2024 Recruiting Hotbed: Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts
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We head up the eastern side of the state for our next recruiting hotbed. Kaukauna made a deep playoff run on the backs of several impressive juniors. With that group returning in 2023 the expectations and hopes should be high…
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Continue ReadingWe head up the eastern side of the state for our next recruiting hotbed. Kaukauna made a deep playoff run on the backs of several impressive juniors. With that group returning in 2023 the expectations and hopes should be high as they set their sites on a gold ball. Kaukauna needs to be a stop on all coaches’ recruiting travels. Let’s get into this group.
My top Class of 2024 prospect is the OT Mitch Verstegen Mitch Verstegen 6’4″ | 280 lbs | OL Kaukauna | 2024 State WI . The 6’4” 285 lbs OT has long been one of the top overall prospects in this elite recruiting class here in WI. He has a complete package with so much untapped potential still to dig into. His wide base gives him the power, and balance needed to be stout in the run and pass game. Mitch is able to reset the line of scrimmage with his overall power in the run game. When he sinks his hips in his pass protection it’s hard to get him to move off his spot with a bull rush. The right tackle finishes his blocks with the aggression you love to see out of offensive linemen. Verstegen can definitely fit as a guard at the next level, and with further development of his body control, and footwork we could see him stay at OT. Big things ahead for the OL.
Kaukauna’s OL is going to be mauling defensive front sevens, and a big reason is the 6’3” 290 lbs OG. Kaukauna loves to get the defense running laterally with zone blocking, and Karson fits that well. He has proven to be light on his feet whether sticking his block while running laterally, pulling, or getting up to the second level. The big man is at his best in the run game where he can attack and be aggressive. The kid has heavy hands too. His punch has multiple examples of being strong enough to send defenders right to the dirt. I’m excited for his offseason development. He has the potential in him to really rise up the rankings and recruiting boards over the next 8 months.
Finnley has put together an awesome career at Kaukauna. He slowly chipped away and took over the starting job full time. Since then he has put out strong film of what he has to offer the next level. The 6’2” QB has carved up defenses with his touch and accuracy from the short to deep routes. He is able to put the ball where his man has the best chance of bringing it in. This season we really started seeing the arm strength developing too. With that comes more confidence to fit the ball into those tight windows without risking turnovers. Doriot also adds a threat with his legs. A big year is coming for the Ghosts, and Finnley will be at the wheel leading the way on offense.
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One of the state’s top WRs calls Kaukauna home. The 6’4” 190 lbs WR is a mismatch out wide. He fully maximizes his catch radius with soft hands that can make the catch far away from his body. He has hands that can be trusted at the next level because he can make the catch in traffic and through contact. The big man uses his body well to wall off DBs making him an excellent redzone option. The long striding receiver can get down the field swiftly. As the body control continues to develop I expect to see the nuanced parts of his game, like route running, become even stronger. Definitely a name to know.
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Last week I published an article about athletes worth going outside of the standard size thresholds for. Sawyer is another athlete who would fit into that category. Despite being 5’11” 235 lbs, Sawyer has been an impact player in the middle of the trenches. All thanks to his solid athleticism. Steineke is a twitchy DT. His hands are quick, the body control allows him to slide laterally, and when he clears the OL has the range to chase down the QB or RBs. Sawyer is going to be fun to watch this fall.
Tyler is a bit of a ‘tweener when it comes to positions. You will find him out in space, usually over the slot. There he is able to read and react to what he sees in front of him, and then get in position to make a play. Tyler has the hands to create turnovers, and is aggressive at the catch point. He baits QBs into a lot of bad decisions, and his aggressiveness at the catch point breaks up a lot of well thrown balls. He should be a key contributor his senior season.
Danny is a player to watch as a potential breakout player for the Galloping Ghosts. He finished 2022 with 3 receptions at the varsity level, and things should be lining up for him to take a big step forward in production. Danny is a quick slot receiver who can find the soft spots in coverage, and is effective when you get the ball to him quickly. Don’t be surprised to see him breakout this fall.
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Carson Van Dinter
Carson Van Dinter
Right off the bat, Carson’s 6’3” frame separates him from the field. Size that you don’t come across often at the DB position. Carson also offers the three level versatility that teams want in safety prospects. Carson can cover a deep zone with adequate range. He has shown he can drop down over the slot and cover in man. That is where his length comes in clutch because that extra reach allows him to make up if he is a step behind his man. I really like Carson when he steps down into the box or plays on the edge. He is aggressive as a blister and can be very disruptive in the backfield. That length could allow him to be uses in pass rush situations if he were to add more size at the next level. A soon to be senior to follow this summer/fall.
Matthew Schoenmakers
Matthew Schoenmakers
Another new junior on my radar after going through the Kaukauna roster is the 6’2” 290 lbs center. Matthew is very well put together. His frame is filled out, and he uses his size to create movement in the trenches. The big man is pretty light on his feet; showing that he can get to the second level comfortably. He is solid in double teams as well. Matthew doesn’t have a ton of film, but from what I saw he plays with effective hand placement, and will finish blocks. An athlete to keep on your radar, and an OL that could push for one of the best in WI this fall.