Sophomore Phenoms Part. I
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In this multi-part series we will take a dive into some of the top 2024 players across the state who have had very nice off-seasons and 2021 campaigns. These prospects are all college caliber kids that can make an impact…
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Continue ReadingIn this multi-part series we will take a dive into some of the top 2024 players across the state who have had very nice off-seasons and 2021 campaigns. These prospects are all college caliber kids that can make an impact at the next level and will be fun to watch going into the 2022 season.
WR Gatlin Bair Gatlin Bair 6'2" | 195 lbs | WR Burley | 2024 State ID , Kimberly HS
Bair is the top recruit in the state for the 2024 class and recently picked up a big time Stanford offer. He is a big and physical receiver that can go up and make contested catches while able to stretch the field and go over the top on deep safeties. Being a big framed kid, he is a mismatch in the end zone and displays strong hands in traffic and shows good ball location skills from awkward body angles. Still working on short area quickness he flashes deep speed and will only continue to grow as he progresses through high school and is extremely tough to cover.
LB Eli Mikita Eli Mikita 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB Eagle | 2024 State ID , Eagle HS
Mikita is the top 2024 linebacker across the state and shows he can also drop back and play strong safety when needed as he is very comfortable in space and understands zone responsibilities. In the box he is a physical thumper with outstanding closing speed and open field tackling ability while exploding through his target and playing with a high motor and elite physicality. He has a strong build for his age and will only continue to pack on more weight through high school. In the run game, he shows a quick trigger and the ability to get off blocks in the open field violently while flashing a quick play diagnosis. There are plenty of FCS+ schools that will show interest in him going into his Junior and Senior seasons.
QB Matt Irwin, Owyhee HS
Irwin is a true dual-threat quarterback and very poised and smart in the pocket especially for his age. He is a well put together kid that knows when to takeoff and displays a good initial burst through the first level and has some sneaky open field speed. He moves quickly through his progressions and moves defenders with his eyes while able to fit the ball into tight windows with a quick release and good ball placement downfield. When operating in the run game he is smart, makes the right reads and waits for his blocks to develop while athletic enough to bounce it outside and gain the edge. He is a physical runner that can break ankle tackles and shows good contact balance in traffic. The 2024 prospect is one of the most fun quarterbacks to watch across the state it is poised for a huge 2022 season.
DE Jack Young Jack Young 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Owyhee | 2024 State ID , Owyhee HS
Young is part of a talented 2024 defensive class across the state of Idaho and is a very effective edge defender that has some nice twitch and use of hands at the point of attack. Off the ball he has a quick first step and reads plays quickly while strong against the run and understands leverage in run support. He can disengage off blocks quickly and track down ball carriers backside due to closing speed and a high motor. On tape, he understands his pass rush lanes and when to counter back into the pocket. Going into this Fall, he will be one of the top pass rushers across the state regardless of class.
RB Marco Del-Rio Marco Del-Rio 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB Meridian | 2024 State ID , Meridian HS
Del Rio is a very explosive back that does a ton of damage between the tackles and can also bounce it outside. He shows good first level explosion and quick feet through the hole while running with a natural forward lean and low pad level while always falling forward upon contact and getting the tough extra yards. He is patient in-between the tackles, waits for his blocks to develop and shows good vision in tight windows while able able to make defenders miss within the first two levels. Rel Rio also shows strong short area quickness and lateral movement abilities. Going into the 2022 season he is definitely one of the top ball carriers across the region and should have another stellar season.