SD Class 11B Players to Watch (2024)
Back at it again today. This time dropping down to 11B before hitting the 9-man trail. Class 11B has a wide variety of talent with a lot of two-way players on each team. What makes this class a little different…
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Continue ReadingBack at it again today. This time dropping down to 11B before hitting the 9-man trail. Class 11B has a wide variety of talent with a lot of two-way players on each team. What makes this class a little different is that some teams could be switching from 11-man football to 9-man football every so often based on school enrollment. For me, it is interesting watching those teams make those jumps up and class and how they compete. This group of athletes all stood out on their tapes for many different reasons. Check them out below!
Carter Randall Carter Randall 5'9" | 170 lbs | LB McCook Central-Montrose | 2024 State SD (WR/LB)- McCook Central/Montrose, Highlights
Randall is another player that plays extremely well in the box on the defensive perimeter. He uses his speed to hold contain on the outside run plays, but also guards the flats with it. His physicality makes him a very good DE type. Keeping his outside arm free and turning the play inside, making a tackle it the ballcarrier stretches it out past him. He puts a good amount of pressure on the QB when blitzing off the edge. I like his angles in pursuit of the ball, turning it back to the defense. Offensively, he gives a good target to throw at in the slot. His speed and hands make him a playmaker for big chunks of yardage each play.
Elijah Morrissette (OL)- Redfield, Highlights
Morrissette is a wrecking ball on the offensive line. He uses his big frame and throws his weight and muscle around to bury kids. His first step is quick and powerful, which you can see when he drills the defender across from him. Keeping his low pad level off the snap, he wins most battles up front on initial contact. I like when he climbs levels, instead of just a full sprint off the ball with not intent, he keeps a good pace and finds the biggest threat to the play. He’s always aware of the play and does the best thing for the ballcarrier on the play. Lastly, he gets good depth on his pass protection, and always finds a guy to block if no one is head up on him.
Carter Sorenson (RB)- Tri-Valley, Highlights
Sorenson is a speedster that can change the pace of a game in one play. He takes his handoff and gets to the perimeter in a hurry. Once he gets to the perimeter he does a great job finding the open space for the big play. If the play isn’t there right away, his patience helps him find the late gap opening up. His balance helps him step through shoestring tackles and keep gaining yards. On the defensive side, he does a good job defending his zone in the passing game. The speed carries over to defense as well, running with receivers and stepping up and making tackles in the run game.
Levi Wieman (DL)- Parker, Highlights
Wieman is a problem for the opposing offenses. I like the way he out muscles the blocker on each play. The first step is quick and effective, getting him a good base to take on many blockers. Beating double-teams by just running straight through them. What makes all that possible is his motor. Always chasing plays down, whether they are in front of him or behind him. Once the ball is snapped, he does an excellent job getting his ground and doing his job every play. When he identifies the play, he takes a good angle to make the play on the ball. Putting pressure on the QB or wrapping up the RB, he finishes the play violently.
Drake Gustafson (WR/DB)- Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan, Highlights
Gustafson is the wildcard needed on BEE’s offense. In a run-first offense, having a reliable target to throw to makes a defense’s life very difficult. His quick release off the snap puts the defense at a disadvantage if they read the play wrong. The next thing that makes him difficult to guard is his height and jumping ability. When he makes the catch he is very smooth making moves on the defense to extend plays. Defensively, he does a great job roaming the center of the field and finding where the QB wants to throw. Once he reads the QB’s eyes, he flies to that receiver and goes and makes a play on the ball.
Brendan Peterson (WR/DB), Flandreau, Highlights
Peterson is a kid that you would want on your defensive unit. Using his speed to run with receivers, stepping up in run support and chasing plays down from the backside. Rather than going for the play that looks good every time, he makes the smart play. In the open field, he throttles down on the speed and breaks down to make a sure tackle. If the ballcarrier has the ball on Peterson’s side, Peterson will start ripping at it, usually drawing the turnover. Lastly, his tackling form is near perfect every time. He is the kid that will finish the play on an elusive ballcarrier with a good tackle.