3 Young Recruits Who Made Big Impacts This Fall

Photo: Prep Redzone

Sam Erman January 4, 2023 @ 01:22 PM

<h2>[player_tooltip player_id='582113' first='Jace' last='Deakins'] - Northview - LB/TE - 6'2" 210lbs - 2025</h2>   <p>Deakins is a raw athlete with a ton of upside once he finds his groove and knows how to use that frame to his full advantage. He's lengthy, sees the field well, and can play both sides of the ball. His sophomore year was nothing short of fantastic and it's the work he put in behind the scenes. He rotated in some as a freshman but became a full-time starter this year. His 59 total tackles, 2 sacks, and forced fumble on the year were great, but it was how he looked doing it in my opinion. As the year progressed he played faster and more confident. He's not afraid to stick his nose in the trenches and play the run game or drop back in coverage. He's versatile and learning. Offensively, he's a bit more raw but if he could figure out the Redzone he would be a fantastic scoring threat. He's physical and isn't afraid of contact. A lot to like with this young man and as he develops he could garner more eyes.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@JaceDeakins</strong></p>   <p>HUDL: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15896192/Jace-Deakins">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15896192/Jace-Deakins</a></p>   <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='582116' first='Elijah' last='Johnson'] - North Central - DE - 6'3" 200lbs - 2025</h2>   <p>Johnson is a dynamic upcoming recruit who is able to be a consistent player for a team that had a down year. Johnson comes off the edge and does a fantastic job in doing so. He's able to bend around the corner and get home, can bull rush, or split offensive linemen and get home. He's decent at getting around the edge and forcing the QB to make a business decision in either stepping up or throwing it away. He's got an incredibly lengthy frame which allows him to get first reach and be fairly flexible. He's not someone who struggles with just having 1 move. He's creative and can find a way home even when being double teammed. On the season Johnson put up 27 total tackles, 5 TFLs, and 1 FF. Not the biggest season in terms of numbers but it was very solid and he showed a ton of potential. He's young, developing, and is going to get even better over the next few years.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@90__eli</strong></p>   <p>HUDL: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16099851/Elijah-Johnson">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16099851/Elijah-Johnson</a></p>   <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='582123' first='Brodric' last='Kaler'] - Jimtown - OL/LB - 5'11" 205lbs - 2026</h2>   <p>Kaler is a young recruit who came in right away and played on both sides of the ball for Jimtown. He started the year a bit nervous and tense on the field. You could see him relax and begin to play ball at a high level within a few quarters. He's versatile and playing on both sides of the ball really helps development, especially being a freshman. Defensively, he tracks the ball well and takes good angles. He'll wrap up and make the tackle when it comes. He won't miss an open fielder and has no issue playing zone coverage. Man coverage is a work in progress but just like it is for all young players. Offensively, he's not the biggest lineman but is able to hold his own and be more than effective. He's got a good center of gravity and is able to anchor down and stay strong. He's good on the move and can be an effective lead blocker. As he develops psychically it'll help his game be more effective. There's a lot to like with this young recruit and what he's on track to do down the road.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@brodric_99</strong></p>   <p>HUDL: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17224019/Brodric-Kaler">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17224019/Brodric-Kaler</a></p>