Sophomores With the Potential to Breakout in 2022

There are several sophomores who are going to enter their junior seasons this fall with huge voids left at their position giving them a chance to breakout and catch the eyes of coaches from the next level. Today, I want to dive into several of those scenarios and breakdown the void left behind and why I believe the ’24 has the potential to step into those voids and shine. Let’s get it started!

Nolan Hall Nolan Hall 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Kaukauna | 2024 State WI , WR- Kaukauna

The 6’4″ 190 lbs WR is poised for a big junior season. It seems like everything is aligning for it to happen. His QB returns for another season at the helm, so there should be consistency and production at that position. The void left for Nolan to step into is also massive. The top three leaders in receptions during the 2021 season all graduation this summer. That leaves 71 receptions, 1,000+ yards, and 10 TDs on the table for someone to come and take.

I believe that Nolan has the best shot of stepping up and breaking out with the void. First off, Hall already has experience playing at the varsity level. So, he knows what to expect. He also is a talented player who should shine with increased work. He has the elite frame and strength to overpower DBs downfield. That size is going to be clutch when it comes to creating separation as he will be able to box out defenders with ease, and then after the catch he has the strength to pile up yards after the catch. Keep your eyes on the big man out of Kaukauna!

Alton Williams Alton Williams 6'8" | 290 lbs | OL Sun Prairie East | 2024 State WI , OL- Sun Prairie

This is an interesting player for predicting junior breakouts. Sun Prairie fielded a very talented offensive line in 2021. From that group, Evan Malcore Evan Malcore 6'6" | 270 lbs | OL Sun Prairie | 2022 State WI and Jack Larson both are graduating and playing at the collegiate level. This leaves at least two openings for the 6’8″ 240 lbs athlete to slide into. OT is where I would expect as he has the elite length to be able to win in pass protection battles as he steers and runs pass rushers past the QB.

I’m excited to see Alton’s offseason development come to fruition this fall. He has the size, like I mentioned, but what will really take him to the next level is his flexibility, agility, and strength all taking another step forward. If he can show improvements from where he already is at then you can expect him to win a spot on varisty and continue to climb our rankings. The opportunity is there for the big man.

Garrett Sexton Garrett Sexton 6'7" | 295 lbs | OL Arrowhead | 2024 State WI , QB- Arrowhead

Charlie Smith Charlie Smith 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Arrowhead | 2022 State WI void, 1623 yards, 20 TDs

Garrett looks set to be next up at the QB position for the Arrowhead program. There is plenty of opportunity for him to make plays with the void left behind by senior Charlie Smith Charlie Smith 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Arrowhead | 2022 State WI . That void includes 1,623 passing yards and 20 TDs. Arrowhead will also be looking to replace one of the most productive RBs in the state, so Garrett might be leaned on even more while they find their next RB as well.

Sexton has the tools to succeed. He has a huge frame as 6’5″ 200 lbs. He arm strength is still developing, but his reliable accuracy and touch allow him to put the ball on a spot where his receiver can come down with it. Garrett is at his best attacking the short to intermediate range where he can put more velocity on the ball if needed. Sexton also can get the ball out of his hands quickly when he needs to. Keep an eye on this one. He could really surprise.

Michael Valitchka Michael Valitchka 5'11" | 185 lbs | WR Verona | 2024 State WI , WR- Verona

What we saw in the fall should be just the beginning from Michael. He will return in 2022 as the team’s leading receiver from the 2021 season. Nobody will have more receptions, receiving yards, or receiving TDs than Michael. He also has a vast void of targets that he can utilize to breakout. The graduating class leaves behind 66 receptions, 1,100+ yards, and 17 TDs. Expect Verona to turn to Valitchka as he looks to be the most experienced receiver on the team.

Michael has the talent to earn a large chunk of the voided targets. He is quick off the line and has the play speed to win with speed before and after the catch. His body control allows him to run crisp routes that generate consistent separation. He is aggressive at the catch point, and he will go up and high point the ball despite not being the biggest athlete at 5’11″ 170. Verona also got Michael involved on the ground where he could use that speed and also his vision and ability to make the special play. He is fun to watch, and he could have a huge year.

Kyle LaVoy Kyle LaVoy 5'10" | 190 lbs | WR Hamilton Sussex | 2024 WI , WR- Sussex Hamilton

This has the makings for a big breakout. Sussex returns their exceptional QB Nate Kollath Nate Kollath 6'4" | 235 lbs | QB Sussex Hamilton | 2023 State WI , but they lose his two top receivers. Those two receivers leave a void of 81 receptions, 1,500+ yards, and 21 TDs. I expect LaVoy to be the one who picks up the slack as he is the leading returner in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TDs. So, he and Kollath should have a good connection already.

The 5’10″ 170 lbs receiver has the talent to excel in a larger role. Sussex loved getting him the ball quickly on screen passes where he could use his quick twitch change of direction, acceleration, and short area quickness to weave through the defense as he followed his blocks. After the catch, Kyle is hard to contain. You can expect a big yards per reception average thanks to his big play tendency. Look for a big year from LaVoy!

Charlie Behrend Charlie Behrend 6'1" | 185 lbs | WR Menomonie | 2024 State WI , QB- Menomonie

Menomonie is looking for a new signal caller after making a run to the Level 4 playoffs in 2021. That run was helped in part by their senior QB Reed Styer. Styer leaves behind 1,045 passing yards, 10 passing TDs, and 3 rushing TDs from the 2021 season. There are a few options available to replace him, but I believe that the next QB will be current sophomore Charlie Behrend Charlie Behrend 6'1" | 185 lbs | WR Menomonie | 2024 State WI .

Behrend doesn’t have any film to view, yet. However, he is on our Watch List as we expect to see him make his mark over the next couple of seasons. Make sure you follow along as he looks to help Menomonie continue their success as a team.

Luke Vittengl, QB- Baraboo

Baraboo has a big void to fill left by current Badgers commit Luna Larson Luna Larson 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Baraboo | 2022 State WI . Larson actually was a star on both sides of the ball, but we are going to look at his void on offense only today. Luna put up 881 passing yards, 6 passing TDs, 1,408 rushing yards, and 14 rushing TDs. They will definitely miss his tone setting dual threat ability. However, they do have an athlete who has some experience already.

That athlete is 5’11″ 175 lbs Luke Vittengl. Luke not only has varsity QB experience, but also varsity experience at receiver and DB. You can rest assured that if he wins the QB job then you can bet they will still have the dual threat  back there again. He has the speed to stress out defenses, and as a passer he wins with accuracy and touch. His passing experience is limited, but they clearly trust him to have the ball in his hands. I’ll be keeping track of his junior season this fall.