Small School Studs With Big Talent In The 2024 Class

<p>We're heading to the small schools today to look at a handful of guys who need more eyes on them as we head into the fall.</p>   <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='541851' first='Marshall' last='Kmiecik'] - New Prairie - QB - 6'0" 170lbs</h2>   <p>Kmiecik had a great year all things considered and looks to build upon it next year. He led New Prairie to a State Championship appearance while breaking a handful of records on the year. While they're not a pass heavy team, when he's given the reigns he makes big plays and throws time and time again. In the middle of the field, he's as deadly as anyone who throws the rock. He'll step into it and deliver a ball on a rope. Even when rolling out, he knows to keep his shoulders square and to keep his eyes downfield. He's athletic enough to take off and either extend plays or simply pick up positive yardage. He does have a tendency to drift even with no pressure in his face, but he's so used to pressure in his face at times that it's a habit that may need some coaching to get rid of. I mentioned his ability to run, but it's more than that. He's really a dual-threat QB who thrives in the read-option. Long legs, quick acceleration, and the right decisions go a long way in extending drives and scoring points. Overall, it was a fantastic season for a young QB who could really be a gem for the right program when the time comes next year.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@MarshallKmiecik</strong></p>    <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='657160' first='Jaylyn' last='Pugh'] - Hamilton Heights - ATH - 5'10" 150lbs</h2>   <p>Pugh is a perfect example as to why I enjoy doing what I do for Prep Redzone. Flip on the tape and you see a guy score in all 3 phases of the game, a guy who other players seem to love, and a really good athlete wrapped all into 1 package in a school with less than 800 students. Offensively, you've got a WR who can take the top off and then catches things he shouldn't be able to. Contested catches and catches through contact seem to be where he's at his best. Defensively, you've got a DB with incredible range and really good vision. A DB who can play man, zone, and play in the box. His 4 interceptions this year were also really promising because you saw him read and react. He learned to trust his eyes and started making plays he wasn't before. The development was right there on the tape and it was pretty cool to see. And last but certainly not least, on Special Teams, you've got a Kick Returner with the speed to take it to the house and the vision to find the cutback lanes. His longest return this past year was 78-yards in his few opportunities to do so. The point has been, Pugh is all over the field and makes the big play. He's fun, he's dynamic, and someone is going to get a steal.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@JaylynPugh</strong></p>    <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='322401' first='Zachary' last='Wurm'] - Adams Central - OL/DL - 6'3" 275lbs</h2>   <p>Wurm is one of the first recruits I can remember looking at way back when I started doing these proper evaluations. It's been really fun to watch the progress from a distance, and more importantly, I can see how far he's come which is actually more than I anticipated His 6'3" is quickly beginning to fill out. He's no longer this purely lengthy kid who can make plays. He's now this lengthy, powerful, and violent player. When the ball is snapped, he flips the switch. I appreciate the high energy, high effort, relentless animal that Wurm is. Later in the season, teams tried working a duo block on him. They tried doubling him and running away from him and he wouldn't have any of it. He found ways to break those double teams and you can see him actively problem solving on the field. On top of having a run-stuffer who can play the interior, you've got a pass rusher who can play the edge. Whether you need him to get up-field and collapse the pocket, pin his ears back on a long 3rd down, or force a ball carrier back inside to allow reinforcements to come, Wurm has shown he can do it all. With all of that being said, Wurm may be a better offensive line prospect when it's all said and done. That frame when he's protecting for others becomes a wall. He's not only able to lead block, but he can get downfield and lead the way. He's 6'3" and 275lbs who will decimate anything it his path when he's on the move. I've yet to see a clip from his 2022 season where he goes on the move and slows down after hitting someone in his way. I do think one area where Wurm could use some growth is getting underneath pads right at the LOS. He's young, still has another year, and more importantly seems to learn quick and naturally. Where he is today compared to a year ago is mind blowing. Wurm is a really good prospect at a small school.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@Wurm_Zachary</strong></p>    <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='541895' first='Trevor' last='Currie'] - Adams Central - TE/DE - 6'2" 200lbs</h2>   <p>Currie is someone I think we may not even know how good he is yet simply based on what he's asked to do. In a triple threat option offense, he's asked to line up at TE on the end of the line most of the time. When he gets his chance, off the line he's rather quick. He's a bit raw in the route tree, but the abilities to create separation naturally and catch everything that comes his way are there. TO me, I think he's really more of a receiver which is why I think when he gets to college he could really take off with a position coach. If not, he's got plenty of reps on the end of the line and could be a bit ahead in development at TE. If he doesn't go offense, he's got a bright future on Special Teams/Defense. He's a disruptive player whether it be blocking kicks, sacking the QB, or batting down passes he'll find a way to make a play. Currie is simply a play-maker when he's on the field who I think is still growing and learning. His future is really up to him because I think all options could be open and if they are, he's more than earned it.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@TrevorJoeCurrie</strong></p>

We're heading to the small schools today to look at a handful of guys who need more eyes on them as we head into the fall.