2024 Prime Watch List pt. 1
We’re looking at the 2024 class today and some guys who can play! They haven’t fully exploded onto the scene yet, but this is the year. They have the talent, it’s year 2 in varsity, and we’re excited to see…
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Continue ReadingWe’re looking at the 2024 class today and some guys who can play! They haven’t fully exploded onto the scene yet, but this is the year. They have the talent, it’s year 2 in varsity, and we’re excited to see what they can do!
DJ Gordon – Park Tudor – QB – 6’1″ 195lbs
Gordon may be one of the most under-recruited guys in the entire class. Right now, you can make an argument he’s a D1 guy. He’s got a nice frame, he’s thick, and is a very good athlete. Gordon is the definition of a dual-threat QB. He can pull the ball down and take off like Lamar Jackson. He can make guys miss in the smallest of holes, he’s got great speed so once he hits the second level, he’s gone. His legs are thick enough to help him keep his legs churning and pick up extra yards when he can. In the passing game, he’s decent, but still a touch raw. He’s got a decent arm and can get it about 50-yards downfield. That’ll only go up as he gets older and stronger, but naturally, an arm to be excited about. There are times he will lock onto his first read or predetermine where he wants to go with the ball, but working out those details comes with reps. Gordon is able to put the ball where he wants it more often than not. He knows how to give his guy a chance and only his guy a chance at the ball. There are times his footwork dropping back is really clean and other times he rushes a bit and things get choppy. Overall though, he’s ahead of most guys in his age group.Preview (opens in a new tab) Gordon is also willing to stand in the pocket and take a shot to deliver the ball. There is so much to like with Gordon and what he can be. Wherever he ends up, I hope he reaches his full potential because there’s no limit to how high he can go.
Kolin Jolas – Bishop Luers – MLB/DE – 6’0″ 200lbs
Jolas comes off the edge for Bishop Luers and is able to move around on the line when they ask him to. He’s good at sealing the edge and forcing the ball carrier back inside. When the ball comes his way, Jolas is able to wrap up and make the play. He’s typically able to fight through contact, extend an arm, and fend off his guy to make the play. He’s got an explosive first step which gets him downhill really quickly. I think he’s a good enough athlete to go drop back and play LB if he wanted to. He’s got the speed to cover most RBs and TEs and the flexibility to stick with them and make plays. I do think right now he might be a little on the lighter side of things, but he’s got time to add some weight. In my opinion, Jolas is best when he can pin his ears back and go hunting. He’s either able to get around his guy or shoot off the line past him and make the play if the QB is still in the pocket. If not, he is more than willing to run down the field and make the play. Everything he does is for the benefit of the team and he tries to make everyone around him better. The physical tools are there, the speed is there, and the knowledge of the game is also clearly there. If he’s able to develop like I think he can, by the time he graduates, he’s going to have a handful of offers and he could pick the best school for him.
Nylan Brown Nylan Brown 6'0" | 230 lbs | LB Ben Davis | 2024 State IN – Ben Davis – MLB/LS – 5’11” 225lbs
Brown is a fantastic athlete who is just starting to understand how good he can be. He’s explosive, he shoots off the line and trusts what he sees. He came back from injury late in the season last year, and you can never tell the difference. He stepped on the field and started making plays right away. He’s able to anticipate what he sees and shoot downhill to make the play. Brown knows when to be patient and when to be aggressive. He’s able to shoot gaps, get into the backfield, and make the play. When he’s dropping back into coverage or watching the quarterback’s eyes, he’s patient with his feet, he keeps them moving, he won’t be caught flat-footed, and is able to react immediately. He’s got the speed to run with practically everybody who he comes across on the field and can cover sideline to sideline. Brown is also very well built and has a very nice frame. He’s got the weight and muscle behind the friend to pack a punch and guys on the field feel it. He likes to make his presence known and his speed only makes his hits harder for the ball carrier. I think it’s clear when you watch him the upside is there and how far he goes will be up to him. Right now, I imagine he’s good enough to get offers the way it is. But, he’s got two years left and by the time he graduates, I expect him to be able to handpick where he wants to play college ball.
Jayon Harvey – Franklin Central – CB/FS – 5’10” 165lbs
Harvey is a versatile athlete for Franklin Central who moves around the back end of the defense where he is able to make plays on a regular basis. It doesn’t matter if he’s lining up at CB, Safety, or coming into the box, Harvey will make the play. Injuries hurt his 2021 play but, when he was on the field he was making plays and looked like himself. He’s an aggressive corner who will try jumping the route if he can when he is able to anticipate what is coming. More often than not, if he’s not able to make the interception, the ball is at least going to end up on the ground. He knows how to use his hands and fight through contact to get the ball loose. There were a few times he got caught on his heels and a receiver went past him, but it wasn’t a constant issue. I do also think he’s a touch light, but outside of that, I don’t have any physical concerns. Harvey is a lengthy player with long arms and great instincts. He checks a ton of boxes and is only going to get better. I’m exciteds to see where he can go over the next 2 years