Mid- Season Top Performers
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Instead of going into the Week 4 highlights, I want to instead take a look at the top performers of the entire first half of the season. To keep it organized, I will be going through the passing, rushing, receiving,…
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Continue ReadingInstead of going into the Week 4 highlights, I want to instead take a look at the top performers of the entire first half of the season. To keep it organized, I will be going through the passing, rushing, receiving, and defensive categories, listing the Top 5 in the category, and taking a look at what their midseason highlights show us if the y have them posted. These athletes have been dominating the season, so I want to give them the spotlight this week. Let’s get into the top performers of the first four weeks!
Top 5 Passing Performers
Stats: 69/115, 1,044 Yards, 13 TDsrnJerry has put on a show this fall proving why he is QB1 in the Class of 2023 here in WI. The North Dakota commit has led his team to a 2-2 record, and nearly 40 points per game. Kaminski currently sits at #4 in passing yards, #5 in passing TDs, and #6 in passing yards per game.
Jerry has the best blend of traits in a very deep QB class. He has a 6’2″ 200 lbs frame. His arm talent is a great blend of accuracy, touch, and strength giving him the ability to make every necessary throw. Kaminksi also has the dual threat to be able to hurt a defense when they turn their backs to him. Jerry has a knack for stepping up, and making bi plays when needed. That clutch gene will be key at the next level. I’m excited to see how far he can lead his team this fall in his final run at Sun Prairie East.
Highlights
Stats: 56/82, 949 Yards, 11 TDsrnThe 6’3″ 225 lbs QB is putting together a special statistical season. He has proven to be a great decision maker. With only 1 INT in 4 games, you can trust Nate to have the ball in his hands in tough situations. Nate has the 7th most passing yards, tied for the second most passing TDs, and the 10th most passing yards per game.
Kollath is the top uncommitted QB in the state. He has an elite frame, and a great dual threat ability to his game. The big man is a serious problem when he tucks it and decides to pick up yards with his legs. Nate’s ability to make throws from different arm angles, and on the move jump off the tape. It’s not something you see often from a kid his size. The ball jumps out of his hand when he needs to let it rip. His accuracy is reliable on the run or from teh pocket. He has definitely taken the next step in his development with what I have seen from his senior season. Don’t miss out on him.
Highlights
Stats: 61/92, 993 Yards, 10 TDsrnAnother productive QB who also looks the part is the 6’5″ 220 lbs senior QB. At the halfway point, Jackson has the 6th most passing yards, 15th most passing TDs, and the 8th most passing yards per game. He has his team at 4-0 following an undefeated state championship in 2021.
Not only does Flottmeyer has the size, the production, and the success. He also has the traits that will translate to the next level. The pocket passer stands tall in the pocket, reads the field quickly, and makes correct decisions. Jackson has a quick release, and the arm to get the ball to every level of the field with velocity. He has pinpoint accuracy, putting the ball where only his guy has a good chance to haul it in. His leadership is evident as he has led very different rosters to successful seasons. Flottmeyer is a winner that needs more looks form the next level. He holds one offer, so far.
Highlights
Trent Grunewald
Trent Grunewald
Stats: 70/121, 1,231 yards, 14 TDsrnThe 6’3″ 180 lbs sophomore has had a special start to his season. The underclassman leads the state in passing yards. He is the only 1,200+ passing yards in the state. Trent also is second in the state in passing TDs. The sophomore is also second in passing yards per game. He is one of only two players with 300+ yards per game.
Trent has led his team to a 3-1 while putting up 33.8 points per game. Trent is also a talented basketball player. He is a new name that I will be following closely. We are waiting for his highlight tape as of this writing. You can’t question the production, and success though.
Aidan Keyes
Aidan Keyes
Stats: 67/101, 1,144 Yards, 15 TDsrnBelleville has been a high powered offense. A change at QB this season hasn’t changed that. At the halfway point, Aidan has the 3rd most passing yards, the most passing TDs, and the 4th most passing yards per game. Despite his fist year at the helm, Keyes has fit right into the role with great success.
Aidan is an aggressive, downfield passer who wins with touch and accuracy on his passes. The 6’1″ 190 lbs senior could work himself into a D3 level prospect by the end of the season. He is going to have plenty of tape to share thanks to the offense that Belleville runs. Keep an eye on him the second half of the season, and potentially into the playoffs.
Top 5 Rushing Performers
Stats: 95 Carries, 1,224 Yards, 16 TDsrnThe senior is having a historic senior season. He has the most rushing yards, rushing TDs, and rushing yards per game. He also had the second most rushing yards in a game during his Week Two performance. His dominant season has led Mukwonago to the D1 #1 ranking, and a 4-0 record.
Stang has the talent to play at a high level of college football .He has good size at 6’1″ 195 lbs, and his play relies heavily on his speed and athleticism. Wynn has proven he can pull away in the open field as well as beat pursuit angels. He is a patient runner, but once he sees the hole open up he flashes his excellent acceleration, and burst. His play-making and ability to make the rare play show up over and over on a weekly basis.Wynn has been the most dominant player in the first half of the season.
Highlights
Trevor Asher
Trevor Asher
Stats: 97 Carries, 992 Yards, 13 TDsrnThe wildcat QB has been a big problem for defenses this fall. Asher has led his team to a 3-1 record while putting up the 2nd most rushing yards, 3rd most rushing TDs, and the 2nd most yards per game. There is no question where the ball is going, yet Trevor gets the job done on a weekly basis.
The 6′ 190 lbs RB is a D3 level prospect based off his weekly highlights. Trevor is at his best attacking outside the guards. He is able to stretch the field horizontally, find his lanes based off blocks and turn up field for big plays. His speed stands out form the crowd, and it looks to be good for the next level. The powerful back also can run behind his pads when he needs to, and he does a good job of maintaining his balance through contact. Keep an eye on the senior RB. He holds an offer from UW- River Falls.
Stats: 72 Carries, 812 Yards, 14 TDsrnBlake is our highest ranked RB in the top performers. When the season ends he will most likely be ranked even higher too. Despite only having 72 carries, Blake is 4th in rushing yards, 2nd in rushing TDs, and 4th in yards per game. His efficiency is off the charts, and it has led Mayville to a 4-0 record.
It looks, and feels different when watching Blake run the ball. The 6’1″ 195 lbs RB has a fantastic blend of speed and power. He can do everything needed of a college RB. His play between the tackles demonstrates patience, vision, power, and balance to bounce off hits. Outside the tackles, Schraufnagel has the speed to turn every touch into six when he breaks containment. We saw a lot of that last year, but this year he looks like a man among boys. He holds multiple D2 offers, and I wouldn’t’ be shocked to see some FCS schools join the pursuit of his talents.
Stats: 86 Carries, 816 Yards, 13 TDsrnJase had a strong junior campaign at RB, but he is poised to blow that performance out of the water. He currently its at 3rd in rushing yards, tied for 3rd in rushing TDs, and 3rd in rushing yards per game. Jase has been the workhorse on offense that has led Neenah to a 4-0 record.
The 6’1″ 175 lbs RB holds one D2 offer, but with what he is showing that is sure to change. Jase has game breaking speed that is fully utilized thanks to his vision. Jase sees the field very well. He finds his blocks, sees cutback lanes, and sets up defenders well. Once he gets out into green grass he is hard to catch. Despite not being the biggest kid, Jenkins doesn’t hesitate to run behind his shoulder pads when he needs to. He usually ends up being the hammer, not the nail, in those situations. Keep an eye on him. He is a big impact player.
Stats: 66 Carries, 765 yards, 12 TDsrnOur only non-senior in the group is junior Jayden Gordon Jayden Gordon 5’10” | 165 lbs | RB St Joseph Catholic Academy | 2024 State WI . The 5’10” 170 lbs RB has been nearly impossible to contain during the first half of the season. He is currently 5th in rushing yards, tied for 7th in rushing TDs, and 7th in rushing yards per game. His dominating play has led St. Joseph Catholic Academy to a 4-0 record.
The compact RB dominates with his ability to find the hole, accelerate to top speed instantly, and then beat everyone to the endzone. When he decides to takeoff Gordon pulls away with ease. He will do the dirty work also. He has a few highlights lowering his shoulder at the goal line. That’s not something he will need to do at the next level, most likely, but it is good to see him be willing to play physical.
Top 5 Receiving Performers
Stats: 27 Receptions, 550 Yards, 5 TDsrnFranko has been one of my favorite WRs over the past few years. He is an under the radar senior who needs far more attention. He is currently 6th in receptions, 2nd in yards, tied fro 12th in TDs, and 3rd in yards per game.
The 6′ 160 lbs WR is a smooth route runner who uses head fakes and other savvy tricks to get DBs to bite. Once they commit incorrectly Williams makes them pay with his speed. Franko has consistently been one of the top receivers when it comes to making concentration catches. He is impressive making catches in traffic with his reliable, strong hands. Franko is definitely a next level talent, and needs to be checked out.
Highlights
Nicky Odom
Nicky Odom
Stats: 34 Receptions, 397 yards, 1 TD
Nicky has been a consistent producer going on two seasons now. He had a strong junior year, and is on pace to outperform those numbers as a senior. Odom currently sits at 2nd in receptions, and tied for 12th in yards. He has been a key piece on the offense of the 4-0 Hilltoppers.
The senior doesn’t have any film posted, but D3 programs should keep an eye out for it. He doesn’t have elite size, but his quick twitch and burst is special. With time to fill out he could make an impact at the next level.
Stats: 17 Receptions, 535 Yards, 9 TDsrnwhat an absolutely electric first half of the season for Egan! He only has 17 receptions in 4 games, yet he is currently 1st in TDs, and 3rd in yards, and 4th in yards per game. He is one of the most efficient players in the state this fall.
The 5’11” 180 lbs WR/RB is a compact, powerful athlete who thrives after the catch. Cedar Grove- Belgium loves to get it to him quickly so that Gabe can turn it into a big play. He plays like an RB after the catch. He is able to rip through arm tackles, juke defenders in the open field, and win with speed. I don’t see any offers for the playmaker. Don;t miss out. He is a D3 level prospect minimum.
Highlights
Degan Jensen
Degan Jensen
Stats: 24 Receptions, 598 Yards, 6 TDsrnWisconsin Dells is off to a 3-1 start thanks in big part to the junior WR. He currently sits at 1st in yards, 3rd in TDs, 13th in receptions, and 1st in yards per game. Degan has scored at least once a week, and broke 100 yards every week, but one.
The 6’2″ 170 lbs WR is a long, lean outside receiver. This is my first time watching him, and I am very impressed. He makes impressive concentration catches in traffic, and along the sideline. He has reported 4.6 speed, and I believe it considering how often he is flying by DBs or pulling away form them in the open field. Lastly, Jensen is surprisingly elusive after the catch when he is corralled by defenders. I’m excited to get him in the rankings after the season to see where he stands among his peers.
Jordan Wegener
Jordan Wegener
Stats: 22 Receptions, 443 Yards, 5 TDsrnThis was a tough battle between Jordan and his brother Sam. Both have put up big numbers, but Jordan wins the final spot here. Jordan has scored every week of the season, and has 100+ yards in 3/4 weeks. He is 19th in receptions, and 8th in yards per game.
The 6’5″ receiver provides a huge target for his QB, and he maximizes that target size by being a reliable hands catcher. He doesn’t have a ton of film to go off of yet, but look for him to be a big producer, and a solid looking prospect.
Top 5 Defensive Performers
Stats: 51 Tackles, 5 Sacks, 4 TFLsrnIsaac is one the only athlete who is in the Top 15 for sacks, and tackles. He is 12th in Total Tackles, and 14th in sacks. That ability to dominate the line of scrimmage has been key for Marshfield’s success this fall.
I just watched Isaac this past week. He was a blast to follow. His burst off the line at 6’3″ 245 lbs caught the eye every time. He carried that speed right into closing on the QB or ball carrier. Dagit lives in the backfield thanks to that burst as well as the power to be able to bull rush or rip past linemen. He was a menace last week, and looking at every other film it is clear that he has been playing the same way all season. He’s a hidden gem right now looking for his first offer.
Stats: 74 Tackles, 7 TFLs, 2 Sacks, 3 FFrnWhat a start to the season for the senior LB. He leads the state by a LARGE margin in total tackles. He is the only one with over 60, and he is way up at 74! He has 15+ in 3/4 games, and has one game with an unbelievable 31 tackles!
Marcus is a heat seeking missile at ILB. He tracks the ball, and reads the flow of the line well. He reacts to what he reads quickly, and pursues sideline to sideline. Getsinger is as reliable as it comes when it comes to tackling. He wraps up tightly, runs his feet through contact, and delivers big shots when given the chance to. The senior is already pulling away in the tackles category. He looks like a D3 prospect. Give him a look.
Highlights
Jacob Woida
Jacob Woida
Stats: 32 Tackles, 8 Sacks, 5 TFLs, 1 PBUrnThe Arrowhead senior DL leads the state in sacks at the halfway point. He has had a sack in 3/4 games, and 3+ sacks in 2/4 games. Jacob doesn’t have any highlights posted, but it is clear that the DL consistently sets up shop in the offensive backfield.
Stats: 45 Tackles, 10 TFLs, 5 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 PBUrnPaul is one of only two athletes making the Top 30 for tackles, and Top 15 for sacks. He has double digit tackles in 3 out of 4 games, and a sack or more in 3 out of 4 games.
The 6’1″ 205 lbs, high producing LB is at his best flying downhill. He is a quick processor with the lateral agility to slide himself into proper position against plays between the tackles. His strength surprises you on clips as he will rip right through blocks of much bigger linemen. Out in space, Paul has shown that he can move comfortably. His short area burst is his best athleticism trait. It gives him the chance to close quickly on ball carriers coming towards his gap. I have Paul as a D3 level prospect. make sure he is on your radar.