14 Midwest 2024s Blowing up on the Recruiting Trail

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I mentioned in my recent <em>PrepRedzone </em>Midwest special highlighting the hottest recruitments from the 2025 class in America's Heartland, the offseason is what really gets a recruiting fanatic like me excited. As we know, high school football recruiting never stops, much to the dismay of college football coaches partners, and families, but for someone in my field of work, it means I am constantly entertained, invested, and immersed in the recruitment of the current and upcoming graduating classes from North Dakota down to Kansas, over to Ohio, and everywhere in-between. What remains a constant in the fluid and ever-changing world of high school football recruiting is the fact that the junior year offseason is the most important period of a prospect's recruitment process, and for some, it's an incredibly fulfilling time where years of hard work is validated by name-brand, big-time college programs courting and pursuing your talents, with the promise of free college to boot. For these 24 Midwest 2024s, that's exactly what has happened, and <em>PrepRedzone </em>is here to spotlight these standout ballers and their recruitments as they blow up into the P5 and New Years Six stratosphere. Some have already committed, and some are still enjoying the ride. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["473991"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003ePlymouth High School'su003c/emu003e 6'4, 280 lber.u003cstrongu003e [player_tooltip player_id='473991' first='Idrys' last='Cotton']u003c/strongu003e has been one of the hottest commodities and stories of the 2022-23 off-season. Despite coming into his junior season, and playing the whole fall, without a Division 1 offer, he now sits at an impressive 23 FCS, FBS, and P5 scholarship or roster spot opportunities since the offseason has launched. What a rise it's been! Beginning with Marshall on December 5th, u003cstrongu003eCottonu003c/strongu003e has added Northern Illinois, Eastern Michigan, Miami (OH), Toledo, Bowling Green State, Colorado, Ball State, Akron, Western Michigan, Dartmouth, Columbia, Air Force, Kent State, Army, Jackson State, Northwestern, Duke, Louisville, Troy, Vanderbilt, and Indiana offers, in what has become a grand and still-growing list of college suitors. Also an All-State selection in the shot put and a standout basketball player for u003cemu003ePlymouthu003c/emu003e, u003cstrongu003eCottonu003c/strongu003e brings strength to the point of attack, great leg drive once he's engaged with an opponent, and effectiveness as a puller and blocker in space and at the edge of the LOS. u003cstrongu003eCottonu003c/strongu003e is always looking to finish and/or lay a big hit, and he's quite good at finishing blocks into the turf, as he does a good job of getting DL and LBs off-balance and on their heels as he drives them backward. Also is balanced and mobile once he's in space and shows off good technique in run/pass settings. Of all the things he does well, I really like the strength and finishing mentality. He's still putting big, tough, Michigan opponents into the turf three minutes into his junior highlights. Just what you want from an OG! Although Cotton announced he's dropping a Top-5 soon, I don't think this recruitment is close to being done.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["416970"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"The u003cemu003eElkhorn Southu003c/emu003e junior is one of a few already-committed 2024s to make the list, but that happened recently, and 6'5, 240 lb. lineman u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='416970' first='Ashton' last='Murphy']u003c/strongu003e still saw a meteoric rise during his junior year that began with him sitting un-offered at the time of his junior season completing. He attacked the offseason hard, and not just on the recruiting trail, as u003cstrongu003eMurphyu003c/strongu003e put up an eye-popping 315 lb. hang clean in December and a 475 lb. squat in February, and between those two dates he saw his recruitment kick off with offers from Northern Iowa, Colorado, and Nebraska (new staff), which set the tone for what was to come. Wyoming, Air Force, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, Navy, Iowa State, and Army followed suit, and between all of the offers and unofficial visits, u003cstrongu003eMurphy u003c/strongu003edecided he had seen everything that needed to be seen and shut down his recruitment to commit to the home state Nebraska Huskers. He won't be the last in-stater to commit to the new 'Huskers staff, and boy is he a good one, as u003cstrongu003eMurphyu003c/strongu003e possesses a quick get-off, strength and physicality at the point of attack, including a mean and effective bull rush, and a good speed/motor combination when in pursuit of the ball. He also looks very hard to disengage from when he's playing OL, and laid some mean hits from his OT spot. I also like his base and ability to breakdown and corral smaller, quicker defenders at the edge of the LOS or in space. I could see him playing either OL or DL in college, and either way he's another accomplished, talented, and proud in-state commit for Nebraska.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["188031"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Another Michigan native, u003cemu003eMount Pleasantu003c/emu003e 2024 lineman u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='188031' first='Andrew' last='Dennis']u003c/strongu003e was a known and popular prospect prior to the offseason, as Central Michigan offered last June and Miami (OH), Bowling Green State, Toledo, and Western Michigan followed, plus his first P5 offer coming from Illinois in mid-November, but things really picked up once the fall concluded. Northern Illinois, Cincinnati, Princeton, Akron, Columbia, Mizzou, Boston College, Louisville, Dartmouth, Army, Eastern Michigan, North Carolina-Charlotte, Air Force, Penn, Cornell, Harvard, Minnesota, Michigan State, Buffalo, and Baylor all offered in the span of three months, and despite the long list of Ivy, military academy, B1G, Big12, ACC, SEC, MAC, and other FBS offers, u003cstrongu003eDennisu003c/strongu003e knew where home was and committed to Michigan State on April 8th. What a pickup for the Spartans! An All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State selection last fall, u003cstrongu003eDennisu003c/strongu003e has a thick and powerful lower body, and when you combine it with his low and balanced base, you have a brick wall of an offensive lineman who is a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron. His heavy hands, strength at the contact point, and that powerful lower body helps him easily drive and finish opponents into the ground, and he's also got a noticeable nasty streak and a bully mentality that I love to see in prep OL prospects. He's also flexible, controlled, and displays a clean and patient pass set, and is comfortable blocking in space as well. u003cstrongu003eDennisu003c/strongu003e laid some massive hits in 2022 and I would not want to be on the receiving end of one of his blocks. Spartan Nation is going to be happy with this bruiser!","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["132270"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Representing the Cedar Rapids suburb of Marion, u003cemu003eLinn-Mar High School'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='132270' first='Keaton' last='Roskop']u003c/strongu003e is a 6'3, 220 lb. tank who exemplifies a lot of the qualities we see in Iowa products that help him go on to find so much success at the next level. Toughness, two-way, multi-sport backgrounds, and physicality for days, Roskop saw his hard work and great junior tape pay off in January when the in-state Cyclones became his first college football offer, which ended up paying off for the Cyclones, among other reasons. Kansas State, NIU, UNI, Army, and Dartmouth then followed, but Roskop felt confident in his process and committed to the Cyclones in early March. He was receiving offers to play two positions and had great reps at both spots last fall. As a TE, u003cstrongu003eRoskopu003c/strongu003e is a big-time asset in the passing game and shows off fluid, powerful strides that give way to good speed for his size. He can beat DBs during the route and after the catch, and uses those powerful legs to easily chuhrough tackle attempts at his lower body. u003cstrongu003eRoskopu003c/strongu003e is, like you'd hope from a TE, a productive and dangerous target in the red zone who can win contested catches, but he can also create big plays downfield from all parts of the field. Also a strong blocker with good leg drive and motivation to beat the man in front of him. Defensively, he split time between DE and LB, but from either position he thrived at beating blocks and making tackles through contact, and was a particular nightmare to QBs and the helpless linemen who tried to block him. Very dominant tackler as well. Interestingly, teams aren't done recruiting him, as Texas Au0026amp;M offered only three days after he committed, but u003cstrongu003eRoskopu003c/strongu003e is set to head back to Ames for the third time since he shut things down, so I don't think we have a potential flip on our hands. Either way, it's been fun to watch. Great grab by ISU!","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["289598"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Pierre, South Dakota, which is home to u003cemu003eT.F. Riggs High Schoolu003c/emu003e, is flush on the recruiting front and is set to say goodbye to 4-star Ohio State QB commit Lincoln Kienholz in the c/o 2023 upcoming graduation. The u003cemu003eGovernorsu003c/emu003e are keeping the momentum going in the 2024s with frontrunner u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='289598' first='Jett' last='Zabel']u003c/strongu003e, who benefited from Kienholz's arm talent and caught 54 passes for 842 yards and 13 TDs in an All-Conference and All-State 2022 season that saw them win their sixth-straight 11AA state title in South Dakota. u003cstrongu003eZabelu003c/strongu003e, a four-sport competitor, nabbed his first offer on March 1st from ACC standout Pittsburg, and after that Memphis, Wyoming, Army, North Dakota State, South Dakota, and Western Michigan have entered the fold with offers, and for good reason, as u003cstrongu003eZabelu003c/strongu003e is an athletic TE prospect with a balanced skillset that had some dominant reps in his 2022 highlight tape. At 6'4, 210 lbs., u003cstrongu003eZabelu003c/strongu003e displays speed, YAC ability, and strength u0026amp; tenacity in the run blocking game, and he created as well as helped create a ton of big plays for the Govs offense last fall. I love watching him after the catch, where he can hit another gear and shows good burst, and possesses contact balance and a solid truck stick that left a bunch of helpless defenders in his wake. u003cstrongu003eZabelu003c/strongu003e also popped off some big blocks both as an in-line TE and out in space, and has no problem going toe-to-toe with larger defensive linemen in the trenches. I'm excited to see how the tight end responds to a bigger workload in 2022 and how his recruitment continues to develop.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["251945"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Yet another prospect from Michigan who is reeling in the offers and having a high-yielding offseason, u003cemu003eForest Hills Centralu003c/emu003e DB and WR u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='251945' first='Ty' last='Hudkins']u003c/strongu003e possesses noteworthy speed and clocked a 40 in the 4.5s at Western Michigan and a 4.4 at the u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneMIu003c/emu003e camp last April. WMU offered early in September, in large part to that 40-yard dash time I'm sure, but after his accomplished junior season that saw him earn u003cemu003eDetroit Free Pressu003c/emu003e First Team All-State WR, u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneMIu003c/emu003e First Team All-State DB, Grand Rapids First Team WR, as well as the u003cemu003eRangersu003c/emu003e winning their district, region, conference, and D2 state runner-ups, things really got going. Eastern Michigan, Army, Minnesota, Central Michigan, Akron, and Air Force have all put their names in the mix, and Hudkins is sure to turn some more heads during the summer camp grind, especially if he can continue to put up those blazing 40 times. I like his safety tape, where that speed gives u003cstrongu003eHudkinsu003c/strongu003e a ton of range in pass and run support, and he also showed off some fantastic vertical ability and can high-point and contest balls high in the air and 50/50 contested situations. He's also a big hitter and takes good angles to the football when coming downhill to prevent runs from gaining extra yards. He even has a rep of him coming from a two-deep shell, 11 yards off the ball, and taking a beautiful pursuit back to hawk down the RB behind the LOS for a TFL. As a wideout, he can easily take the top off the defense and has some good shake when the ball is in his hand as well. Michigan is loaded in their 2024 class and Hudkins is a heckuva safety prospect out of the Great Lake State.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["602299"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"It was a happy holiday season for u003cemu003eMount Healthy High Schoolu003c/emu003e two-way standout u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='602299' first='Javier' last='Etheridge']u003c/strongu003e, who reeled in his first college football offer from Toledo on December 10th, Central Michigan on the 13th, and Pitt a monthish later to kick off the new year. The floodgates opened after that, as West Virginia, UMass, Western Michigan, Akron, Eastern Michigan, Penn State, Eastern Kentucky, Bowling Green State, Ball State, Austin Peay, Duke, Indiana, James Madison, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and Marshall all entered the ring as well, and u003cstrongu003eEtheridgeu003c/strongu003e named a Top-10 today and will make his commitment on May 13th. A two-way WR and CB, u003cstrongu003eEtheridgeu003c/strongu003e is a playmaker and natural football player with a dynamic skillset who is always around the ball. With great speed, the 5'10, 165 lber. is also quick out of his breaks, patient, and effective at reading the field, QB eyes, and route combinations, and has COD skills that allow him to stay sticky and make plays on the ball in both man and zone coverage. As a wideout, he shows off great ball skills, the speed to take the top off the defense, juice after the catch, especially in space, and toughness/concentration to finish receptions through contact and big hits. I also like his reps of tackling and blitzing, and he makes it all look easy on the gridiron. He's getting recruited to play either WR or CB in college and I can 100% see why. Start getting excited about that upcoming commitment, folks! u003cstrongu003eEtheridgeu003c/strongu003e is a good one.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["656820"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"The massive u003cstrongu003eLuniewskiu003c/strongu003e twins have been making waves on the recruiting trail so big you would have thought they jumped into the kiddie pool simultaneously. Coming out of u003cemu003eCincinnati Hills Christian Academyu003c/emu003e, 6'7, 300 lb. OT/DT u003cstrongu003eMerceru003c/strongu003e is sitting pretty with 14 D1 offers that include Michigan State, Wake Forest, Kentucky, Pitt, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, all since the end of January. Some of his 14 suitors have offered both him and his twin brother, so I'd be watching that storyline if you're a fan of this recruitment, but either way, u003cstrongu003eMercer u003c/strongu003ehas a high-powered list of opportunities and is going to make his future collegiate home very happy. Also, a record-holding discus thrower who is a stud shotput competitor as well, Mercer earned First Team All-Conference, u003cemu003eOhio Prep Rivalsu003c/emu003e All-Ohio Defense, and u003cemu003eCincinnati Enquireru003c/emu003e All-Star honors on the gridiron, and is a beast on both sides of the ball. Controlled, bendy, and athletic, u003cstrongu003eLuniewskiu003c/strongu003e does not move or play like a typical 6'7, 300 lber. and is a crushing lineman who is always looking for that next big hit. Mobile and can start/stop well in space, has heavy hands as both an OL and DL, and gets the most out of each and every hit, u003cstrongu003eMerceru003c/strongu003e is still a bit raw in his pass pro technique but is a bulldozer in the run game and a force of nature from the interior DL. The athleticism, mobility, and strength boxes are all checked and marked already, and his best football days are still in front of him.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["678643"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"The second half of the colossal u003cstrongu003eLuniewskiu003c/strongu003e twin duo, 6'5.5, 285 lb. u003cstrongu003eCharltonu003c/strongu003e has blown up this offseason and earned offers from Toledo, Kent State, Miami (OH), UConn, Kentucky, Tennessee Tech, and Michigan State since the fall action concluded. Also an All-Conference and All-Ohio Defense pick, u003cstrongu003eCharltonu003c/strongu003e has reported a 4.9 40 and 9' broad jump this spring and can play tackle, guard, DE, and defensive tackle for u003cemu003eCincinnati Hills Christian Academyu003c/emu003e. The athleticism and positional versatility are obviously good notches in his recruiting belt, and additionally, u003cstrongu003eCharltonu003c/strongu003e is bendy, strong, and plays with a good base u0026amp; balance, and has some great reps of him exploding out of his stance and working back laterally across the LOS as a puller and lead blocker for his offense. Patient as an offensive lineman, u003cstrongu003eLuniewskiu003c/strongu003e also shows good footwork in pass protection, keeps his hands active, and works hard once he's engaged with an opponent. I also like his ability to get off the ball and make plays in the backfield when manning the DL. He also has a rep around three and a half minutes in his junior tape showing off his long strides and top-end speed at 6'5.5, 285+, which really caught my eye and impressed me. Change of direction mobility and athletic, especially for his size, u003cstrongu003eCharltonu003c/strongu003e and his brother are must-know names in the 2024 OL class. Ohio builds them well!","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["434788"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Another standout rising senior from the prairies of the Dakotas, Rolette, North Dakota lineman u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='434788' first='Nate' last='Tastad']u003c/strongu003e is the only athlete on this list that plays non-11-man football and excels as a 9-man OL/DL for the u003cemu003eRolette Cometsu003c/emu003e. The town of less than 500 now has a Division 1 and maybe P5 football player on their hands, as the 6'5, 260 lber. saw his first FBS offer roll in during the month of February when the Wyoming Cowboys offered up. Previously, he had earned an NDSU offer after camping with the Bison last summer, and the North Dakota Fighting Hawks also got involved with an offer during the season. B1G and Big12 schools are also interested, and I'm going to assume they're waiting for u003cstrongu003eTastadu003c/strongu003e to camp with them, so the 9-man standout is a name I'm going to be eagerly following during the scorching summer months. 9-man standouts have a long and rich history of finding success at the next level, so I'm not worried about u003cstrongu003eTastadu003c/strongu003e being able to transition, especially with the dominance he put on tape as a junior. Strong at the point of attack from his OC and DT positions, u003cstrongu003eTastadu003c/strongu003e uses opponents leverage against them when they get off-balance, is comfortable in space, has good leg drive and hand placement as a blocker, and is always looking to finish. His 6'5, 260 lbs. is lean and able to add a ton more good weight, he can split double teams and close quickly, and u003cstrongu003eTastadu003c/strongu003e laid some massive hits last fall. Big camp season coming up for the junior!","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["268943"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"It was only a matter of time for 2024 u003cemu003eLake Millsu003c/emu003e linebacker/athlete u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='268943' first='Matthew' last='Stenbroten']u003c/strongu003e. u003cemu003ePRzWIu003c/emu003e was a big fan of his older brother Michael, who is currently a RS freshman LB for DII Sioux Falls, and believes he was under-recruited, but it looks like the same slips won't be made with younger bro Matthew. At a solid 6'4, 225 lbs., u003cstrongu003eStenbrotenu003c/strongu003e finished his junior season with 61 tackles, 6 sacks, 6 TFLs, and 2 FFs, as well as 654 reception yards and 6 TDs at a 15.2 YPC clip, and D1 programs have taken notice. Ohio, Colgate, Northern Iowa, North Dakota State, Fordham, Lafayette, Dartmouth, Columbia, Northern Illinois, Army, Air Force, and Wyoming have all offered the 'backer this offseason, along with his brother's school Sioux Falls, and Illinois State offered up last June after he camped in Normal. Also a PRzWI Showcase alum who impresses in person, u003cstrongu003eStenbrotenu003c/strongu003e possesses length, speed, and physicality, and popped off some good reps on either side of the ball last fall. As a WR, he's got some shake in his releases, ball skills, and contact balance after the catch, as well as 50/50 catch capability. Defensively, I like his closing speed, strength and physicality when attacking blockers, bend around the arch, and a good get-off u0026amp; first step that gets linemen on their heels and allows him to win reps with either power or quickness. His frame is also a big plus for his future college home. Yet another 2024 out of the Badger State to know!","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["271315"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"u003cemu003eI.C. Catholic Prepu003c/emu003e TE u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='271315' first='Eric' last='Karner']u003c/strongu003e is in the discussion for the Midwest's biggest stock-riser of the 2022-23 offseason and is in the middle of an ultra-exciting junior season that has included a 3A Illinois state championship and a boatload of FCS, FBS, and P5 college offers, including some of the nation's blue-bloods and top contenders. What began with a Western Michigan FBS offer out of the MAC quickly expanded to Illinois State, Ohio, and Kent State, which set up the P5s to start getting involved. Beginning with Boston College in late February, Michigan State, Indiana, Minnesota, Pitt, and Purdue offered up, along with Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina, and Fordham, and this is where things got interesting. u003cstrongu003eKarneru003c/strongu003e somewhat abruptly shut things down and committed to Purdue on March 7th, but his stock continued to rise, and SEC schools such as Texas Au0026amp;M, Alabama, South Carolina, and Arkansas all offered, which prompted u003cstrongu003eKarneru003c/strongu003e to back off his Purdue commitment and open things back up. Who can blame him? Alabama coming into the Midwest for a prospect is a big deal, and since he decommitted we've seen more schools such as Auburn, Illinois, and Louisville officially enter the fray. It's been an exciting recruitment to watch, and one of my favorites from this cycle, and it looks like we should stay buckled in for the rest of this ride. u003cstrongu003eKarneru003c/strongu003e has upped his weight from 195 to 225 since last summer, and shows off outstanding length and freakish athleticism at his size. Noticeable speed aided by long strides, soft hands that can go up and pluck the ball out of the air in traffic and through contact, great balance both during and after the catch, and a quality blocker in space offensively. u003cstrongu003eKarneru003c/strongu003e also has some fantastic reps defensively as a DE and even FS that shows off range, a nose for big hits, and more speed. u003cemu003eICCPu003c/emu003e is a must-stop on the recruiting trail for college programs in 2024 and u003cstrongu003eKarneru003c/strongu003e is the superstar of the bunch.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_12_player_details_player_name":"Monte Keener ","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_12_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_12_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_12_player_details_position":"2407","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_12_player_details_school":"Linden","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_12_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_12_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_12_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"Another hot-rising 2024 from the state of Michigan, u003cemu003eLinden High Schoolu003c/emu003e 6'6, 220 lber. came into the season with a MAC offer, left the fall with another, and then saw things take off in February as SEMO, Air Force, Army, Rutgers, Kent State, UPenn, Indiana, Navy, Ball State, Toledo, Buffalo, and Minnesota all entered the fold in the span of two months. A standout on both sides of the ball with a 3.86 GPA, u003cstrongu003eKeeneru003c/strongu003e was an All-Conference and All-Region pick in 2022, and shows off a ton of length in his impressive build that is sure to get a collegiate Su0026amp;C coordinator excited. As a TE, he's got soft hands and coordination, is fearless and skilled at reeling in catches over the middle and through contact, and owns a huge catch radius. Also a strong blocker out on the perimeter or as an inline TE, u003cstrongu003eKeeneru003c/strongu003e is strong enough to handle DEs 1-on-1, can operate in a zone blocking scheme, and can send defenders flying when he extends those long arms. As a DE, he can bend the edge, play offensive linemen's hands well and has a variety of effective pass rush moves and counters, and can tackle and make plays in space. He's got a future on either side of the ball and I'd be thrilled if my Golden Gophers landed his talents. Still a ways to go in this recruitment!","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["335510"],"_player_evaluations_13_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"A 6'6, 220 lb. quarterback is guaranteed to catch eyes and turn heads, and luckily for u003cemu003eRock Bridgeu003c/emu003e rising senior u003cstrongu003eSamu003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eKaiseru003c/strongu003e, he can back up the hype. After a junior campaign that saw him throw 135 completions on 230 attempts (60%) for 1,700 yards and 22 passing TDs for the u003cemu003eBruinsu003c/emu003e, u003cstrongu003eKaiseru003c/strongu003e finally saw his recruitment take off as Miami (OH), Vanderbilt, Pitt, Akron, and Missouri State all reached out with offers since around Valentine's Day. In that time, he's also visited Vandy, Pitt, and Miami (OH), posted an impressive 335 lb. front squat, and was invited to the Elite11 regional to show off his budding arm talent. Quick release, great touch, and a cannon of an arm to go along with his huge frame that can generate noticeable zip on his passes, I really like watching u003cstrongu003eKaiseru003c/strongu003e navigate and work around the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield and reading the defense. He's also a good athlete who can create big runs and hurt defenses with his legs when he tucks and takes off, and makes good, quick decisions with the football and sees the field well. Tons to like in the big-bodied gunslinger and I'd argue he's under-recruited right now. College coaches: get at him!","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":14,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6441e50091013"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->