2024 Rankings: Game Changing Athletes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a state filled with great athletes, these four stand out in the class of 2024. They can play all over the field and always pop off the film.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406964' first='Siona' last='Vailahi'] || ATH || 5'11 || 185 || East High School || 2024 </strong><br>Vailahi is as versatile of a player as you will find in the state. He could play running back, receiver, wildcat quarterback, or anywhere in the defensive backfield. Vailahi has elite speed and instincts that make him a dangerous runner with the ball in his hands. He's the ultimate team player who will do whatever his team needs to help get the win. Vailahi's speed allows him to make game-changing plays on defenses where he can break up passes and limit explosive plays. In addition, he made the East offense even more explosive when he was under center. Vailahi's game-changing abilities will make him an asset to whatever team wants to employ him at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406966' first='Bo' last='Tate'] || ATH || 6'0 || 190 || Skyline High School || 2024 </strong><br>Tate can play all over the front seven or decimate defenses from the backfield. He hits like a bullet train and always takes good angles in his pursuits. He has no problem filling and meeting running backs in the hole. As a ball carrier himself, Tate runs hard and rarely gets brought down by one defender. Tate is a powerful and explosive athlete, which aids him on both sides of the ball. His sideline-to-sideline quickness helps him contain runs. In addition, his quickness off the snap makes him an excellent blitzer or pass rusher. Tate is always looking to create turnovers, and even when he doesn't make his presence felt with each hit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406970' first='Luke' last='Bryant'] || ATH || 6'1 || 190 || Olympus High School || 2024 </strong><br>Bryant was a revelation for Olympus in 2022. The elite athlete makes things happen when the ball is in his hands. He's as explosive of a player as you'll find in the state, and the Titans did a great job finding a bevy of ways to get him the ball. Bryant has elite speed and acceleration that turn what would typically be 10-yard gains into touchdowns. Defenders struggle to even get a hand on him as he blazes past them. As a receiver, he can take the top off a defense, and as a running back is a true home run hitter. Bryant can also play on defense, making him of the state's most versatile and explosive players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='488339' first='Easton' last='Hicks'] || ATH || 5'11 || 180 || RIverton High School || 2024</strong><br>Hicks is a burner in every sense of the word. Every time he touches the ball, he's a threat to score. When you watch the film, he moves at a different speed compared to everyone else. He's an explosive returner and running back. As soon as he finds a crease, he hits it and is gone for six before you know it. Hicks can bounce off contact, stay on his feet and quickly return to his top speed. He's also a good pass protector and more than willing to stand tough in the pocket to protect his quarterback. Hicks is one of the state's most dynamic athletes and will undoubtedly make more big plays in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->