Best Performances of Level 3
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Level Three of the WIAA Playoffs brought out the best in many of the student athletes from across WI with next level talent. Athletes were stacking up TDs, wrecking havoc in the backfield, dropping dimes, and reeling in highlight catches.…
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Continue ReadingLevel Three of the WIAA Playoffs brought out the best in many of the student athletes from across WI with next level talent. Athletes were stacking up TDs, wrecking havoc in the backfield, dropping dimes, and reeling in highlight catches. I compiled all the top performances right here into one location. I dive into the tape of 16 standout performances. There are also 15 additional performances that don’t have film, but all 15 are names that next level coaches need to know. In total, all 31 names on this list can play at some level of college. Make sure you are familiar with them all. Let’s get into it!
Stats: 23 Carries, 134 Yards, 2 TDsrnThe 6′ 195 lbs senior has been a key piece to the dominant run game at Brookfield Central. Franz fits the job description of the FB position well in this offense. He is a decisive runner, who has the power to run through tackles and move the pile. He consistently generates yards after contact and runs angry every carry. Franz also has a little wiggle to his game between the tackles. You see him be able to cut or slide subtly as he works his way through traffic. He definitely sees the field well to be able to find those small seams to capitalize on. Michael holds offers from Knox College, Beloit College, and St. Norbert’s.
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Josh Oechsner
Josh Oechsner
Stats: 11 Tackles, 1 TFL, 2 PBUsrnThe 6’1″ 185 lbs junior is going to be a name to know coming out of Catholic Memorial. Joshua has the length you look for in the secondary. His range fits the safety position well as he can get to the sideline or line of scrimmage from his safety position quickly. Josh also closes quickly on the ball. Oechsner also has good play recognition. He processes quickly and that allows him to get in position to make plays. Lastly, I came away impressed with how he could slice through the trash on run games to get into the backfield to make tackles. Strong performance from the talented junior safety.
Stats: 18 Tackles, 3 TFLsrnMatt is an intriguing junior prospect on the Catholic Memorial roster. He has grown to 6′ 195 lbs now, and while that is undersized for the LB position there is a lot to like. My favorite part of his game is his range. Matt looks like he is fired out of a cannon when he looks to close on the ball. He accelerates suddenly, and can transfer that speed into power on contact when tackling. That range makes him a strength on pass defense. Miklosy looks natural and comfortable in space. He moves and changes directions easily making zone or man coverage easier for him than the average LB. I believe he can be a difference maker in passing situations at the next level, and as he continues to grow he could be even more. Keep an eye on this young man.
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Stats: 24 Carries, 199 Yards, 3 TDs, 2 TacklesrnThe 5’10 175 lbs senior RB has been a regular over the years in these top performer articles. A major difference from those times is the attention he has earned now. Colin holds offers from Oshkosh, Ripon, Platteville, Denison, and Lawrence University. Colin took over the Level Three playoff game vs Black Hawk/ Warren. He found running lanes, both big and small, and turned on the jets to create big play after big play. I really like how patient Colin was at the start of plays. he allowed his blocks to develop, and then let his superior athleticism take over after. That patience was needed on a night where conditions made it hard to maintain footing. O’Neil and Casthon are rolling. I’m excited to see how they handle their level 4 opponent.
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Stats: 18 TacklesrnThe 5’11” 215 lbs ILB has been a staple in the middle of the Regis defense for a couple seasons now. He has been a tackling machine while there. Weber is best when he gets to attack downhill and use his physicality and power to make stops against the run game. His tape this week shows his ability to slide laterally to avoid blocks while also getting in position to make the stop. While not having top athletic traits, his short area agility and power to shed blocks would make him a first/second down option at the next level. He is currently under the radar, holding one offer from Gustavus Adolphus. Check him out.
Campbell Kuiper
Campbell Kuiper
Stats: 17 TacklesrnMy lone underclassman in this week’s article is the 6’1″ 210 lbs sophomore LB. Kuiper’s frame is quickly molding into a next level type of frame. He and his team faced a lot of run game this past week, and it allowed him to pin his ears back, trust his eyes, and let his standout quickness get him to the ball. He got to the ball a lot too. We also got a glimpse into his stout ability to take on blocks without losing ground, shed them, and make the stop near the line. I also noticed some nice flexibility as he dipped under a block attempt on one snap. The early signs are exciting for the sophomore. Look for him to debut well in the rankings after the season.
Stats: 26 Carries, 227 Yards, 2 TDs, 7 tackles, 1 INTrnThe 5’7″ 170 lbs senior RB has been on a tear this postseason, and he has his team rolling into Level 4 of the playoffs. Yet the RB is still an under the radar prospect. Now his size will make it hard for some to overlook, but for the ones who do they will find an exciting change of pace back. Dawson has sub 4.6 speed, and short area quickness to be able to cut and change directions smoothly and swiftly. The biggest surprise to his game is how physical he will play. Rud doesn’t mind lowering his shoulder, and that compact frame gives him the leverage advantage. His build also gives him a low center of gravity that you see on those carries where he lowers his shoulder against opponents. Dawson holds an offer from UW- River Falls. Don’t miss out on him.
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Stats: 39 Carries, 236 Yards, 1 TD, 2 TacklesrnWe have an absolute workhorse type of performance this week from the Stratford back. The 6’1″ 195 lbs back leans heavily on the power attributes of the RB position. He is a no hesitation, one cut, north-south runner who has no problem running right through a defender’s chest to finish a play. There were a few plays where Kilty didn’t need that power right away. In those situations he got to use his sub 4.8 40 speed to pick up yards before again finishing with force. I watched Koehler earlier this season live. It was the same type of performance. A grind it out, earn every yard type of performance, and it fit him perfectly. Kilty’s play style matches his traits and build perfectly. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the next level wanted that physicality on the defensive side of the ball. Either way, Kilty is a next level talent.
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Stats: 11 Carries, 143 Yards, 4 TDs, 1 Reception, 18 Yards, 4 Tackles, 1 FF, 1 INTrnBlake has been one of, if not the most, consistently dominant players in WI this season. Every week he piles up the yards, and TDs, and makes an impact on defense. This week is no different. The 6’1″ 195 lbs athlete made it look easy again this week. Blake checks off so many boxes that you look for. Size, long speed (4.56), power, contact balance, body control. All of those traits stand out on his offensive highlights. He plays like a man among boys, telling me that he is a next level talent without question. D2+ type level of talent. I also believe he isn’t limited to offense at the next level either. His versatility make shim even more valuable. He is a need to know prospect in the Class of 2023.
Calvin Hargrove
Calvin Hargrove
Stats: 13 Carries, 86 Yards, 2 TDs, 1 Reception, 19 Yards, 1 TD, 17 Tackles, 2 TFLsrnCalvin has been a fun prospect to watch over the past couple years. Despite is smaller frame, Hargrove consistently takes over games on both sides of the ball. He has been doing it since at least 2021 on the way to a State Championship. Hargrove wrestles in the winter, and you see that come through in his play on the field. His understanding of leverage allows him to make the plays he does despite being 5’8″ 170 lbs. You don’t find many ILBs that size making the impact he does. He doesn’t hesitate. Calvin is a quick processor on defense with the range to be able to get anywhere the ball is. He closes quickly and uses leverage to bring down ball carriers. Now defense, at least LB, isn’t in his future. Hargrove is also an RB that has really taken off this season. His pass blocking stands out in this week’s highlights. It’s is another example of leverage. He also made impressive runs where he had to break through arm tackles on the way to the endzone. Calvin is a difference maker, and has been for a couple years now. Deserves at least a look.
Stats: 31 Carries, 270 Yards, 3 TDs, 8 Tackles, 1 TFLrnNothing is more disheartening for a defense than knowing what is coming, and still not being able to do anything to stop it. That is how I’m guessing defenses feel after facing Brunell and Columbus. The 6′ 210 lbs RB/LB has been a monster this season. They give it to him early and often, and teams can’t slow him down. Colton has an impressive blend of athleticism and power. He can take it the distance on any carry or shake a defender out in space. Or he can use his powerful lower body to lower a shoulder and run through tackle attempts. That powerful lower body allows him to also take shots without getting off balance leading to a lot of yards after contact. On defense, Colton plays just as physical. He muscles past block attempts and has sideline to sideline range to track down the ball. Definitely a top talent in the Class of 2024.
Stats: 11 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 FF, 1 TFLrnThe 6’1″ 205 lbs junior LB was a force Friday night against #1 seed Sun Prairie East. He lined up both inside and outside, and was impactful at both spots. Jonathan’s play processing impressed me most when he was at ILB. He trusted what he saw and instantly attacked to get himself in position to make the stop. There is no hesitation to his game. SP East field’s a dominant dual threat QB, and Jonathan seemed to contain him all night. Multiple times on designed run and scramble plays you could see Jonathan right there to make the stop. When lined up on the edge, Ksobiech used his superior first step and strength to bend around the edge to get to the QB. He is an exciting chess piece to have in the second level of the defense. The athleticism to play comfortably in space, and the strength to handle run duties between the tackles. A need to know prospect.
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Stats: 13 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 SackrnWhen the 6’5″ 290 lbs OT/DT breaks onto the recruiting scene we are going to see him take off. He has an elite frame, with excellent body control to match. Grey also has vastly superior strength that allows him to maul defenders in the run game on offense. He generates a ton of movement in the run game, resetting the line of scrimmage yards down field. On defense that power remains superior as he collapses the pocket from the interior as well as wrecks havoc for backs trying to find the lane. The body control shines on defense too as he moves laterally to stay in position to make tackles. The most impressive play of the night was when he put the range on display as he tracked down a screen play 10 yards down field. Grey is turning himself into a special prospect. No question he is a D1 talent.
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Stats: 18/29, 248 yards, 2 TDsrnWest De Pere is going to be a tough out in these playoffs thanks in part to their well balanced offense. The one responsible for the pass offense is the 6′ 175 lbs junior QB. Quick feet, and a quick release get Shovald through his drop and the ball out of his hands quickly. His footwork is consistent, allowing him to be an accurate passer to every level of the field. His upper and lower body work well together to give him that accuracy. Duke is also an intelligent, decisive passer. He knows where to look, and trusts what he sees leaving no hesitation in his play. Shovald is a QB to keep an eye on.
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Stats: 11 Receptions, 195 Yards, 1 TDrnThe 6’5″ 200 lbs TE went off in his final HS game. He showed off his smooth route running both from the inline position and out wide. Schwabe’s body control shines throughout the tape. He easily flips his hips to change direction and accelerates quickly out of each cut. So much so that Muskego used him on double moves. Double moves that left DBs biting hard on. The big man also used his frame well to secure the catch away from defenders. He gives his QB a big target radius. Louie also has good speed for the position. We see him pull away in the open field, and when he got separation in his routes he kept it. Schwabe is one of the top TE recruits in the state. He needs more attention.
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Stats: 12 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 Sack, 1 FRrnThe 6′ 195 lbs LB has been a force for Hamilton HS all season long. He has carried that right into the playoffs. Mielke’s range and high motor stand out to me most in this week’s highlights. On multiple plays he had to cover a lot ground to make stops. I also liked how quickly he read the QB when in coverage. It gave him an extra step to get himself in position. Even when his man or zone wasn’t targeted you would see Mielke end up at the catch point to make a hit. LaDainian was also strong in the run game. He was stout at the line taking on blocks. The talented Arrowhead OL had a hard time sticking a block on him. Mielke is rising his stock this season. Keep an eye on him.
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Other Noteworthy Performances
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Stats: 18 Carries, 388 Yards, 3 TDs
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Kaden Kuester
Kaden Kuester
Stats: 8 Carries, 158 Yards, 3 TDs, 5 Tackles, 1 INT
Stats: 16 Carries, 74 Yards, 2 TDs, 12 Tackles, 1 FR, 1 INT
Stats: 1/2, 8 Yards, 12 Carries, 108 Yards, 3 TDs, 8 Tackles, 1 INT
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Clayton Lyga
Clayton Lyga
Stats: 23 Carries, 146 Yards, 3 TDs, 1 Reception, 8 Yards, 1 TD, 16 Tackles, 1 TFL
Tanner Jones
Tanner Jones
Stats: 1/1, 8 Yards, 1 Passing TD, 20 Carries, 154 Yards, 2 TDs, 5 Tackles
Madox Stewart
Madox Stewart
Stats: 23 Tackles, 2 Reception, 25 Yards
Demetrius Bergmann
Demetrius Bergmann
Stats: 28 Carries, 156 Yards, 3 TDs, 7 Tackles
Stats: 21 Carries, 106 Yards, 2 TDs, 2/5, 40 Passing Yards