2024 Under-the-Radar Athletes

A team can never have enough playmakers on the field. Those who fall under the athlete category can serve a variety of roles. Today, we look at some of the underrated athletes who will be juniors next fall. [player_tooltip player_id="109614" first="Dontrez" last="Fuller"], 5'10, 155 pounds, Anderson [player_tooltip player_id="109614" first="Dontrez" last="Fuller"] is a shut-down corner for Anderson. Fuller excels while playing off coverage. He is excellent at taking the ball away. Fuller does a great job staying with the receiver and reading the eyes of the quarterback to make the play. When he is not shutting down the opponent's passing-game, Fuller significantly aids his team's aerial attack. He combines speed and good route-running ability to get separation. Fuller can be the vertical threat that a receiving corps needs. Fuller also contributes on special teams, handling punting duties. [player_tooltip player_id="244413" first="Langdon" last="Holbrook"], 5'8, 165 pounds, Scottsburg [player_tooltip player_id="244413" first="Langdon" last="Holbrook"] is a playmaker on both sides of the ball at Scottsburg. Last season, Holbrook reeled-in 34 catches for 474 yards with eight touchdown receptions. Defensively, he showed that he can give his team a boost. In 2021, he recorded 25 total tackles, 20 of which were solo. He added one tackle-for-loss and one pass defense. Holbrook also forced and recovered one fumble. His impact carried over to special teams as well. Holbrook can create a spark as a kickoff returner where he added 186 yards. [player_tooltip player_id="542027" first="Wade" last="Jones"], 6'5, 185 pounds, Tippecanoe [player_tooltip player_id="542027" first="Wade" last="Jones"] is effective as a superback and safety. Defensively, he is an opportunistic safety. Jones does well following the eyes of the quarterback and making the play. A sound tackler, Jones is a solid run-defender. Offensively, he showed that he can be an option in the passing-game. Last year, Jones made six catches for 85 yards and one touchdown. Jones also serves as the team's punter. [player_tooltip player_id="290469" first="Roland" last="Vera Jr"], 5'8, 160 pounds, FJ Reitz [player_tooltip player_id="290469" first="Roland" last="Vera Jr"] is a playmaker in all three phases. As a receiver, he is prospect who is great on the perimeter. When Vera gets the ball in his hands, he can create a big play. Vera brings that same ability to the return-game. He has the shiftiness and speed required to be a great returner. Defensively, Vera is a solid tackler. [player_tooltip player_id="290469" first="Roland" last="Vera Jr"] is a prospect to watch heading into next year. [player_tooltip player_id="189136" first="Matt" last="Koontz"], Hanover Central [player_tooltip player_id="189136" first="Matt" last="Koontz"] can create spark plays and keep the offense moving. Koontz makes good decisions when running run-pass-option plays. Koontz has great mobility, allowing him to keep plays alive or to pick up yardage with his legs. Koontz makes on-time and accurate throws while on the move. He throws a solid deep ball. Koontz makes an impact on the defensive side of the ball as well. Last season, he recorded 27 total tackles with two interceptions, seven passes defensed and one fumble recovery. [player_tooltip player_id="109628" first="Gabe" last="McGuire"], 5'10, 160 pounds, Alexandria-Monroe [player_tooltip player_id="109628" first="Gabe" last="McGuire"] is an all-around contributor for Alexandria-Monroe. At wide receiver, McGuire has great speed, and he can be a multi-dimensional player. In his sophomore season, McGuire carried the ball 18 times for 171 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns. Through the air, he snagged 40 receptions for 481 yards and six scores. Defensively, McGuire posted 35 tackles, one interception, two passes defensed and one fumble recovery. On special teams, McGuire was solid as a punter.