2024 Recruiting Hotbed: Appleton North
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We continue our series of identifying the hotbed across Wisconsin with a stop at Appleton North High School. ANHS has been a must stop for years when it comes to recruiting, and the Class of 2024 is continuing the tradition.…
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Continue ReadingWe continue our series of identifying the hotbed across Wisconsin with a stop at Appleton North High School. ANHS has been a must stop for years when it comes to recruiting, and the Class of 2024 is continuing the tradition. This is an impressive group of juniors that will lead the Lightning onto the field in 2023. There is FBS talent, and athletes who will have their choice of D2 and D3 programs when the time comes. Let’s start at the top with one of the best in the state…
The Wisconsin 2024 LB Class is an elite one compared to previous years. There several athletes in the group that will be playing D1 football on Saturdays. One of them that has a great opportunity to do that is the 6’3″ 225 lbs Brock Arndt Brock Arndt 6’3″ | 235 lbs | LB Appleton North | 2024 State WI . Arndt is an impressive specimen to watch on the field. Where he separates himself from other big bodied LBs is with his range. You will see Brock pursuing plays to either sideline, and picking up TEs or RBs out of the backfield against the pass. Against the run, it is impressive to see the strength he plays with between the tackles. He can take on a block, stand up the OL with strong hands, and then slide off laterally to make the play all at the line of scrimmage. Brock also has strong instincts for the position. He reads the flow of the play and mirrors RBs while also playing downhill. He closes quickly in those scenarios, ending plays at the line of scrimmage consistently. He is going to put together a big 2023 season.
The 6’1″ 270 lbs OC should be on several D2-D3 programs’ radars. The center has a solid combination of mobility, flexibility, and strength. In the run game, Jackson is light on his feet. That allows him to reach defenders on the play side. Modder also impressed with his mobility and body control during the Prep Redzone WI winter showcase where he left with the OL MVP. Modder is in position to continue to rise up the rankings this fall. Keep an eye on the centerpiece of the ANHS OL.
Highlights
Harry Grutza
Harry Grutza
Teams looking for an anchor in the middle of their defensive line need to make themselves aware of the 6’4″ 300 lbs DT Harry Grutza. The big man has some surprising quickness to him out of his stance. It allows him to get the proper angle or leverage, furthering his advantage over his opponent. Harry’s game primarily revolves around his stoutness. The stud is extremely difficult for OL to dig out of the trenches. He holds his ground very well, and doesn’t allow the line of scrimmage to be reset down the field. Grutza also eats up blocks. You will see him consistently taking on double teams. Don’t miss out on him.
Luke Kritzer
Luke Kritzer
Luke took over the helm for Appleton North this fall, and helped the team get to Level 3 of the WIAA State Playoffs. The 5’11” 180 lbs QB is an aggressive passer. He doesn’t hesitate to attack deep down the field, and he is able to put the ball in places where his receiver has a good chance of coming down with it. The lefty has a compact throwing motion that gets the ball out fast. While he has sufficient arm strength to attack most of the field, Luke’s accuracy and touch has been more key to his success. I’m excited to see how he takes the next step forward as a senior.
This is my first time watching the 6’3″ 245 lbs OG, and I came away with a lot of things to like. His frame looks like it has the room to continue to fill out, and add a lot of strength. The junior is also light on his feet. That mobility and leverage are how he finds the most success. His lower body is able to get him in position without reaching, and that maximizes his strength. Salzman also gets his hands inside on the chest plate of his opponent consistently. With a strong offseason, Collin could be a breakout athlete this fall. Definitely an athlete to know going forward.