Rapidly Rising 2024 Recruits You Need To Know

<h2>Darryl (DJ) Morton - Lawrence Central - WR/S - 6'1" 175lbs</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/02/Darryl-Morton-2.jpg?w=659" alt="" class="wp-image-640797" width="139" height="215" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: [player_tooltip player_id='641162' first='Darryl' last='Morton']'s recent visit to Tennessee University</figcaption></figure>   <p>Morton just finished another season playing Varsity at an extremely high level. He's a safety and can cover the entire backend. He posted a very good looking stat-line this year of 70 tackles, 8 PBU's, and 2 Interceptions while boasting a 3.66 GPA. He's got incredibly quick feet and a very natural/smooth backpedal. He's able to explode downhill and get past a blocker on the outside and create a TFL on a WR in the screen game when they try going his way. Hes' incredibly instinctive and trusts what he sees. He's not always right, but more often than not, he is and makes the play. I'd much rather have a guy be aggressive who needs reps rather than a guy who is hesitant. He's a fantastic, yet fairly raw athlete, so he's got even a fairly high upside because I think he's got room to grow in that department. I really like the angles Morton takes along with his closing speed. It's created a nasty combination that allows the defense to send only him deep and keep the other 10 closer to the box in the right situations. A huge chess piece that gives the defense flexibility. Morton recently took a visit to Tennessee and will likely have more visits in the near future as his path starts to lay itself out.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@DejayMorton</strong></p>    <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='641164' first='Hemi' last='Shepherd'] - Owen Valley - OL/DL - 6'0" 280lbs</h2>   <p>Shepherd is the perfect example of why I enjoy doing this scouting for Prep Redzone. A small school recruit, a school I had never heard of until just now, with so much development from last year to this year, that you can't help but be excited. His film from the previous year showed some flash, but an inconsistent and choppy player at times. It showed a ton of natural upper-body strength and a lower-body that needed work in the weight room and on the field. I'm happy to report that he did in-fact improve in both of those areas. He looks good and played much more consistent this year. He went from being able to hold his own to being able to be an impact blocker. Good leverage, keeps his hands inside, and drives with his legs. The more I watched his film this year, the more I thought to myself he's going to be a steal for a university. If he went to a bigger school, I truly believe not only would he still be starting, but he'd be getting the eyes he needs.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@ShepherdHemi</strong></p>    <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='641165' first='William' last='Neale'] - Cathedral - C - 6'3" 285lbs</h2>   <p>Neale has been as reliable as they come since he's gotten his chance. While he's not perfect, as nobody is, he's a ton of fun to watch. He's the Center of that line and will make calls if needed. He's got a consistent and quick snap with a nice spiral most of the time. He's up and out of his stance rather quickly and has done a great job protecting for the State's #1 QB in the same class. He's able to handle a Nose fairly well and is able to prevent some stunts already as well. He's not bad in the run game, either. While there are times I wish he'd stay on his block a bit longer, it's likely trying to make sure he doesn't get called for holding. Not that his hands are on the outside, but that some refs are trigger happy if they see a guy realize he took a poor angle and is trying to break away as they're being rinsed by a lineman. Neale is going to come out of high school with a ton of experience at the 6A level protecting for a big name QB while directing some traffic at the line. Because of that, some school is going to end up with a phenomenal player that helps them sleep better at night.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@WilliamNeale5</strong></p>    <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='641163' first='Zach' last='Meeks'] - Cathedral - TE - 6'6" 220lbs</h2>   <p>Meeks has some of the most intriguing tape out there. His size is real and he's actually got speed that he shouldn't have at that size. He's not only quick enough to get around the corner, but he also has been able to break long TD runs after the catch because of how fast he really is. With his size, he gives an obvious advantage in the Redzone and is able to high-point balls that even some other tall TE's couldn't. Not only that, but Cathedral has done such a great job using him as a real Tight End. On the end of the line with a finger in the dirt, in the backfield as H-Back, in the Slot, and interchanging him with some receiver packages. Smart coaches put their players in the best situation to succeed based on their skillset and that's what Cathedral does so well across the board. Meeks is a well-coached athlete with great upside who is still learning, growing, and developing. He's certainly checks a lot of boxes for someone looking for a TE at the next level and there will be someone who lands a potential superstar.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@ZachMeeks83</strong></p>    <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='189133' first='Javian' last='Jones'] - Decatur Central - OL/DL - 6'3" 300lbs</h2>   <p>Jones might be the last person in the state of Indiana that some defenders want to see come screaming through another Power play as the lead blocker, but he's typically the first. If it ain't broke don't fix it is a perfect way to word it for Decatur Central and the way they like to get him on the move. He blows defenders off their feet and straight onto their backs. Sometimes, it looks personal. Jones is also decent in the passing game. He's able to set his feet, but there are times he gets a bit too stationary if he's not on the move. If he's able to clean that up and continue to develop in the weight room over the next year, he could really blossom into an outstanding pass protector as well. He's got a fantastic frame with great length. He'll leave Decatur Central with a ton of experience and reps along with a ton of tape to show how far he's come. Jones is quite simply a quiet & good recruit that could end up starting at any Guard or Tackle spot at the next level that will be a good addition to any program.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@JavianJones0664</strong></p>