2022’s I’m Excited to See Added to the Rankings

We looked at the top 2023s that I’m excited to see in the rankings. Now it’s time for the Class of 2022! The Class of 2022 has several late additions of new names that I need to add to the rankings, and there are a handful in particular that have my interest in where they will debut. That is what I want to look into today. I want to look at several players that I’m excited to see make their debut in the 2022 rankings, and see where they matchup with their peers. I’ll also go into why they have peaked my interest. Let’s do it! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="245966" first="Carson" last="Nickel"], DL- Elkhorn</strong> The 6’5" 200 lbs DL was unknown to me until he signed up for the Prep Redzone WI Showcase this past December. That led me to check out his tape and ever since I have been a huge fan. Carson also had a great day at the Showcase where he let his excellent length shine along with impressive short area agility to make linemen miss. The big man loads up and springs out of his stance with an explosive first step. When the first step doesn’t do the job, Nickel has shown effective hand fighting moves that include a strong rip and a swim move that utilizes his length well. He also has proven he can set the edge. The senior holds one offer from Carthage College. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="237355" first="Ben" last="Flak"], DL- Wittenberg- Birnamwood</strong> The 6’5" 240 lbs senior DE/OLB is arguably the #1 hidden gem in the state. He has so much you want from an edge rusher. He has elite size, strength, and length to be a nightmare matchup off the edge. He can win with strength, speed, or hand use. The production is also there to prove that he can translate his gifts into impact. That produciton includes 16 sacks that helped his team make it to the state semifinals this past fall. There are so many tools to work with here. I find it hard to believe that he only holds on recent offer from Northern State. Someone is getting a steal as I have complete faith he will finish in the top 15 for his position. Don’t miss out on this kid. Big time sleeper! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="118331" first="Daniel" last="Taraboi"], OL- Cedarburg</strong> The 6’7" 310 lbs lineman is a monster in the trenches. He bulldozes and mauls defensive linemen, and finishes them into the ground on every rep that he can. The strength difference between Taraboi and his opponents is almost unfair as he tosses them off the line with a heavy punch. When he pulls, Daniel completely removes the trap man from the box opening up huge running lanes. The LT slides in short areas really well and utilizes his size well to ensure that the DL can’t get around him. I’m late to the party on the big man, but it looks like the D1 level is too. He got his first D1 scholarship on Dec. 13 from San Diego. Since then he has also received an offer from Valporaisso alon  with a PWO from Marshall and Eastern Michigan. The late riser is going to have a shot at the top 15 of the 2022 OL group, which is an impressive ranking in this group of athletes. <strong>Beau Kopp, QB/ATH- Cuba City</strong> The 6’1" 200 lbs QB is a gamer. He does the little things that make a big difference and lead to huge plays for his team. Things like being able to buy time in the pocket and outside of it. Being willing to stare down pressure to deliver the ball. Beau also isn’t afraid to attack down the field. He relies on timing, accuracy, and touch to win on those deep shots. He looks to put it where only his man can get it instead of just firing it downfield. Kopp put together a great season in 2021 and was named a Prep Redzone WI Player of the Year Finalist for it. He has started receiving next level interest as well. He has received roster offers from UW- Stout, Ripon, Simpson College, Carroll, and Loras College. He is definitely a highly sought after prospect, so I’m excited to see where he debuts. <strong>Tyson Harvey, ATH- Eau Claire Memorial</strong> This kid is exciting! The 6’1" 180 lbs athlete is a little different than the rest of the athletes on this list as he is already committed to UW- Whitewater. After having the EC Memorial product pop up on my radar I was thoroughly impressed by the two way playmaker. On offense, Tyson is an explosive athlete who can stretch the field and has shown great concentration at the catch point. On defense, Harvey quickly diagnoses plays allowing him to put himself in position to make a play on the ball. He is going to be a steal for Whitewater as I believe Tyson has the taent to play at an even higher level, but that is how Whitewater stays a yearly powerhouse. By grabbing talent like Tyson. Good luck at the next level, Tyson! <strong>Braden Stoffel, DL- Kettle Moraine</strong> The 6’2" 220 lbs DL is going to be a steal! I haven’t seen any offers posted, but has received some interest and has visited UW- Whitewater. Stoffel was a big piece of Kettle Moraine’s deep playoff run on the way to posting 90 tackles, 19 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. On film, Braden’s hands stick out to me. He consistently uses accurate hand swats to clear the hands of the OL and then uses his quick feet to get past the hip of his blocker. Against the run, Stoffel can go from using quickness to a surprising amount of strength for his size to deliver a big punch and then can hold the edge from there before disengaging to make the tackle. College coaches need to get on this kid. He is going to debut inside the top 25-30 among the DL and will be one of the top uncommitted talents at the position. <strong>Nathan Whalen, TE- West Allis Central</strong> The 6’5" 225 lbs TE currently doesn’t have film for his senior season on his Hudl, yet. However, I’m hopin g he gets it up because his size and junior tape has me excited for where he could potentially debut among a dep TE position group. Whalen currently holds an offer from UW-Oshkosh, and he has visited Carthage. Whalen was used in a large blocking role as a junior telling me that he can be a three down, inline option at the next level. I;’m pumped to see his senior tape to see how he developed last offseason, and get him in the 2022 rankings.