Ten 2024 Radar Pop-Ups

There were more than a few programs that had sophomores play significant roles on their teams this past season. Having young players fill varsity positions provides valuable game experience at a very early stage in their high school careers. This article will provide a close look at five sophomores who are under the radar while also listing the names of five others. There is little buzz surrounding the players mentioned below, some of whom are still relatively unknown, but expect that to change as they enter their junior seasons.   [player_tooltip player_id="254906" first="Niguse" last="Shelp"] | Chatfield | 5’10”, 165lbs | DB Shelp is an extremely underrated corner with phenomenal instincts and raw talent. He has really good eye discipline when playing man, keeping his gaze focused on the hips of the receiver starting at pre-snap. His understanding of the game and what his opponents are trying to do give him an edge when it comes to blowing up plays. Shelp’s athleticism and relentlessness as a defender help him to fight to the finish on every play. Two things to note about this player is how smart and coachable he is, which is a testament to his elite potential. Shelp played a significant role for the Chatfield Chargers, ending his sophomore season with a 4A state title and spot on the radar. [embed]https://twitter.com/NiguseShelp/status/1474496029424762884?s=20[/embed]   [player_tooltip player_id="277534" first="Charlie" last="Eckhardt"] | Arapahoe | 6’2”, 180lbs | ATH Eckhardt may be new to the radar, but he is no stranger to being a playmaker on both sides of the ball. He is a big target as a receiver who has explosive releases, strong route-running skills, and fantastic catching abilities. His willingness to go up and snag the ball at its highest point while maintaining sideline awareness makes him a viable option for his quarterback on every passing play. Eckhardt is a two-way athlete who lines up as a member of the secondary. He is a physical player who uses his knowledge as a receiver to his advantage as a cornerback. Eckhardt’s size, athleticism, competitiveness, and overall understanding of the game make him an outstanding athlete who should be a big name on the radar. [embed]https://twitter.com/EckhardtCharlie/status/1465147267774824448?s=20[/embed]   [player_tooltip player_id="277535" first="Alex" last="Jordan"] | Valor Christian | 6’4”, 220lbs | TE/DE Jordan is another two-way player who uses his athleticism to win reps on both sides of the ball. As a defensive end, he uses his size, speed, and strength to apply relentless pressure in the backfield coming off of the edge or stunting inside. Jordan is also a tight end who possesses the strength and tenaciousness to dominate his opponents as a run blocker. As a receiver, he makes for an ideal target for his QB because of his large frame and reliable hands. Jordan is perhaps one of the more known players on this list, but he is definitely worthy of moving up on the radar. <a href="http://iframe%20src=’//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15834944/61b67676bd755f0b907892c3’%20width=’640’%20height=’360’%20frameborder=’0’%20allowfullscreen/iframe"><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15834944/61b67676bd755f0b907892c3" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></a>   [player_tooltip player_id="277533" first="Lincoln" last="Fa’apouli Jr"] | Fountain-Fort Carson | 6’5”, 296lbs | OL/DL Fa’apouli is another player on this list who has a little bit of popularity surrounding him. He is a monstrous tackle with elite strength who seals edges, creates holes, and serves pancakes to any defender in his way. His explosiveness off of the ball is extremely impressive, making him a difficult opponent for rushers to beat. Fa’apouli easily fits in with the top-tier linemen that Colorado produces, making him a big-time radar addition. <a href="http://iframe%20src=’//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16280404/618e9dd266562e08bcf7992a’%20width=’640’%20height=’360’%20frameborder=’0’%20allowfullscreen/iframe"><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16280404/618e9dd266562e08bcf7992a" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></a> [player_tooltip player_id="277536" first="Owen" last="Miranowski"] | Palmer Ridge | 5’11”, 170lbs | LB Miranowski is a player with serious upside, especially as a middle linebacker. He is a downhill player who has a high motor and an unwavering willingness to compete. If there is one thing that is for certain, it is that Miranowski is unafraid to deliver hits with enough power that makes it look as if the ball carrier ran into a brick wall. This sure-tackling backer has quick acceleration and a strong nose for the football. Miranowski has shown promising potential as a top prospect among his class. <a href="http://iframe%20src=’//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13028323/61bfbccd96767906a406bdf4’%20width=’640’%20height=’360’%20frameborder=’0’%20allowfullscreen/iframe"><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13028323/61bfbccd96767906a406bdf4" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></a>   Other radar pop-ups to watch [player_tooltip player_id="146074" first="Leyton" last="Robinson"] - Pine Creek - DB [player_tooltip player_id="276505" first="Spencer" last="Houle"] - Columbine - TE [player_tooltip player_id="271172" first="Solomon" last="Latimer"] - Doherty - WR [player_tooltip player_id="277537" first="Kunio" last="Eshima"] - Prairie View - QB [player_tooltip player_id="251226" first="Armando" last="Jimenez"] - Littleton - LB