Five 2023 Prospects on the Verge of a Breakout

Ryan Wesley

May 25, 2022 @ 05:30 PM

Now that the school year is nearing its end, the focus is shifting toward preparing for the coming season. This is also when new names and faces begin to enter the world of recruiting as potential prospects. The incoming seniors are approaching the final season of their high school careers. For many, this is the time to take center stage while the recruiting process picks up traction. Below is a list of five players from the class of 2023 who have shown significant promise as recruiting prospects with the potential of becoming difference-makers for whichever program is lucky enough to secure their commitments.   [player_tooltip player_id="215284" first="Jazel" last="Riley IV"] | Golden | 6’2”, 206lbs | QB Riley IV is one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the state who can gash defenses with his legs or torch secondaries with his arm. He has an elite pocket awareness that makes it appear as if he has eyes in the back of his head. Riley is a top top-tier player with an impressive arm and excellent athleticism, which are a few of many reasons college programs should circle his name on their prospect boards. [embed]https://twitter.com/iv_jazel/status/1527832593554546688?s=20&t=ssCBLKdBtC1u0WiT8B405w[/embed]   [player_tooltip player_id="150173" first="Jaxon" last="Thompson"] | Smoky Hill | 6’2”, 185lbs | LB/ATH Thompson is a stud who brings excellent speed and physicality to the second level of the defense. He is a versatile player who has the athleticism needed to cover the slot receiver or be plugged in at safety. He has fluid movements and flies downhill to deliver punishing hits. Thompson is a must-know prospect with significant upside. [embed]https://twitter.com/jaxonmt_/status/1457930158321532930?s=20&t=ssCBLKdBtC1u0WiT8B405w[/embed]   Calem Grimble | Smoky Hill | 6’2”, 2170lbs | DL/OL Grimble is a true sleeper with top-tier potential on both sides of the ball. He has an explosive first step which allows him to quickly shoot gaps and plug running lanes as an interior defensive lineman. Offensively, he uses his explosiveness to get into his sets quickly while landing powerful strikes with precise timing. Grimble is still a little under the radar, but he has the potential to become a breakout recruit. [embed]https://twitter.com/c_grimble44/status/1457909451197931529?s=20&t=ssCBLKdBtC1u0WiT8B405w[/embed]   [player_tooltip player_id="218214" first="Brycen" last="Mhlanga"] | Littleton | 5’11”, 210lbs | RB/LB Mhlanga is another low-flyer on the recruiting radar, but he has begun to build a strong reputation as a legitimate prospect. He is a versatile player who has the size of a power back and the athleticism of a scatback. He is a powerful runner with elusive cuts and breakaway speed. Mhlanga is also a viable option in the passing game because of his impressive skills as a receiver and his capabilities as an additional blocker, which explains his skyrocketing stock value. [embed]https://twitter.com/BrycenMhlanga/status/1486451076274561029?s=20&t=ssCBLKdBtC1u0WiT8B405w[/embed]   Jake Decklever | Fossil Ridge | 6’2”, 190lbs | SS/OLB Decklever is a radar pop-up with significant upside as a recruiting prospect. He plays with a high motor, flying around the field with great awareness and dominating physicality. He moves well in coverage and attacks the ball when it is in the air or in his opponent’s hands. Decklever is a hard-hitting player who makes for the ideal candidate for a team that needs a tone-setting strong safety or outside linebacker. [embed]https://twitter.com/DeckleverJake/status/1466146159202910212?s=20&t=ssCBLKdBtC1u0WiT8B405w[/embed]