Top Prospects: Rockford Rams

The Rockford Rams finished with an impressive 11-1 record last fall, with their only blemish being a 28-27 nail-biting loss to Grand Blanc in the playoffs. They lose a few key pieces from last year’s squad, like quarterback Zak Ahern and Central Michigan signee Kade Kostus; however, I fully expect them to reload this fall. Head coach Brent Cummings and his staff have put their touches on a proud program, and I think they can make yet another run with the talent they have coming back. I analyzed some of their top prospects entering this fall below! <hr /> <em><strong>LB: Rick Beison, 6’1" 210, SR</strong></em> A thumper who speeds his feet on contact and will stand-up backs in their tracks. Beison is an instinctive run-stuffer with exceptional lateral quickness and a downright physical style of play. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13320108/61a428724bb31b0accf4015e" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>ATH: [player_tooltip player_id="232200" first="Mac" last="VandenHout"], 5’11" 190, SR</strong></em> Mac shows an innate ability to sneak behind coverage, to go with strong hands through traffic. He’s also an elusive returner blessed with fantastic vision in a crowd. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11786324/61956a97042898089cdedf73" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>WR: [player_tooltip player_id="232201" first="Alex" last="McLean"], 5’7" 165, SR</strong></em> I’ve written about McLean before and have been so impressed by his production &amp; craftiness as a route runner. He’s extremely slippery after the catch and shows outstanding body control. He’s starting to gain more and more momentum on the recruiting front, and don’t be surprised if that spills over into the season. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11786326/619a87b5664cf70e90ed14cb" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>LB: Colby Weston, 6’1" 200, SR</strong></em> A hard-nosed inside linebacker that can deliver the boom between the tackles. Weston has a non-stop motor to go with tremendous closing speed on tape. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13320151/6192b41d7bd3670b9c571223" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id="232202" first="Tyler" last="Hoek"], 6’1" 205, SR</strong></em> A physical strong safety with great size and a natural ability to fight off blocks on the perimeter. Based on his frame and overall play strength, Hoek could project as an outside linebacker at the next level. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13320293/6194822d2351f20e90ab019f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>ATH: [player_tooltip player_id="286467" first="Brody" last="Thompson"], 6’1 185, SR</strong></em> I wasn’t able to find film on Thompson from last fall, but I did watch his JV film from 2020, and he flashed. This is a young man who has plenty of athleticism and can make an impact at wide receiver or safety. He shows great burst, soft hands, and solid change of direction. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13320147/5fcc471f5ca90f0990995f40" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id="241258" first="Austin" last="Harvey"], 5’10 170, SR</strong></em> A competitive cornerback with a natural feel for seeing the quarterback. Harvey has plenty of recovery speed, a firm off-hand jam in press, and is willing to put his body on the line to make a play. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13320210/61996310664cf70e90ec218c" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>RB: Ryan Ahern, 6’ 190, JR</strong></em> A tough runner that knows how to run behind his shoulder pads. Ahern has a nasty stiff arm, phenomenal contact balance, and is so sudden through the hole. I think this kid is going to have a breakout junior campaign. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13636840/6146199b19a58f088075795b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>OL: Danny Neill, 6’2" 250, SR</strong></em> A consistent guard prospect with heavy hands and noticeable flexibility. He’s awfully effective as a puller with a full head of steam behind him and was a knockdown machine in 2021. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13320150/62958ffc02b1d4093061331f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>