5 Recruits In The 2023 Class To Watch Longterm

<p>We're taking a deeper look at some 2023 recruits who may not be the biggest names but are good players who can come in and make an impact on Saturdays.</p>   <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='185200' first='Cody' last='Mikulich'] - Bloomington North - RB - 5'11" 200lbs - 2023</h2>   <p>Mikulich will be leaving Bloomington North and a legacy behind. Mikulich has had a phenomenal career for them and it's really showcased what he's capable. He's a smooth operator and isn't clunky. He's got fantastic speed and stride length. He's listed at 200lbs but he doesn't move like a bigger back. He's quick, shifty, and has great vision. When you watch him, he feels like a small speed back, but he's not. He's much more than that. He can lower his pad level, get lower, and run through defenders just as much as he can run by them. He's good out of the backfield as well and can help by being a check down valve and make something happen with the ball in his hands. Mikulich, in his 4 year career, put up 5,086 scrimmage yards and 66 total TDs. All he did was produce at a high level and get better every year. Somewhere out there, some smart coach will land Mikulich and have a quality back for the foreseeable future.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@CodyMikulich</strong></p>   <p>HUDL: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13075604/Cody-Mikulich">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13075604/Cody-Mikulich</a></p>   <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='533219' first='Cooper' last='Horn'] - Columbus North - WR - 6'3" 180lbs - 2023</h2>   <p>Horn may be the best prospect who could light it up if he wants to that is under the radar, criminally. He's got a legit 6'3" frame, is fluid in his movements, and can bend as well as anyone. He's as good of a raw athlete as anyone you'll ever come across. The "issue" with Horn may be getting him off the basketball court where he's just as lethal. This 2-sport star athlete is arguably better at basketball than football, and I'd say he's pretty good at football. He understands how to use his frame to his advantage, thank you basketball. He's as dominant as anyone in the Redzone and if you just get it in his vicinity, he'll make you look like a Star QB. While the route tree is still in development, there's so much to like with Horn and what he offers. A 6'3" receiver who can take the top off just as much as feast in the middle of the field as a possession WR is sure to make anyone happy. A fantastic recruit right who will get to college and blowup while everyone asks "Who is this kid and where did he come from?" You'll know that answer before then. A bright future lays ahead for Horn on the gridiron if he takes it.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@Horn23Cooper</strong></p>   <p>HUDL: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15891638/Cooper-Horn">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15891638/Cooper-Horn</a></p>   <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='600182' first='Brayden' last='Bates'] - East Central - OT - 6'6" 285lbs - 2023</h2>   <p>Bates is a massive framed individual who will be sealing the outside of lines for the foreseeable future. He's fairly strong, just naturally and is able to make his block impactful immediately dang near every rep. He's able to out leverage defenders with his height and drive them back while making it look easy. There are times he can rise up a bit too high and come out of his pads, but minor and something that can easily be cleaned up at the next level. He's able to get to the second level when he needs to and he can also work double teams to the second level. He's better in the running game and has more experience in it simply because the amount of success they have running the ball. Behind Bates, massive holes get opened up. The passing game is where he'll need more development. He's more than capable but will likely need some time to adjust to the collegiate way of things. However, I don't think it'll take long for Bates to see the field once he's up to speed. His size and raw strength alone should be exciting some schools. I like Bates and what he can offer down the road. A potential set and forget Tackle is HUGE for any program at all levels.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@BraydenCBates69</strong></p>   <p>HUDL: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12861513/Brayden-Bates">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12861513/Brayden-Bates</a></p>   <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='300627' first='Reilley' last='Wood'] - Triton - LB/FB - 5'9" 205lbs - 2023</h2>   <p>Wood is a 2-way player for Triton who really came on at LB the past few years. He's not the biggest LB and I imagine that's been what's been used against him but he's a good player. He's a much better athlete than you'd anticipate. He can explode towards the ball, has violent hands, and will make open-field tackles. Wood takes good angles and can run down a ball carrier from behind. When he's asked to come after the run game, he will and he'll make an impact. 12 TFLs this year alone. He's able to get penetration, time snaps, and sometimes just find the gap that's free and come untouched when he shouldn't be able to. His 81 total tackles this year was just good to see. Consistent production at a high level and looking good while doing it need to go hand in hand. I felt Wood had a really good year. He's hungry and simply wants to play ball at the next level. Someone's going to end up with a hungry and determined LB with the ability to see the field when he gets comfortable.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@Reilley_Wood</strong></p>   <p>HUDL: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16116072/Reilley-Wood">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16116072/Reilley-Wood</a></p>   <h2>Sam Trabel-Weir - Bishop Dwenger - LB - 6'1" 210lbs - 2023</h2>   <p>Trabel-Weir will be a very intriguing name to keep an eye on. His time at Bishop Dwenger didn't result in a ton of numbers, but you can see his athleticism jump out at you on the tape. He's explosive and when he decides to come downhill, he will with force. He's got incredibly long strides and not only gets full speed almost right away, but he can cover sideline to sideline. He's able to run guys down in the backfield by just taking a decent angle. He's listed at 6'1" but he feels longer than that. He's fairly well built and pretty strong for his height. He's a really good athlete still learning how to play LB. He's able to run in coverage and have success in man when asked to do so. I feel that Trabel-Weir, physically, may be closer to play than most guys who come out. With him it'll be getting up to speed and technique. If he's patient and stays with it and keeps developing, Trabel-Weir could be a phenomenal starting collegiate LB. </p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@Sam_Trabelweir</strong></p>   <p>HUDL: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13059734/Samuel-TrabelWeir">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13059734/Samuel-TrabelWeir</a></p>

We're taking a deeper look at some 2023 recruits who may not be the biggest names but are good players who can come in and make an impact on Saturdays.