washington) OL. 6’3, 290 lbs. @AndrewMateas44
A thick yet mobile interior offensive lineman, Mateas can pull and/or set the edge well for his size and age. He’s vicious when defensive lineman lunge or lean too far forward and snaps DL into the turf like a sling shot, and has a ton of natural pop that sends smaller defenders flying when he gets a clean shot on them. He’s also got some experience in pass pro but needs to clean up his footwork a little bit, and has a nasty streak and some solid strength in his good sized frame for a sophomore that can overwhelm at the point of attack. If he can keep growing, lifting, eating, and working on his game and development I think he’s got some D1 ball in his future. Sophomore Highlights
Donn Lewis Donn Lewis 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Fort Zumwalt South | 2024 State MO (Fort Zumwalt South) OL. 6’4, 310 lbs. @donnlewiss
Good size for the interior OL as an underclassman who looks like he can start, stop, and overall move pretty well at his height and weight. The strength in his chest can send second level defenders flying with a good, hard shove, and he has great foot drive, especially as a downblocker, and a high motor that doesn’t quit until his opponent is far out of the play. He’s tough for defenders to disengage from at the point of contact and is a solid run blocker at this point in time. FZS Sophomore
Waylon DeGrave Waylon DeGrave 6'3" | 195 lbs | WR Monroe City | 2024 State MO (Monroe City) WR/DB. 6’1, 175 lbs. @WaylonDeGrave
Strong lower body helps him eat contact like it’s his breakfast and bounces off cut tackles like pins off a bowling ball. Possesses a strong ability to adjust, track, and high point the football while it’s in the air and has solid quickness in his feet and looseness in his hips that help him remain shifty in his releases at the LOS. Really love how he can consistently win contested catches as well. Going to be a must know name and a force as an upperclassman. highlights
Z Jones (Lafayette) WR/RB. 5’8, 160 lbs.
Not the biggest dude on the block, but definitely one of the baddest. I love Jones’ tackle breaking ability and overall elusiveness with the ball in his hands. Dynamic offensive weapon with soft hands as a WR and the speed and vision to play RB. Shifty and really drops his hips when he cuts which looks smooth and effortless on tape. Good strength in his lower body for his size and can consistently make the first man miss. Playmaker to know out of Lafayette. Sophomore Year