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Use code Johnson30 for 30% off on a new subcription. We are back for another deep dive into several Need to Know Wisconsin athletes. We have had a great turnout of athletes submitting their film to be scouted and written…
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We are back for another deep dive into several Need to Know Wisconsin athletes. We have had a great turnout of athletes submitting their film to be scouted and written up. This group is no different. In fact, this might be the best group yet. We have a few athletes in today’s article that I believe can, and will be D1 athletes when their time comes. So dive in with me, and make sure you are well aware of these athletes on the recruiting trail.
Sophomore OT Michael Roeske Michael Roeske 6’7″ | 270 lbs | OL Wautoma | 2025 State WI has to excite many OL coaches at the next level. He is a 6’7″ 280 lbs ball of clay that is ready to be molded. Michael has built a great base of strength that makes itself known on the field. He is a man among boys as he tosses DL around the trenches. Michael is also a gifted athlete. He has a big upper body and an athletic lower body that allows him to move in any direction comfortably and quickly. It also allows him to burst out to the second level before LBs can get through their read steps. Michael’s body control impresses too. You don’t catch him overextended or off balance. We are just beginning to see the potential in the Wautoma product.
Highlights
The 6’3″ 195 lbs WR/TE out of Baldwin- Woodville had a very productive junior season. He finished 2022 with 44 receptions, 778 yards, and 8 TDs. The first strong trait that jumped out to me on tape was his ability to track the ball in the air and adjust to it. Even while he was in midair, Collin repeatedly has shown the ability to be able to turn and twist his body to be able to come down with the ball. Fritts also has soft hands that maximize his wide catch radius. Being 6’3″ 195 lbs, Collin has learned to use his body to create separation at the catch point. I believe he can be a mismatch at TE at the next level. Check him out below.
The Class of 2025 has some exciting OL prospects ready to breakout this fall. One of those such prospects is the 6’4″ 275 lbs sophomore RG out of Kaukauna. Braeden is an impressive looking prospect on the hoof. Jansen’s short area explosiveness leads to good initial contact and punches off the line. His power to get a push in the run game comes from his wide, powerful base that walks defenders out of the trenches. I like his awareness throughout the highlights as well. Multiple times you will see him come off his double team to pick up the LB or take over the level one block. Once he gets to his man the big OL clamps those heavy hands on and controls them until the whistle. Get ready for a big year from the soon to be junior.
Highlights
I’m looking forward to seeing where AJ debuts in the QB rankings. The 6′ 180 lbs junior may be a bit undersized, but the dual threat QB is talented. Right off the bat, AJ does a good job of using his mobility to buy time in the pocket. He can maneuver in the pocket, or get outside the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield. AJ has solid arm strength too. Both from the pocket and on the run. He doesn’t need to have his feet set to push the ball 30-40 yards downfield. I really like the junior’s footwork as well. He keeps his eyes and feet connected as he goes through progressions and moves around the pocket. Lastly, he has the accuracy needed to succeed at the next level while moving and stationary. Keep an eye on the football/baseball standout.
Another standout member of the Class of 2025 OL group is the South Milwaukee guard Clay Spaltholz Clay Spaltholz 6’2″ | 280 lbs | OL South Milwaukee | 2025 State WI . The 6’2″ 280 lbs sophomore has excellent range. Check out his first play and watch him lead across the whole field and downfield before landing a block on a DB. Clay is a easy mover out in space. His light feet allow him to skip pull and close on defenders out in space quickly. Clay can switch from finesse to power instantly too. He has solid anchor strength in pass protection to keep the pocket from collapsing. Also, his initial punch shocks the DL and can stop them in their tracks. The big man plays angry too, and will put defenders in the dirt every chance he gets.
Julian Hernandez III
Julian Hernandez III
Another new name on my radar that caught my eye with his tape is the 5’11” LB from Waukesha North. I really liked the football intelligence and instincts that showed up on tape. He understands how to use leverage both when taking on blocks, and when maintaining contain on the edge against the run. Julian also has strength that jumps off the tape. His compact frame has shown to have the power to set the edge, especially against TEs. Julian also looks comfortable in coverage and out in space. He can change direction and accelerate smoothly. I’m excited for his senior year. He should be a target of at least the D3 level. Check out the tape.
Jhanik won’t be for everyone at 6′ 230 lbs. However, when you turn on the tape it is hard not to expect him to be a D3 target. Jhanik is an aggressive guard with the nasty mentality you need. He will put every defender in the dirt that gives him the chance. Jhanik is a fluid mover and puller. His ability to transition from that range/speed to power at the point of contact stands out. He is able to create a positive push with his wide base and low pad level. I’m looking forward to his senior season as he will face off against a lot of next level talent. Take a look at his tape.
The 6′ 215 lbs MLB out of La Crosse Central is a downhill thumper. He is at his best between the tackles stuffing the run. Hardie has the short area agility to be able to avoid block attempts with lateral cuts and he can burst in short areas to close on the ball. Antoine is also a high motor athlete when it comes to pursuit. You see him making a lot of chase down stops outside the tackle box because of his effort. Hardie does a solid job of diagnosing plays and mirroring backs. It allows him to put himself in position to make stops at the line of scrimmage. Film is below. Give him a look.
Highlights
We could be in store for a strong jump from Cole this fall. The 6’1″ 235 lbs DL is a twitchy, explosive athlete in the trenches. His get off allows him to shoot gaps and create a ton of havoc in the backfield. His body control maximizes that burst. He plays under control and can change direction on a dime while fighting through the trenches. Cole also plays with good leverage and strength when he takes on blockers. Cole is able to stand up the OL, and then use his hands to beat the block and make the stop. Lastly, I really like his awareness in the trenches. He finds the ball, feels and takes on traps well, and doesn’t over pursue plays. Check him out.
Highlights
The 5’9″ 175 lbs sophomore is ready to breakout this fall. He did a lot of different things for Whitefish Bay in 2022. We saw him at WR, RB, and DB. At WR, Harry made his impact as a blocker. The underclassman attacked DBs and overpowered them leaving them on their back. In his two games at RB, Harry gave us a look at some impressive vision and instincts despite minimal experience. He read blocks, found cut backs, and set up defenders. On defense, Harry is a reliable tackler on the perimeter. You can count on him to end the play when he is one on one in space. In coverage, Harry has the speed to run with receivers, and the recovery speed to be able to make up ground while the ball is in the air. Lastly, it is great seeing how aggressive he is at the catch point to break up passes or pick it off. Have him on your radar for this fall.