Small Schools With Big Talent. Don't Overlook These Studs

<h2>Josh Wence - Sullivan High School - LB/FB - 5'11" 175lbs - 2023</h2>   <p>Wence is a 2-way player for Sullivan who is able to make plays on both sides of the ball. He's got a much quicker burst than you anticipate and he's fairly good off the line. Defensively, he's got decent vision and is able to track the ball carrier through heavy traffic. He knows to keep his feet hot and not to cross them. He's got no issue coming downhill, lowering his shoulder, and making a tough tackle in the heart of the line. He's got the range to cover sideline to sideline and is able to string a ball carrier out of bounce when he's trying to bounce it outside. Wence likes to pick his spots and knows when and how to make the play. With Wence however, I feel there still may be some untapped potential with the ball in his hands. He's really good. He's got good vision, elite side to side agility, and runs with a purpose. He's able to fight off tackles with a fantastic stiff arm as well. He's got a second gear that allows him to hit the open field and be gone. Physically, as he develops, I think it'll help him be a more complete runner or a more powerful LB, but either way I think it'll help him. He's got a lot of raw ability and is only going to continue to get better. There's a lot to like with Wence and what he can offer a program, especially down the road. He's a sneaky good recruit who can help the right program.</p>   <h2>Eli Edwards - Eastern High School - QB/DE - 6'4" 215lbs - 2024</h2>   <p>Edwards lit it up this year and everything clicked for him on the field. The development and progress has been steady and this year he came out on fire. His 30+ total TDs on the year are eye popping when you consider the fact that he's out there on defense sometimes as well. Edwards is a really good athlete who is versatile and fairly nimble. He's got a nice spin move he'll put on defenders and throw them in the rinse cycle. Edwards throws a nice ball. He's much more of a touch thrower and has an ability to put the ball up and over a defender's shoulder. He's typically not going to fire a heat seeking missile towards his guys but give them a nice catch able pass. I do think there are times where his throwing motion looks a bit uncomfortable but that's something a good QB coach can help clean up easily. Edwards has a big lengthy frame which allows him to see the field well. He's not going to make many mistakes and he knows where to go with the ball. If he needs to pull the ball down and make something happen with his legs, he can because of that athleticism he's got. My favorite Edwards clip from the season is a throw that got lost in the sauce. He rolled out to his left, took a shot, but still delivered the ball in the literal only spot on the field his guy could make the catch. His coach turned and just pointed to him after the play. A big 3rd down to extend a drive early in the game, but it was more than a conversion in my opinion. A subtle thing, but man that clip showed me everything. How much the coaching staff loves and trusts him and that he'll stand in there and deliver a ball when he's going to get smoked. I'm a big fan of Edwards and think everyone needs to follow in line.</p>   <h2>Tysen Deck - Central Noble - WR/DB - 6'0" 155lbs - 2024</h2>   <p>Deck is a very bright spot for a program that has it's ups and downs. The offense isn't quite as high powered as it could be and because of that, some of the numbers these guys have aren't that exciting but there's more to the eye than the number. Deck is a deep threat for Central Noble who is able to take the top off and hit the home run. I believe this year he's got 4 50+ yard TD receptions. He's able to get behind the defense and go up and make the contested catch and bring down the ball. If he gets the ball in stride, he's gone and you're bringing out the Special Teams unit. He's got a second gear he finds when he gets the ball in his hands. If he's able to run his routes that level of speed all the time, Deck would be a menace. He's had a breakout season and you can expect that to continue next year as well. Deck is also someone who could likely return kicks and be a threat there as well. His speed with the ball in his hands and ability to find some cutback lanes could be really beneficial there. Hopefully next year, Deck is able to get a little bit more volume so he can show more of what he can do. I'd be curious to see if they use him the screen game next year as well just because of his ability to make something out of nothing. Deck's likely going to need some development in the weight room for a year, but once he does, I think he can make an impact wherever he ends up.</p>   <h2>Aiden Beadles - South Putnam - MLB/FB - 6'3" 205lbs - 2024</h2>   <p>Beadles is an explosive 6'3" frame who shoots off the ball and comes downhill as fast as they come. With his frame, he's able to move the guys in his way fairly easily. He's twitchy and just overall explosive, especially for a guy his size. I watch him and can't help but wonder what he'd look like at DE or TE. As explosive as he is and as long as he is, I almost bet some schools would ask him to move to the line. I think he could be a monster there as well. He's fast, bends well, is very aggressive, and has all the size advantages you want. However, if not and he wants to stay off the ball, he's shown the ability to play in coverage and make open field tackles so can stay out there as well. If he stays at LB, his footwork will need some work but I don't think it'll take much to clean up the cross over. He's clearly a smart player and seems to learn quickly. He's been able to pick up on tendencies from time to time and blow up plays in the backfield. Beadles is fun to watch. He stands out, literally, then explodes off the ball and makes play after play. He's like raw clay right now and a defensive coordinator could mold him into anything they want. I can't imagine Beadles is a secret for much longer. He's too talented and has great size along with being incredibly versatile. </p>   <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='325818' first='Derron' last='Hazzard'] - Riverton Parke - RB/DB - 5'11" 180lbs - 2023</h2>   <p>Hazzard has had another huge year and has looked even better doing it. He's still that quick, shifty, incredibly hard to bring down slippery back who makes it through the smallest of holes and gets to the second level. He's got fantastic agility and has the ability to change direction with the best of them. His eyes are fast and his feet are just as quick and are able to keep up. He knows to be patient and let his blocks set up in front of them. He understands how to use them to guide his way through the hole and feel his way out of it. He's not the most physical runner but he's able to run through some arm tackles. I think if he got to a college weight room he'd get better in that category. Hazzard is also good out of the backfield when needed and could be used all over the field. He's good with the ball in his hands and knows how to hit the home run. Hazzard's vision and ability to find the cutback lane is what makes him special. I think he's the type of runner who would feast in a zone running scheme at the next level. He sees the field well and understands how to go with the flow of what's happening in front of him. Hazzard is dynamic and can even be used in the return game if needed. Wherever he ends up, I'd bet on him being an impact player for them on offense.</p>