2024 Rankings Update: Biggest Risers
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The 2022 HS season in Wisconsin was the stage for several athletes in the Class of 2024 to breakout and prove that they deserved to move way up the rankings of the peers. In this article, we are going to…
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Continue ReadingThe 2022 HS season in Wisconsin was the stage for several athletes in the Class of 2024 to breakout and prove that they deserved to move way up the rankings of the peers. In this article, we are going to dive into the film of those athletes that earned big jumps up the rankings. Let’s see what put these athletes in the new position they are in. We start with the stud LB out of Hortonville HS.
#25 Up to #5rnWhat a rise it has been for the Hortonville product. His most recent move saw him go up 20 spots into the Top 5 and take over the LB1 position. The rise has been special to watch. Sillas has grown into an LB with an FBS level frame at 6’4″ 230 lbs. There is also FBS level attributes. Attributes that multiple FBS teams have extended offers over. The big man has exceptional timing in his blitzes. His blitzes are made more dangerous thanks to range to close on the ball, and the power to run through OL on the way to the QB. Despite his massive frame, Miles is very good at picking his way through the trash and avoiding blocks on his way to making stops against the run. Sillas’ instincts for the position jump out as well. He reads the flow of the OL and diagnoses plays so quickly. The new LB1 is going to put on a show this fall.
Highlights
#88 Up to #8rnDuring our last rankings update Garrett was still playing QB for Arrowhead. Fast forward to the end of the season, and Garrett has transformed himself into a premier OL talent in the state most known for pumping out offensive linemen. It has been impressive watching Garrett’s transition. He has the length you dream of at 6’7″ (85″ wingspan) and has been putting on a lot of necessary muscle over the past year. Sexton is a natural on the field. His natural athleticism, coaching, and basketball background all combine to make him extremely light on his feet. Dancing bear is what comes to mind when describing his moment. He can reach defenders, get to the second level, and easily mirror pass rushers. Then at the point of contact you will see that budding strength go to work as he throws defenders around or runs them off the ball. I love that he already plays with that violent, tenacious mentality as he looks to finish every block into the ground. The sky is the limit for this kid. Big things are ahead for him.
Highlights
#207 Up to #93rnJackson had himself a breakout season leading the way in the backfield for Oak Creek. The 6′ 185 lbs junior put up over 1200 yards and 16 TDs on the way to a playoff berth. Coming into the season I was hoping to see him take that next step and there is no questioning if he did or not. While not the biggest back, Phelps runs behind his pads with success. He will pick up the tough yards and finishes his runs. I left his 2022 highlights most impressed by his vision and patience. Several times you see him allow his blocks to set up, which led to him finding running lanes that weren’t initially there. From there he got to flash the acceleration. Things are pointing up for the junior playmaker. I’m excited to see how he caps off his high school career.
#158 Up to #96rnTanner made an impressive jump from his sophomore campaign to this season. He grew and filled out his frame, and several other areas of his game improved. Fondy got him on the field at WR and RB. He was able to make plays at both positions leading to his ATH position here. Dalske has that knack for playmaking. He makes the unusual plays or the highlight reel plays look easy. The speed is there to take a hand off the distance or to create separation from DBs down the field. He has soft hands and tracks the ball well. He has good field vision with the ball in his hands. Just find a way to get the ball in his hands. Good things seem to follow. I’m looking forward to seeing what he does next season.
#124 Up to #15rnBryce has earned himself a big jump. He has made himself into an impressive specimen at the TE/FB position. Checking in at 6’3″ 245 lbs, and running 4.78, Bryce is a mismatch nightmare for defenses. After the catch, Jaworski is a freight train. He runs angry, and has the balance to pick up yards after taking contact. There is so much potential in him as a receiving threat too. His route running needs to be finely tuned, and when that happens good luck covering him. In the run game, Bryce is another OL on the field. He has superior upper and lower body strength allowing him to clamp his heavy hands onto defenders and drive them off the ball. All that talent and potential has earned him offers from the D1 level already. Definitely a name to know.
Highlights
#122 Up to #105rnIsaac has been putting together a strong career at Baraboo HS. He has stood out at his LB and RB position with aggressive, physical play that sets the tone both ways. The 6’2″ 220 lbs athlete is a north- south runner who would rather run over a defender than around him. His body control boosts that power as it allows him to absorb shots while barely being moved off his path. Isaac looks even better on defense. He has sideline to sideline range, has strong recognition skills that help put him in the right places at the right time. When he blitzes, Isaac uses that power to muscle through block attempts. Once in the backfield, he has the speed to close quickly and end the play. Pelland is an under the radar prospect who could really surprise next season.
Highlights
#184 Up to #81rnBaumgart is fun to watch play football. The 6’2″ 235 lbs DT is undersized on the interior, but his production and traits can’t be denied. The quickness and burst off the line that Andrew plays with is special. He flies off the line, can move laterally just as quickly, and has the hand speed to match. Despite recently switching to DL, Andrew has developed a solid collection of pass rush moves. He has found success with his swim, rip, and a push pull. Baumgart is an explosive athlete with range not usually seen from the DL. The junior DL also has some power to run through block attempts. A big year is coming for the DL, and I think he is going to be a steal for the next level.
Highlights
Watch List Up to #22rnJumping up from the Watch List to the rankings is the standout ILB from Appleton North. Brock anticipates and reads plays quickly. He moves quickly with flow of the blocking while maintaining leverage. He can scrape and flow, move while engaged with blockers, and get through the traffic between the tackles to make the stop. The playmaker is stout as well. He plays with a low pad level, stays square down the middle of a blocker, and can play through them to get to the ball carrier. Lastly, Arndt has the range and effort to make plays sideline to sideline without much yardage gained. The FBS level is quickly taking notice of him abilities.
Watch List Up to #68rnCamron is an interesting prospect. He was ultra productive in his time on the field, as he averaged 228 rushing yards per game from Weeks 3-6. The 6’3″ 210 lbs junior has a big frame that is ready to fill out, and also runs a 4.60 reported 40 time. Maybe his next level home isn’t at RB, but with that size, speed, and power there is a place for him. On tape, Camron is a beast with the ball in his hands. His ability to bring himself back to balanced from awkward positions after tackle attempts is not seen very often; especially at his size. Mendoza is also a patient runner. He finds his spots instead of plowing into the line, and it led to a lot of big platys. Beaver Dam is in position to field a scary running game this fall.