Where the Class of 2021 is Today: #11-20
We are back for installment #2 of my series looking back at the Class of 2021 Rankings. This is a fun, and interesting, thing to do as we can see who was able to find a great home that allowed…
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Continue ReadingWe are back for installment #2 of my series looking back at the Class of 2021 Rankings. This is a fun, and interesting, thing to do as we can see who was able to find a great home that allowed them to develop their skill set, and even play early on in their careers. It’s also is just plain fun to see what these star high school athletes have been doing since we last covered them during their prep days. Today we are going to dive into the next section of 10 athlets as we look at #11-20. Let’s see what these dudes have been up to!
11. Jackson Acker, RB- Wisconsin (Verona)
Our top 20 saw not one, but two former WI backs see the field for the Badgers this past fall! Acker was able to work his way up to eventually seeing the field during two games. He carried the ball 6 times for 34 yards and a score. It was an impressive climb up the depth chart from where he started, but Jackson kept his head down, worked hard, and took advantage of his opportunities. The big back has a similar build to Braelon Allen, so having him there provides the team with a great backup option.
Verdict: Acker was able to work his way onto the field for late game work in a couple games. I expect to see him build on that and earn more work as Wisconsin looks to keep Allen fresh. Jackson could provide the team with a great source of power, so they don’t miss a step at any time. I hope to see him as an active backup this fall.
And again 👏@BadgerFootball takes a 52-3 lead on Rutgers 😅 pic.twitter.com/21CHsyNkMW
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 6, 2021
12. Garrett Gillette, TE- Iowa Central CC (Mukwonago)
The 6’5″ 230 lbs TE held 14 D1 offers before deciding to head to the JUCO level to begin his college career. In February 2021 he committed to Iowa Central CC. Unfortunately, that seems to be as far as I can track where his career has gone. He currently isn’t listed on the football roster at Iowa Central. I’ll be keeping an eye out for more nes and info on the standout TE. He can definitely ball. I hope to see him pop up at the highest level.
Verdict: To be determined. If a program wants a stud check in on him. They don’t make them that big and athletic very often.
13. Calvin Muraski, OL- Western Michigan (Bay Port)
The big, athletic lineman out of Bay Port doesn’t have any playing time under his belt, yet. The 6’7″ 285 lbs lineman was an impressive prospect in his prep days, and he has the tools to eventually mold into starter level quality. The size, the length, and the ability to move comfortably are all natural gifts that you can’t teach. Add in the strength he possesses to reset the line of scrimmage and stuff bull rushers and you get a lineman who will have his shot.
Verdict: Calvin is biding his time. There are 18 OL on the roster and 10 are freshmen. If he can continue to work and stand out for the right reasons he should have a great shot at playing in the near future. I’m pumped to see if he can crack the lineup within the next season or two.
14. Matteo Bonnin, WR- South Dakota (Hudson)
Matteo was one of my favorite athletes from the Class of 2021. He did so much for Hudson’s offense as a receiver and ball carrier. The team went as the 6’3” 210 lbs athlete went. It looks like he is making the switch to TE at South Dakota, so that way he can use that size and speed to create mismatches against LBs. That could be a problem for opponents. Bonnin participated in four games as a freshman, but doesn’t have any stats to his name. That will come.
Verdict: He needs time to transition to a new position, and he may need to take time to add more size. When he is ready look for him to be a reliable target and a mismatch nightmare just like he was in HS.
15. Evan Ladwig, OL/DL- Iowa State (Plymouth)
The big man shined on both sides of the trenches in HS, and he still lists both sides of the ball on his twitter. ISU has him list at OL. He accepted a PWO from Iowa State on Feb 3 last year, which I loved to see. The stud clearly had that man among boys size, strength, and suddenness that only the top prospects possess. I loved seeing him bet on himself too. Evan doesn’t have any participation stats, but that isn’t surprising due to his walk on status and being a freshman.
Verdict: I’ll be following along to see if he can crack the lineup any time during his time at Iowa State. He has his work cut out for him, but he doesn’t lack the talent to develop. I’ll be rooting for him!
16. JaVaughn Byrd, DB- Northern Illinois (Rufus King)
The top DB in the state quickly made an impact at NIU! He finished the season with 40 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, and 3 pass breakups. His best performance came against Western Michigan when he posted 10 tackles, and 1 pass breakup. This was all while NIU was on the way to winning the conference championship. Byrd also saw action in all 14 games, so he impressed from the start.
Verdict: I have very high expectations going forward. I want to see an even bigger impact in ’22, and I think that’s what we are going to get. He got great experience as a freshman. I think he takes the next step towards becoming a very good college DB. Keep an eye on this dude! He is repping WI well!
17. Caleb Frazer, RB- Northern Iowa (Kimberly)
One of the top RBs in the Class made a position change this season at UNI. He is now an LB, which fits him well as he carried the ball like a kid with the mentality of an LB. A player who would rather run through a defender instead of around him. They are going to try and harness that at UNI. Caleb redshirted in 2021 while working on the change, so there aren’t any stats or playing time to report for this season.
Verdict: I’m pumped to see what the year of learning, development, and growth gets Frazer. He has the build, speed, and physical mentality to succeed. It will be all about if he can find his role, and then never let it go. They clearly believe in his talents. I can’t wait to see how it plays out.
18. Jalonnie Williams, DL- Northern Illinois (Greenfield)
The 6’4′ 290 lbs DL was one of the best at his position here in WI during the 2020 season. He turned that into a commitment to NIU. Jalonnie hasn’t been able to see the field, yet. Don’t let that decrease your expectations for the big man, though. He is one of nine DTs currently on the roster, and 6 of them are freshmen. If he can continue to work hard, develop his skills, and do his job then we can full expect to see him hit the field in the coming years.
Verdict: He has a path to see the field. He just needs to continue to work and stand out from the crowd. It is in his hands. There aren’t many upperclassmen or athletes with a ton of experience at his position, so the door is open more than usual for a young fella to work his way into playing time. I hope to see him on the field again soon.
19. Jack Martens, WR- South Dakota (Cumberland)
The star WR hasn’t put together any offensive stats after his freshman season at South Dakota. He did finish the season with one tackle, so he has seen the field. The next step is to continue working on his game that already was very strong at the HS level. His route running, play speed, and natural hands are all major strengths that should get him his chances to play.
Verdict: I have high hopes that the talented prep will soon make his debut on the field with the offense. The two of the three pass catchers with 20+ receptions are current seniors, so if they move on then there is plenty of work there for a new weapon to step into. I believe we are about to see the beginning of Martens’ college playing career soon.
20. Aydan Dautermann, DB- South Dakota State (Slinger)
We wrap up our look back with one of the best DBs in the state. The 6’2″ 185 lbs doesn’t have any stast to report after redshirting as a freshman. I can’t wait to see him finally see the field. The Slinger product doesn’t lack any physical traits. He is listed at CB, but his twitter bio says WR/CB. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Aydan find the field on either side of the ball, but defense is definitely where he looks his best. Where he can shine with his read and react athleticism.
Verdict: I think we are very close to watching the breakout of Dautermann. He should hit the field this season, and then hopefully find a full time role soon after. Including Aydan, SDSU has nine CBs on the roster. Only three of them are upperclassmen, so expect the competition to be high for reps. Aydan should be in the thick of it.