5 2023 Recruits Just Scratching The Surface Of Their Potential
The 2023 class has a ton of talent that is already recognized regularly. However, today we’re looking at 5 recruits who aren’t as well known but should be and are literally just scratching the surface of what they can be…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 class has a ton of talent that is already recognized regularly. However, today we’re looking at 5 recruits who aren’t as well known but should be and are literally just scratching the surface of what they can be on the field!
Donnie Wiley Donnie Wiley 6'2" | WR DeKalb | 2023 State IN – DeKalb – WR/DB – 6’2″ 180lbs
Wiley is a fantastic athlete who truly does it all for DeKalb. He’ll return kicks, play WR, and play DB all while rarely coming off the field. He’s got a really long frame that allows him to win a ton of contested balls downfield. His ball skills are good and he’s got a good vertical. Even when covered, he’s able to rise up, make the snag, and come down with it. A portion of the offense has become find him and throw it up to him because odds are he’ll make the play. He’s can line up in the slot or out wide, but has proven time and time again he’s a matchup nightmare on the outside. He doesn’t run the cleanest routes and needs some work in that category, but he’s got the body control to be a really good route runner. Especially as he develops physically, he could begin to start manhandling smaller DBs and force the defense to adjust. He’s willing to go over the middle, isn’t afraid of taking the big hit, and brings down the ball. At DB, he’s scrappy, can run, and knows how to use his frame and length to win when he needs to. He’s a bit rawer at DB, but his length and speed gives him a nice cushion as he’s developing if that’s the route he goes. When he returns kicks, he’s able to take it to the house and has done so in the past. If he went to a bigger school, I feel there’s a chance his name would be much more common, as it should be. Wiley does a lot of little things well and is as reliable as they come. This fall, I’d expect another stellar year and hopefully, he gets the love he needs!
Jude McCoskey – Terre Haute South Vigo – OT – 6’7″ 260lbs
McCoskey is a really fun prospect because of his attitude on the field and his versatility because of his basketball background. While he is a bit light for OT, he’s got the frame to easily develop into it, but more importantly, his basketball background has helped keep him nimble, good on his feet, and changing direction. You’ve got an OL who can launch threes on the basketball court who really stands out but then shows his athleticism by his post defending. I’d be willing to bet the reason he’s a bit lighter than you’d like right now is because basketball has kept him slimmer than most OTs. Once he gets to a college lifting program, McCoskey could easily blow up and develop into an elite frame at the college level. I mentioned his attitude briefly and that’s because on the field he’s got the aggression you like to see. He’ll finish his guy into the dirt and then bounce right back up. While not every time, it’s that weight that will help him with consistency there. He’s decent in pass protection and on the move. As the weight and extra strength come, I think it’ll help him with leverage. Length is no problem for him and almost always will have the first contact, which is so important. McCoskey’s upside down the road is insanely high and wherever he lands, I can imagine it’s going to be a great day in that office.
Lawrence Primus Lawrence Primus 5'10" | DB Ben Davis | 2023 State IN – Ben Davis – DB – 5’10″ 180lbs
Primus is an aggressive DB who has a knack for the ball. When the ball is in his area, he’s going to take his shot at it. If he’s not able to bring it down, he’s usually able to break up the pass. More often than not, he’s playing CB in the same spot and they don’t feel the need to babysit him. He’s steady enough to get the job done play after play. While not perfect, he’s been reliable for them when on the field. While he’s listed at 5’10″, there are times he looks much longer than that. I like that he’s willing to throw his whole body into a tackle when he needs to and isn’t afraid to put his body on the line to make a play. Primus also feels like a very fluid and solid-moving athlete. While not the most explosive player, he’s flexible and can run with just about anyone. I do think there’s some work with some footwork and in the weight room, but that’s the same with every young athlete. Primus shows promise, he’s on the field, and he makes plays. I appreciated his tape because I felt like he was worried about 1 thing. Doing his job. Sounds simple, but if it was, most coaches wouldn’t need a job. Primus feels like the perfect type of guy who comes in, develops, and then becomes a reliable starter for his collegiate program for a few years. He’s got the instincts and willingness to tackle DBs need to play at the next level. Good things are in store for Primus and hopefully this fall, he can come out and make the most of every opportunity like he’s done in the past. If so, he’ll have no issues finding a home at the next level.
Trystan Aspeslet Trystan Aspeslet 6'0" | 220 lbs | DL Bishop Chatard | 2023 State IN – Bishop Chatard – LB/DL – 5’11″ 215lbs
Aspeslet is a fantastic athlete who can play in all 3 phases of the game and can play multiple spots in each phase of the game. He’s primarily on Special Teams and is one of their better gunners. He’s the one who comes flying downhill and lights up the ball carrier for a highlight hit. On defense, you get the same incredibly high-motor player who will find a way to get to the ball. He doesn’t give up on any play and will run all the way downfield if he has to. If he’s double, or even triple-teamed, he’s able to win and make the play. While I do think coming to balance and tackling form on the run are in a work in progress, he’s not bad and has gotten better each year. Physically, he is a bit light for either LB or DL, but he’s always grinding in the weight room. He’s as strong as an Oxe and pound for pound, can handle his own. Once he gets into a college program, he could easily put on another 20lbs of muscle. Whether his hand is on the ground, he’s standing up, or is playing Special Teams, you’re getting everything from him and he’s going to make plays. I feel confident saying that he’s someone who will make an impact at the collegiate level once he gets up to speed.
Daniel Foster Daniel Foster 6'3" | OL Indian Creek | 2023 State IN – Indian Creek – OL – 6’3″ 275lbs
Foster has played in every spot you can imagine at this point. Whenever they need help or someone to bounce around, they call on Foster. He’s played on the inside of the line, the outside, the left, and the right. Quite literally, when someone goes down they have Foster plug the hole. Well, he does more than that. He either creates a wall or removes people, just depending on his assignment. In the passing game, his footwork isn’t perfect, but his stance and frame aren’t bad. He’s aggressive, got strong hands, and isn’t going to get blown back. He’s always able to handle his own. As he develops in a college program and gets the footwork cleaned up, he could become a mauler. In the running game, you get the same aggression and powerful player. He does go to a smaller school and does feel a bit rawer fundamentally, I still think it’s clear as day what he is now and what he can develop into. With his frame and ability to bounce to literally any position, he’s going to make some school somewhere very happy. When he steps onto the field, he turns the switch and you’re getting everything from him. There’s a reason he’s shown to be so steady and reliable to this point. That’s not changing this fall either and if he’s able to perform again as he has in the past, he’ll have no issue finding a school that fits him and everything he can offer.