2025 Rankings: Six ATHs to Scout ASAP
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For those new to the Prep Redzone Colorado scene and interested in a subscription, use code WESLEY30 for 30% off your first subscription! A player’s recruiting directly impacts their ranking as a prospect, but it is extremely rare for a…
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A player’s recruiting directly impacts their ranking as a prospect, but it is extremely rare for a player’s ranking to affect their recruiting. All rankings prior to the final updated list for the seniors are subject to change with each update.
Many high school players find themselves in situations where they see significant playing time on both sides of the ball. Often, those players tend to have a designated position that is their primary, while their other positions are played per the team’s needs. There are, however, players who can dominate in multiple facets of the game, putting them in a category of prospects who can be recruited for any of their high school positions.
The athlete position group is typically reserved for multi-use players who stand out on the field in various positions. This article will briefly examine six ATHs from the 2025 class who are poised to have noteworthy junior seasons.
Pawlak is a player who exploded onto the scene early last season when he had to temporarily take over QB1 duties for his team. He is an exciting runner with explosive acceleration, shifty cuts, and outstanding vision as a ball carrier. His overall speed and elusiveness make him a defensive nightmare, especially once he gets out into open spaces.His time spent at the helm of the offense allowed him to show off his arm strength and accuracy, making him a dual-threat quarterback and an ideal candidate to run the spread. Pawlak is a talented multi-sport player with Division I athleticism, making his future worth an early investment.
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Riehle is a two-way player who stands out on both sides of the ball, but his skills as a running back are worthy of admiration. His size gives him formidable power and his speed makes him difficult to contain. As a running back, he shows good vision and grit by doing a fantastic job of running between the tackles while breaking free from contact. Riehle is a special player with a significantly high ceiling, putting him in the category of must-watch prospects.
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Ward is another athletic quarterback who can successfully fill multiple roles for his team. He is a dual-threat quarterback with impressive arm strength and accurate ball placement. His acceleration, speed, and ability to quickly change directions make him an elusive ball carrier with an explosive running style. He possesses a versatile skill set that solidifies him as a go-to plug-and-play athlete who can be used as a running back, slot receiver, and return man on special teams. Ward is a tough competitor with leadership characteristics, giving him the makings of a top-tier prospect.
Smiley is a player whose outstanding athleticism and high football IQ make him an instant spotlight grabber. He is a ball-hawking free safety who possesses the instincts and speed to be in the right places at the right time. His blazing speed makes him a dangerous ball carrier, helping him gash his opponents when returning interceptions, as a slot receiver on offense, or when lining up as a return man on special teams. Smiley is what you would get if you were to combine a baseball shortstop with a center fielder into one person and put him on the gridiron, giving Smiley significant potential as a prospect.
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Graham is another two-way player with impressive athleticism. He has good speed and explosive cuts that allow him to create space from defenders when carrying the ball as a running back. His speed helps him to run with receivers and catch up from trail when he is in his cornerback position. His physicality makes him a player who does not shy away from contact on either side of the ball. Graham is a versatile athlete who has the potential to put on an impressive performance during his junior season.
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Johnson is an under-the-radar player with the potential to become a stud prospect. He is a versatile defensive back who stood out early in his sophomore season as a free safety who is willing to fly downhill and initiate contact. His physicality and overall competitive mindset give him the needed attributes to line up in the slot and fill the nickel position. His downhill playing style allows him to add speed and tenacity to the run defense, making him a key player on defense. Johnson has the skills and talents that give him the potential to turn into one of the bigger sleepers in the class.
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How to become a better prospect and be evaluated by Prep Redzone.
A great way to help an athlete gain attention and raise their prospect value is to attend college camps, have well-structured film, and be a proactive communicator via Twitter, email, text, etc. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of the database, claim or create a free player profile with Prep Redzone.