2022 Minnesota Season Preview: Eastview Lightning

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>APPLE VALLEY, MN-- </strong>Our 2022 Minnesota Season Preview #2 checks us into the Southeast Metro as we take a look at the<strong> Eastview Lightning</strong>, who are coming off a 3-6 record in 2021, but the upside of their senior (2023) and their very deep junior (2024) classes paints a great picture when you look into their future over the next year or two. I will say this on record, when I got to watch this <strong>2024</strong> class back when they were freshmen during the 2020 season, I could evaluate the huge boat of talent this program was going to have success with over the next several years, and this 2022 season is where that junior class will really get to make their mark of what I saw early this upcoming season. We evaluated a great number of players to watch from the Lightning, players that look to take it up a notch and raise their stock in the 2022 season, and we will look at Eastview's 2022 game schedule with several games to watch for over the coming months!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Eastview Lightning Players to Watch for in 2022:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6302d4a9e968b","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["186076"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Alex has some early skillsets you see on tape, that are intriguing to watch as far as the next level goes. He sells his tape as a pulling guard that puts on some superb pad-level and draws more than enough contact to path a smooth path for the Lightning rushing attack. His foot speed pulls out quickly to set the tone for the Lightning run game. I like how Alex works his angles when it comes to his punch, as he's a high football IQ OL that generates a positional angle on his punch but also has the velocity to slam the defensive linemen to the turf when he gets his leverage. He has a high amount of awareness of where to go on every play, and as a leader of the Lightning OL, the run game is generated a ton on his placement in space. Alex has light next-level interest at the moment, but I see him gaining a lot more attention come fall at the D2 and D3 level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["123092"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Elias shows on tape some good versatility in his attack in the run and pass game as a defensive back. He shows the instinctive ability to be able to climb up to the next level and make a play and can also drop back into deep coverage and show off some physicality with the deep ball. I think he can develop into his senior season on his vision, as I would love to see Elias grow a bigger reactive instinct as far as which level he's going to attack, as sometimes, on tape, he has to react quickly to the play faster than he wants to. If Elias can grow more agility by opening up his footwork, that would add more versatility to his game to cover both sides defensively.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["383728"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"The Eastview Lightning holds the torch, having the #1 specialist in all of Minnesota in Minnesota Gophers commit [player_tooltip player_id='383728' first='Caleb' last='McGrath']. Caleb has some absolutely booming hangtime on tape, which you catch with all of his punts, and has a great spin-off, his leg pinning plenty of balls inside the 20. Caleb shows off excellent poise, as his first clip on tape shows a bad snap, but the composure that Caleb shows for the special teams unit to not panic speaks volumes to why he's on his way to becoming a punter in the Big Ten. Caleb also shows excellent distance to go along with his hangtime, and he can create poor field position for the incoming offense with all the skillsets his long powerful leg possessses.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["300736"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_player_featured_image":423181,"_player_evaluations_3_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eLive Eval: u003c/strongu003eWesley was a new prospect to my eyes from the Tight End position for the Lightning. Wesley showed off much more size than what he puts on his Hudl, as he seems like he has grown longer and more stout from his last height/weight update. I was impressed with the contact and hand position on Wesley's pad level when he moved into the next level with his blocks. He also showed developing growth with his hands as a pass-catcher too. I love to see the consistency from what I see in person to what I see on tape from Wesley, as he shows that same distinguished pad-level on tape from his junior season at Eastview.- Deeper into his tape, you can see more feisty hands come out for Wesley on his blocks, which is a great sight to see into the 2022 season. Wesley is a prospect that I would like to see more speed come off his first step with his pass-catching ability, as there certainly is more juice left in the tank for this young man to show off, especially if he can relish into the open field. Look for Wesley to be another 2023 prospect on this Lightning roster to catch more waves as far as his recruiting comes this fall.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["105373"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eLive Eval: u003c/strongu003eDamon is a RB prospect I have gotten to watch a ton since he was a freshman and is one of the big reasons why I believe this Eastview roster has a lot of upside over the next year or two. Damon really impressed me in practice with the work of his football IQ, as he showed excellent leadership qualities I would want in my locker room if I was an HS or college coach as he shows great accountability on and off the field with his teammates. Damon also showed significant finish in his burst ability when he had room in the open field to progress forward. Damon shows an agile ability with his footwork inside and can bounce to the open field outside to pave the way to use all that speed he has in his arsenal to the table. I also like Damon's durability in the redzone to lower his shoulder despite not being the biggest RB out there; he shows a fearless demeanor that go outside the measurables he shows off. There is not a doubt in my mind this young man has the tools to play on Saturdays, and I believe would be an excellent prospect in the Missouri Valley in the coming the years.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["224835"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Another Prep Redzone Minnesota showcase alum, Cooper, is another incoming Junior to watch for the Eastview Lightning. Cooper shows off a loaded end of physicality when he makes contact with the ball carrier into the next level of play and will force you to enter his zone while he's already developed an active stance to jack up his physicality level to be reckoned with. The biggest development for Cooper going into 2022 is creating a stronger base when it comes to his balance, not to get drawn out farther out from the play. When I saw Cooper in-person on Friday, I saw more strength that should squash some of those plays in 2022. Cooper is excellent off the first shed and should see plenty of TFLs for the Lightning in 2022 as one of their top juniors this season on defense.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["242384"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"You have to love that the Eastview Lighting have two smashmouth linebackers in their 2024 class, the other being [player_tooltip player_id='242384' first='Eli' last='Judson']. Eli shows off quick hands, quickly getting into the trenches' rumble quickly for his 6'3 220 pound frame. Eli shows effective motor into first contact and if he can develop on his game speed in 2022 there will be more punch for the taking for this Lightning defense. I also believe developing on his instinctive movement towards the ball will add even more physicality to Eli's game this season. I have to say this younger linebacking core for the Lightning, excites the heck out of me over the next couple of years to say the least.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_7_player_details_player_name":"Grayson Osberg","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_7_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_7_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_7_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_7_player_details_school":"Eastview","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_7_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_7_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eLive Eval: u003c/strongu003eThis was my first look at one of two QBs that the Eastview Lightning will feature in the 2022 season. What did  I like from Grayson on this first look? He showed off a quick release and put together some good reps in-person on the second looks of his progressions to make a competitive throw. I liked watching Grayson's touch on his intermediate routes as well. He also showed good vision and had a good demeanor to speak into the pocket and make a throw. The biggest development for Grayson is how much growth he can see in his future on those progressions I mentioned. I believe the more reps he gets in, the more growth you will see in his potential from the start of the season to the end of the season from those good instincts with the progressions he made in practice in front of my eyes. Excited to see how this young man performs in upcoming scrimmages and games.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["212719"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Ruhan shows a sizeable burst on his initial release on his route, and his athleticism from a vertical sense certainly passes the early eye test to play football at the next level. When the secondary lines up in zone coverage, Ruhan does a solid job at catching them off guard and locking up their feet with his route-running ability. His effectiveness on the go-route paints a great picture of his route-running ability, although I would love to see more creativity in his upcoming senior tape to see what he can do with his change of direction which, based on what I see on the tape, would create a strong separation from the slot-receiver spot Ruhan plays on. Ruhan is also a very high academic prospect with a 3.9 GPA and should gain significant traction on his recruiting trail come this fall. I got to say; I am surprised this young man doesn't have an offer yet from any level.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["212682"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"I love watching Peyton's motor go to work on his junior tape. He shows a quick trigger out of his stance and has some menace-type ability once he approaches the backfield. Certainly not an MLB; you want to give any sort of window to attack into the next level of the field because he will make you pay with his physicality. Peyton also has instinctive vision attacking the run as he works his angles well to create chaos for the ball carrier. He also has shown some upside on tape in pass coverage, and as a senior, I would love to see him grow on that skillset on tape as there is a lot of potential there. Division II and III schools should be after this young man this fall as he certainly is a prospect that deserves to play on Saturdays.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>More Prospects to Watch for the Eastview Lightning:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nico Cavazos, DL, Eastview (2023)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":423185,"width":275,"height":181,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/Nico-Eastview-rotated-crop-456x300-1661201091.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-423185" width="275" height="181"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Live Eval:</strong> Nico was another standout from the Eastview Lightning practice that I enjoyed watching some quality reps on. He showed off some feisty hands on every rep I got to watch and also a quick release to fight off and then drive his feet into the second level of the field. Look for Nico to make a significant splash from his junior to senior season based on what I saw on tape last season to what I saw last Thursday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Landon O'Neil, DL, Eastview (2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When chatting with Eastview Head Coach <strong>Kelly Sherwin</strong> on Friday, he had a lot of great things to say about Landon O'Neil, who should be a PTW before the season's end, as he raved about this young man's upside going into the 2022 season. Excited to watch Landon in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Danny McGrath, WR, Eastview (2024)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":330687,"width":276,"height":203,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/59-Danny-McGrath-1024x755.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-330687" width="276" height="203"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Danny was a 1st Team All-Camp Team at one of our recent Prep Redzone Minnesota Showcases, as this young man showed off some excellent hands in the high-traffic areas in Minnetonka this winter. Look for Danny to be another solid WR target to watch for the Eastview Lightning in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='245637' first='Hunter' last='Heruth'], WR, Eastview (2023)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ezra Formaneck, QB, Eastview (2023)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='105411' first='Marcus' last='Mayes'], WR, Eastview (2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nick Brandt, TE, Eastview (2023)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2022 Eastview Lightning Game Schedule</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thursday, September 1st:</strong> Home vs. Lakeville North, 7 PM<strong>*</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Friday, September 9th: </strong>Away @ Woodbury, 7 PM<strong>*</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Friday, September 16th: </strong>Home vs. Park Cottage Grove, 7 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bye, September 23rd</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Friday, September 30th:</strong> Away @ White Bear Lake, 7 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Friday, October 7th:</strong> Home vs. Burnsville, 7 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Friday, October 21st:</strong> Away @ East Ridge, 7 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wednesday, October 26th</strong>: Away @ Edina, 7 PM<strong>*</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>*Games to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->