Uncommitted Seniors Rising Up the Rankings
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Get 30% off your subscription with code Johnson30 in the coupon code area. With the debut of our most recent Class of 2023 Rankings update comes many changes. Athletes moved up and down the rankings based off their performance, and…
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With the debut of our most recent Class of 2023 Rankings update comes many changes. Athletes moved up and down the rankings based off their performance, and the performance of those around them. The Top 110 saw multiple athletes move up, including seven uncommitted athletes who either moved up in the Top 100 or entered the Top 110 thanks to their talent displayed on the field during the 2022 season. In today’s article, I am going to dive into the seven uncommitted athletes who earned a bump in their rank. Each of these athletes are need to know prospects that can impact a team at the next level.
#13 up to #3rnKeith put together a dominant senior season earning him a nice jump in the rankings. A jump that moved him inside the Top 3 overall, and up to #1 at his position. The 6’1″ 230 lbs student athlete is blessed with next level athleticism at that size. Keith is able to accelerate, change direction, and play with sideline to sideline range. Williams’ strength is also far superior compared to his opponents. He also does a good job of transitioning his speed into power at the point of contact. His bull rush easily walks OTs into the backfield, and his heavy hands allow him to redirect linemen and create separation. Keith is an FBS prospect in my eyes. He holds offers from Boston College and Stetson University. This is the second rankings update that saw Keith make a strong jump in the rankings. No question he is willing to put in the work to get better.
Highlights
#152 Up to #55rnBrady has been on the incline for awhile, and it led to a big jump in the rankings. Brady is the #1 uncommitted DB in Wisconsin. The cornerback has the tools to play at a high level of college football. He has solid length at 6′, but where he truly sets himself apart from the crowd is with his athleticism. Brady is a quick twitch athlete. He quickly diagnoses plays/routes, and then can chance direction, accelerate, and close to the catch point in time to make a play. At the catch point you have to love how aggressive he is. Mader does a good job of playing the ball, getting his hands between the receiver’s, or reeling in the INT when given the chance. A big time bonus is that Brady is also a very willing and able tackler out in space. There is no hesitation in that part of his game. Brady attacks downhill, and runs his feet through the hit. He hods a D1 offer from Drake. The top uncommitted CB needs more attention.
Highlights
#90 Up to #80rnNolan put together a great senior season in 2022 that ended in a State Championship for him and his team. The 6’2″ 240 lbs RB/LB was a force on both sides of the ball, and I believe he could continue playing either side at the next level. On offense, Nolan fits as a FB at the next level. His physicality matches his imposing frame very well. Nolan runs behind his pads, keeps his feet moving, and has a low center of gravity to break through tackle attempts. Schopp also offers a receiving threat out of the backfield thanks to soft hands. Once out in space he can either use that power or his athleticism to create big plays. The big man is so athletic that he was even used as a kick returner on special teams.
Those same traits translate to his play on defense. The OLB was able to consistently set the edge against the run. He took on blocks and pulling linemen without losing ground, and was able to make a lot of tackles thanks to his ability to disengage with blocks. Nolan is an effective blitzer as well from the ILB position. No question, Nolan is one of the most versatile seniors still available in WI. He holds offers from Valparaiso, Northern Illinois, Michigan Tech, Concordia- St. Paul, and Southwest Minnesota State University.
Watch List Up to #88rnOne of our biggest jumps from Watch List to ranked is the Oshkosh West defensive lineman. Jaxon checks in at a prototypical 6’5″ 230 lbs. It looks like he has the frame to continue to add even more size to at the next level as well. On the field, Jaxon is an intriguing prospect. He is at his best when he can use his athleticism. When he can use his quick first step acceleration and then range/speed to close and chase down plays in the backfield you will be hard pressed to find a more disruptive DE. That range to chase down plays is accentuated by a high motor that plays to the whistle. The long, lean athlete also has examples of his power at the line of scrimmage. He has proven he can take on a double team, split it, and make the tackle. That part of his game will only continue to develop at the next level. Big things are ahead for the raw athlete. He played his first varsity football this season, so he is just getting started. Galica holds offers from Whitewater, Wyoming (PWO), and Oshkosh.
Watch List Up to #90rnDaJohn seems to be one of the most under the radar prospects in Wisconsin. The 6’3″ 215 lbs DE/WR has impressive traits highlighted throughout his tape. First off, he has a well put together frame that can definitely hold more size. At DE, Graff has an explosive firs step out of his stance that instantly gives him the advantage over OTs. He plays with his hands to defeat blocks when he doesn’t win with quickness. DaJohn also has impressive athleticism for his size. Enough to make him a threat out wide at receiver on offense. Defense seems to be a more natural fit, but the senior demonstrated soft hands, and was an effective blocker downfield. Also, he was a physical runner at the FB position. Give the kid a look. No reported offers.
Highlights
#126 Up to #92rnThe 6’5″ 185 lbs senior is one of the best uncommitted WRs in WI. The big receiver is a very long strider. That allows him to cover a lot of ground and stretch the field vertically. Those long strides make it hard tell his speed until he is flying past DBs. Despite that long frame, Ethan has the body control to run crisp routes that create plenty of separation for his QB. Ethan also has impressive concentration when making catches in traffic. He has naturally soft hands, but he sets himself apart with that ability to make the catch through contact. Lastly, Ethan has shown to be a tough tackle after the catch. He has the length to keep defenders away from his body and will lower the shoulder to run through contact. Ethan holds offers from Northern State, Oshkosh, Bemidji State, Platteville, and Northern Michigan.
#280 Up to #109rnThe 6’1″ 195 lbs senior was a do-it-all player for Edgewood during his career. Mark made his impact at TE and LB. Mark has impressive athletic measurables that include 4.5 40 speed. Speed that makes him an intriguing next level prospect. Especially with his frame. I’m most impressed with Mark’s LB play. The speed gives him sideline to sideline range, and it allows him to be an effective blitzer from the ILB position. Haering closes very quickly and is a reliable tackler who swallows up ball carriers. While undersized for the position, Mark was a very productive TE as well. He was able to consistently stretch the field up the seam. He demonstrated soft hands, and the speed to generate a lot of yards after the catch. The Edgewood product holds an offer from Illinois State (PWO).