Coverage Needed: Athletes in Need of the Spotlight
In this article:
Use code Johnson30 to receive 30% off your new subscription! Over the next week I am going to be beginning a new series where I dive into the film of athletes who haven’t had the spotlight they deserve. Athletes who…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingUse code Johnson30 to receive 30% off your new subscription!
Over the next week I am going to be beginning a new series where I dive into the film of athletes who haven’t had the spotlight they deserve. Athletes who haven’t appeared in articles much, or at all. So, to ensure that these athletes don’t fall under the radar it is time to shine the spotlight on them. Next level coaches, don’t let them go unnoticed.
An athlete who has impressed me with his junior play is the Middleton DT. He looks the part at 6’3” 290 lbs. He plays the part too. Dominic is a powerful athlete in his upper and lower body. That allows him to be stout in the trenches and control the line of scrimmage. He can take on double teams, and create separation with his hands and upper body strength. Frost is also gifted with impressive quick twitch athleticism. He can move laterally quick enough to get him around OL, and that athleticism allows him to implement moves such as spin moves to get around blocks. An athlete to keep an eye on next fall. He is one of the top talents at DL.
Highlights
An athlete really coming into his own, and is due to fully break out this summer/fall is the 6’5” 265 lbs OT out of Baraboo. That frame is just starting to see is potential. There is all the room needed to fill out to play at the highest level. The First Team All Conference OL has elite range. Kyle is able to pull across the formation from his OT spot and lead through to the second level. He is light on his feet, can change direction, and closes quickly on his targets. Felt currently possesses sufficient strength. He can dominate the trenches at the HS level, but as that part of his game develops you will see a monster jump in his play, and recruitment. There is a lot to work with and mold in the Baraboo athlete. Make sure he is on your radars.
Highlights
The 6’3” 260 lbs OT out of Sun Prairie East is a technician at the position. From the bottom to the top. He plays with a wide, powerful base. His feet take him where he needs to be instead of reaching or bending at the waist. His shoulders stay over his toes. The hand usage is clean. Even when his hands get wide in his highlights you can see him work to get them back inside to proper position. Add in the tenacity you need your OL to have in the trenches and you get a very well rounded prospect who has consistently improved him game, and next level stock. I’m excited to watch him continue to develop his game.
Highlights
The 6’3” 290 lbs OT is a bully in the trenches. Aiden’s a powerful athlete who has highlights filled with examples of his raw power. He is able to toss defenders around, and if he doesn’t put them on the ground he takes them for a ride far from the designed running lane. Aiden is also surprisingly nimble at his size. That allows him to take that power to the second level. Teams looking to boost their power in the trenches need to consider the Elkhorn athlete.
Highlights
The 6’5” 225 lbs TE is an exciting prospect in a talented TE group. The prototypical size is there. He has adequate speed for the position that allows him to get down the field. Zahm is a powerful route runner. When defenders try to jam him, or bump him off his route Owen runs through the contact. He offers that coveted big catch radius as well. You can see him make catches with his hands and away from his body. This past season we saw him line up in the slot the majority of the time. Out there, Owen proved he is an effective route runner. He is able to use that and his big body to create seperation for him QB. Keep an eye on this breakout candidate this summer and fall.
Highlights
The 6′ 175 lbs safety looks next up in a long line of impressive Arrowhead DBs. Connor plays with the quick recognition, aggressiveness, and range needed to be a next level athlete. His ability to identify a play as it happens, attack without hesitation, and get to where he needs to be is special. Not many athletes at this level put it all together consistently like he does. Foley is also a technically sound tackler. Connor also has loose hips that can flip quickly to help him change direction as he covers receivers man to man. Don’t sleep on this one.
Highlights
The 6’1” 170 lbs QB is an athlete that should excite the next level for many reasons. LJ is a raw QB prospect, but the tools are there to be finely tuned and molded. He is super light on his feet, allowing him to get through his drop quick, maneuver in the pocket and move from read to read. The arm strength is next level too. The ball jumps out of his hand when he attacks the deep portion of the field. Dagen also has impressive highlights showing off his pinpoint ball placement and touch. LJ could also be used in other roles at the next level. That is why I have him as an ATH. When LJ decides to tuck the ball and run you see that he has special, next level speed and acceleration. He can pull away in the open field, and has the vision needed to get himself through the trash and into the open field. I’m excited to see what he does this summer at camps, and then this fall on the field.
Highlights
The 6’2” 215 lbs RB is a beast at the position. Power is the name of the game when it comes to Gavin. Despite his 6’2” frame, he runs behind his pads well. That paired with strong leg drive makes him a difficult tackle for solo defenders, and it usually leads to him finishing runs falling forward. Because he plays lower to the ground, Gavin is able to have excellent balance through contact. You see him absorb a lot of his without being knocked off track. He also has 4.8 speed, so if he gets to the open field he can do damage. Look for him to put up big numbers this fall.