2024 SD Under the Radar Prospects
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This is the type of article I always enjoy writing. Under the Radar Athletes are always fun to watch because they aren’t getting the hype that the bigger school athletes get. For this article I stayed around the 11AA through…
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Continue ReadingThis is the type of article I always enjoy writing. Under the Radar Athletes are always fun to watch because they aren’t getting the hype that the bigger school athletes get. For this article I stayed around the 11AA through 9AA range. All these athletes should be on the college radar for their Senior Seasons, check them out below!
Brendan Peterson (DB)- Flandreau, Highlights
Peterson was the kid that sparked this article. He did many things well, but no one thing better than the other. I liked watching his tape when he was in man coverage. He read steps gave him a lot of depth and gave him enough speed to turn and run with his receiver. His technique in pass coverage was near perfect on every play his way. The speed and awareness he showed on tape was fun to see because his breaks when the ball was in the air had perfect timing. He also ran the routes with the receiver, so he was there when the ball was. Lastly, he really displayed good tackling form, making an effective tackle and going after the ball when the opportunity came.
Brayden Delahoyde Brayden Delahoyde 6'4" | 230 lbs | TE Spearfish | 2024 State SD (WR/DB)- Spearfish, Highlights
Delahoyde’s tape was fun to watch because he seemed like a natural football player. His frame and athleticism makes the game look like it comes easy to him. The speed he shows seems effortless with a smooth running form that outruns his opponent on offense. His vertical helped him sky over the defender and make catches over top of them. On the defensive side, the speed and vertical helped him to the opposite to the offensive players. He did an excellent job keeping his sights on both the QB and the WR in his area, and staying in the perfect position to make plays. Lastly, he was a ballhawk, whether he was finding the ball or vice versa, he ended a lot of plays with the ball in his hands.
Kyren Nulle Kyren Nulle RB Belle Fourche | 2024 State SD (RB)- Belle Fourche, Highlights
Nulle is a kid that is pedal-to-the-medal 100% of the time. Any play on either side of the ball, he is giving everything he’s got. I like seeing his speed both when he has the ball and running routes, because it’s always the same speed. He also displays a great sense of physicality once he has the ball. Given his smaller frame, he plays like a guy three times his size and does it well. He dishes out a lot more punishment than he takes. His explosion once he gets in the open field is also fun to watch. On defense, his physicality plays well when he blitzes off the edge. His speed helps him run with each receiver and chase down plays from behind.
Simon Fried Simon Fried 5'7" | 150 lbs | WR Mobridge-Pollock | 2024 State SD (RB)- Mobridge-Pollock, Highlights
Fried’s speed makes it look like he is shot out of a cannon on every play. Once that ball is in his hands, he finds the perimeter and wins every footrace to the outside. At top speed, he is a difficult one for the defense to get a finger on, pumping out big plays often. He runs fairly patient behind blockers, then creates a big play after breaking through the gap. I like his balance after getting hit low, shoestring tackles on him still give up at least five extra yards after contact. Lastly, his uses his agility to play games with one-on-one defenders in open space. Nine times out of ten, he is going to win that battle and have a big run to the perimeter.
Drake Gustafson (TE/DB)- Bridgewater-Emery-Ethan, Highlights
Gustafson emerged as a favorite red zone target from the TE position. I love watching old-school offenses work, it shows versatility, grit and discipline in today’s era of the game. Versatile is exactly what Gustafson showed from the offensive side this year. Showing his physicality down in the trenches with his blocking on running downs. After that, showing he can run routes and make plays in the passing game too. His height gave him an advantage on both sides of the ball, but his awareness, vertical, speed and hands put him over the top. The physicality also showed on defense when making tackles. His speed was also there, roaming the defensive backfield and breaking up passes downfield.
Chance Schoellerman (ATH)- Viborg-Hurley, Highlights
Schoellerman has been one I’ve had an eye on during his Sophomore Season. If I remember right he was listed as a QB. Now he is an ATH because he plays many positions on the offensive side of the ball. Based on tape, he was the kid that needed the ball in his hands when a big play was needed. The only question was; how was he going to get the ball? Whether it was taking the snap, taking the handoff, or catching a pass, he was going to get the job done. His breakaway speed was the game-changer once the ball was in his hands. Give him any open space and he was going to make a play out of it. Also has an arm and hands to add to his athleticism.