Top Remaining 2023s in WI
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I have been working on updating the Class of 2023 rankings, and in doing that I have come across several seniors still looking for their next level homes. Athletes that have the talent to play from D1 to D3 schools.…
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Continue ReadingI have been working on updating the Class of 2023 rankings, and in doing that I have come across several seniors still looking for their next level homes. Athletes that have the talent to play from D1 to D3 schools. To help prevent them from slipping through the cracks I want to start a series where we dive into those top remaining uncommitted seniors. Part one has 10 need to know athletes. 10 athletes who will be high in the rankings update when it debuts in a couple weeks. Let’s get it started!
You can find the 6’1″ 230 lbs senior standout lining up at LB or DL throughout his senior highlights. Keith dominated from both positions thanks to his superior athleticism and strength, but LB is where he projects for the next level. At that size, Keith runs a 4.65 40 yard dash. No question that it translates to the field as well. Williams is able to track down ball carriers from sideline to sideline as well as play behind his alignment in coverage. Keith also has the special next level instincts. He anticipates and diagnoses plays quickly making it possible for him to play a step ahead. That led to him being able to make a lot of plays due to being in the right palce at the right time. Keith is also very effective playing aggressive as a run stuffer and pass rusher. In both scenarios, Williams has demonstrated the strength to be able to shed blocks while maintaining separation. I firmly believe he can offer three down ability to a D1 program. No question he is one of, if not the best, uncommitted senior in WI.
Highlights
Frequent visitors to the rankings and articles over the past year know that I am a big fan of the Wausau West OT. The 6’5″ 290 lbs senior is just barely tapping into his potential, and he has only played the position for two seasons. There is no arguing with the natural traits and gifts that he has shown on tape since starting on the OL. The run game is where the young man shines. Brandt gets to show off his special movement skills. The type of range that allows him to quickly and easily get to the second level to wall off LBs. Rice’s heavy hands and powerful lower body allow him to generate a lot of force and push in the trenches. He also plays with that nasty demeanor needed to dominate in the trenches and will finish opponents to the ground very chance. Lastly, Brandt is very good when pulling. He can get across the formation quickly, and can clear out a gap or lead through to land a second level block. Looking at his ovearll strengths, I believe his best home is at guard at the next level. I believe his next level home will also be at the D1 level.
Highlights
The most prolific ball carrier for the 2022 season was the Mukwonago senior. The 6’1″ 195 lbs RB put out weekly highlights that looked like most kids’ season long highlights. Wynn took over every game. There was no secret either. Teams knew he was going to get the ball early an often. They still couldn’t corral or slow down the big play athlete. The senior proved to be dominant in essentially every part of the position. His instincts allow him to be a step ahead of the competition. He is able to see blocks before they happen and feel cut back lanes. His ability to quickly process what he sees and react to it allows him to play with patience. Between the tackles, Wynn has the short area agility to make defenders miss in a phone booth, and he has the contact balance to be able to play through tackle attempts. When he gets outside the tackles, Stang has the speed to run away from the field. Wynn holds a couple FBS PWOs at this time. Don’t be surprised to see more come, as well as scholarship offers as teams look to fill out their Classes post early singing day.
Highlights
One of the best, if not the best, uncommitted senior DL is the Oconomowoc playmaker. The 6’4″ 245 lbs DE started both ways as a senior and led his team in tackles. He is a long, lean edge rusher with the frame to hold the necessary size to play at a high level. He also has the talents to play at a high level. Brandon has a quick get off and smoothly transitions his speed into power. That ability allows him to set a strong edge against the run or being able to bull rush tackles back into the QB. Wraalstad also does a solid job of maintaining separation throughout the play thanks to solid hand usage and fighting. His stoutness on the edge is effective against pulling linemen as well. Brandon’s ability to disengage and shed blocks jump off the tape as well. His strength pairs perfectly with pass rush moves giving him multiple reliable ways to get himself clear of the OL’s hands. Wraalstad is one of the best available defenders in WI.
Highlights
Another standout RB still available for recruitment is the Sun Prairie East athlete. Cortez is a 5’10” 180 lbs RB with the talent to break a game wide open with his touches. Cortez has the quick twitch change of direction to make plays between the tackles, but he is at his best out in space. Out in space, LeGrant has the speed to be able to erase pursuit angles down the field. He can square up with DBs or LBs and make them miss. His vision is a major strength of his game also. Cortez can find cutbacks, see blocks as they develop, and is able to set up defenders in positions that make them easier to beat. Lastly, Cortez is a dangerous weapon in the passing game. He is at his best in the screen game where he can read blocks and set them up to his advantage. It also allows him to use his vision to find the best seams. I’m very excited to see where he ends up. I believe he can play at a high level.
Highlights
One of the top remaining uncommitted linemen in WI is the Mayville OT. Checking in at 6’6″ 285 lbs, Hewston looks the part of a next level lineman. He holds offers from several D2 programs as well as North Dakota. It is easy to see what those programs like in the mauler. Mayville lived on running the ball, and Steger was responsible for opening up a lot of those holes. He did it in several different ways. Hewston can reset the line of scrimmage yards down the field with his power as he walks DL back into the second level. He also has proven to be an effective puller. Someone who can be counted on to hit his target and clear them out of the gap. Steger also can get to the second level and rag-doll LBs. Steger has also made strides with his body control since last season. The big man is just hitting his stride. A team that earns his commitment is getting a high potential prospect.
One of the athletes with the widest array of potential impact is the 6’4″ 235 lbs senior QB. Nate has the prototypical build for the position, and he offers serious dual threat potential. He runs a 4.59 second 40 yard dash, and doesn’t hesitate to run through his opponents. As a passer, Nate will need further development on the finer parts of the position like footwork. However, the arm talent is undeniable. He has a strong arm that makes it so the whole field is open to him. Maximizing that arm strength is his ability to place the ball in positions where his man can go and get it without it being at risk of the defense taking it away. The reason behind my opinion that he has a wide array of potential impact is that he could also be looked at as an ATH. He has a big frame, high level of athleticism, and is a strong kid with the ball in his hands. A team could value that and use him at another position. I’m intrigued to see where he ends up. He could be a big time steal for a program.
Highlights
I’m surprised at the recruitment of Reese. He has some offers, but in my eyes he should be far more pursued than he is. He will be at fall camp on a college campus before he even turns 18. The dude is young for his class, yet already has shown so much talent. There is so much potential to tap into as well. The 6′ 225 lbs LB looks the part, and plays the part of a high, next level LB. The first thing that stands out is that Thompson is so strong. He runs through linemen on the way to the ball. Unless they hit him square there is no slowing him down or getting him off his path. That power is huge in his block shedding, blitzing, and tackling. Reese is one of the best tacklers in WI. At minimum, Reese is a top tier 1st and 2nd down LB at the D1/D2 level. Don’t miss out on one of the biggest sleepers in WI.
Highlights
The 5’11” 170 lbs senior WR is a no doubter when it comes to best available at his position here in WI. When it comes to the technical side of the position you won’t find a better player than Weske. His route running jumps off the tape. He is very advanced in that area of his game. His loose hips and body control allow him to change directions, make sharp cuts, and get through those cuts at top speed. He also does the nuanced things like head fakes and understand the leverage that a DB is playing on him. Add in very good long speed, and soft hands and you get a WR that can attack a defense with any route on the tree. Teams looking for WR, it starts right here.
We wrap up Part One with the standout 6′ 220 lbs ILB out of Verona. I am most impressed by the senior’s instincts for the position. He is so quick to diagnose plays. He reads the flow of plays, sees the sneakier plays like screens as they develop. The senior also seems to always have proper leverage as he attacks downhill. Armstrong also sets himself apart by being a three down LB. As good as he is playing downhill, you can also rely on him to cover a zone. The big man moves well side to side and he reads the QB’s eyes and baits them into bad throws. He is the leader of a defense that allowed 8.9 points per game. Don’t sleep on this kid.