Eight Juniors That Could Make the Leap Next Fall, 2024’s
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Michael Hershey II PA #41 DL #7 HEIGHT 6'5" WEIGHT 255 POS DL CLASS 2024 View Profile Michael Hershey II Twitter State: Pennsylvania School: Spring Grove I love Michael Hershey at defensive line. His recent tape showing off his prowess…
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Continue ReadingI love Michael Hershey at defensive line. His recent tape showing off his prowess at tackle has me rethinking what his potential might be when projecting to the next level Hershey has dominant right and left tackle reps on tape. The majority of his punishing reps come when in run-blocking sets, yet he’s flashing some development in pass-pro sets as well. Hershey’s trench play on both sides of the ball has me wanting to label him a D1-floor prospect. Congrats to Michael for earning 1st-team honors at two different positions.
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Ball skills that flash on both sides of the ball. Nymeir Appling Nymeir Appling 6’2″ | 185 lbs | WR Father Judge | 2024 State PA proves he can catch the ball with his hands away from his body. Excellent vertical along with excellent body control when going up. Hand-eye coordination is great as well. This kid has the size to be a factor on both sides of the ball at the next level. Legit range at safety, love his understanding of passing concepts, he uses this to his advantage. His reps at DB have his stock through the roof. So long as the rest of the package checks out, I can see a future where FCS schools fight for position with this young man.
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Happy to have seen Mekhi Wharton Mekhi Wharton 6’5″ | 215 lbs | QB Neumann-Goretti | 2024 State PA ‘s junior tape look this impressive. He’s starting to show why we were so high on him initially. Go beyond his stature, taking a look at his playoff performances, Wharton has looked more calm and confident in the pocket as he ever has. He flashed natural arm talent against Kipp, while also showing off a squeaky-clean delivery. His tape against Scranton Prep looked good as well. Efficient, spreading the ball around, Wharton looked decisive, especially in the red zone where scoring touchdowns instead of field goals is vital. Neumann-Goretti has proved to be a solid fit, hoping he can build on this foundation. Wharton is well on his way back into top QB conversations.
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I distinctly remember coaches at our Stock Up camp saying Durrell Ceasar Durrell Ceasar 6’1″ | 180 lbs | WR Steelton-Highspire | 2024 State PA will eventually be a Division 1 prospect. I agreed. Ceasar has done nothing but prove that notion by serving as Alex Erby Alex Erby 6’4″ | 210 lbs | QB Steelton-Highspire | 2024 State PA ‘s top target this Fall. One trait that separates Ceasar from the rest, his ability to separate from defensive backs. There are plenty of kids with blazing speed outside the numbers. There are plenty of kids who can act as deep threats. What makes Ceasar special is his distinct ability to separate from defensive backs at the line of scrimmage, in stride downfield, or racing away from kids with the ball in his hands. Ceasar broke the 1,000-yard threshold to solidify his name amongst wideouts in the state. Excited to see him continue to dominate in the 1A PIAA Playoffs alongside his teammates.
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A stand-up outside linebacker standing at 6’2, weighing in at a lean 195. I think highly of the young man, yet he’s going to face obstacles getting looks since he’s coming out of Upper Darby. The Delco/Philly area has enough of a hard time as is. This kid is worth a trip out to the area. I didn’t get the chance to see him ball live this Fall, yet piecing together his tapes after his mid-season film, there’s a lot to like from the top 100 prospect. Perlote is a sprinter at OLB, he’s going to run to the football no matter if the play is called to his side. I think he’s raw from a technical standpoint. If he can learn how to utilize leverage and his hands each rep, developing a pass-rushing repertoire as well, I could see Perlote being a name to watch among FCS circles. He’s already ahead of the curve, this will be a huge off-season for the young man.
Will update this massive trenchman’s measurables. Now 6’3, 280. Ferocious interior defender. Ferocious is the best way to describe this kid. FBS power off the snap, blended with some finesse and wiggle to throttle any counter guards and centers throw his way. 280 pounds should not penetrate with the speed he shows off the ball. Incredible closing speed once he reads the play. Aubrey Carter Aubrey Carter 6’2″ | 275 lbs | DL Susquehanna Township | 2024 State PA is a threat to achieve high sack numbers too, something you don’t see often from non edge rushers. Can lock and extend his arms away from his matchup to peek inside, does this really well. He’s even flexing quality OL reps on tape too. His stock on our site is about to climb high.
Cole Meehan Cole Meehan 6’2″ | 190 lbs | QB Lansdale Catholic | 2024 State PA is stacking quality seasons, now with another impressive performance under his belt. 1500 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, 4 rushing, all against elite competition in the Philadelphia Catholic League. Meehan is showing slight advances in all aspects of his game, proving his offseason work to be crucial. His delivery is looking cleaner than ever. His decisiveness, his willingness to test DBs deep, his confidence in the pocket. Meehan looks to have taken a step in the right direction as it pertains to each trait. Meehan is loading up for a huge senior year, one that will inevitably play a factor in where his future lies. Meehan checks off a plethora of boxes, excited to see who sends a letter first.
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It is hard to not rank this kid with the big-name quarterbacks. I don’t care who’s recruiting him or who isn’t recruiting him for whatever reason. Here’s a talent that I would argue is the best natural passer in the state. That’s huge praise considering some of the names in his class alone. Hayden Johnson Hayden Johnson 6’1″ | 195 lbs | QB Manheim Township | 2024 State PA blends volume and efficiency as well as anyone in his class. The kid can light you up for an easy 300-yard night while hardly breaking a sweat. I had hoped t catch this kid live before the season is over. I hope I get the chance to see his special arm connect with Landon Kennel Landon Kennel 6’3″ | 200 lbs | WR Manheim Township | 2024 State PA in Cumberland Valley a couple of weeks from now. The 2024 class is going to grow exponentially, yet don’t expect Hayden Johnson Hayden Johnson 6’1″ | 195 lbs | QB Manheim Township | 2024 State PA ‘s rank to drop or stay put. Excited for this kid’s future.