Players Who Have Caught My Eye This Offseason Part 4

<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/CD3B194C-9672-47C8-BEBB-BDFCEB9525F0-rotated.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-886669" width="192" height="256" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Winn Sharp</figcaption></figure>   2024 WR [player_tooltip player_id='884759' first='Winn' last='Sharp'] (Anthony Wayne) 6'4 180- Sharp might be the best under the radar 2024 I saw this offseason seen this summer who's still on the board. I had the opportunity to see Sharp perform at the University of Cincinnati football camp. His testing numbers were really, really good as he ran a 4.49 40, and broad jumped 10'6. The speed and explosiveness translated to his routes on and air and the 1v1's. Reason being is he's a smooth route runner who also knows how to use route running technique to set up his defenders to create plus separation. When the ball is in the air, Sharp has excellent hands and is a natural pass catcher. Winn's strong offseason has resulted in an offer from Bowling Green and a PWO offer from Cincinnati. Today Winn committed to Bowling Green!   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/FFE4E665-82FE-4A36-A4DC-03F346EE8B37-rotated.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-886670" width="20" height="27" /></figure>   2024 QB [player_tooltip player_id='410568' first='JT' last='Smith'] (Fairborn) 6'2 180- Smith is a player who I've liked since his sophomore season. He's now going into his senior season, and he looks poised to make the most of his senior season. There are times where production don't match the traits, and this is one of those times in my opinion. JT is a legitimate 6'2. He has great feet in his drops, and he has the athleticism to get out and run. As a passer he has a short concise motion that should result in an ability to get the ball out quickly. He can throw with touch, but he can also drive the ball down the field. Smith is a player who with some good college coaching could be a very successful college quarterback. I project JT to the D1 FCS or D2 levels and think he has the talent and mindset to excel at either.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/5F5E28E0-769A-4269-9F35-B5DFBEC21F89-rotated.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-886672" width="192" height="256" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shane Cole</figcaption></figure>   2026 QB [player_tooltip player_id='884783' first='Shane' last='Cole'] (Centerville) 6'1 170- Cole is a player I didn't know about, going into this offseason, but in seeing him throw live, I loved what I saw. Cole has slender, but athletic build. He showed off really quick feet in doing ladder drills. He transitioned that foot speed into his throwing motion with easy. He's a twitchy athlete that will easily be able to navigate the pocket and will also be able to elude a rush. As a passer he's very sound mechanically. He has the easy arm strength and the fluid throwing motion to create easy ball velocity. Cole was able to take coaching and apply it the next rep. Now it's just a matter of keeping up the work and getting game experience. Playing at a place like Centerville, Cole will see a strong level of play both in practice and in the competition, he will face in-season. I'm very excited to see what the future holds for this young man.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/613A974D-6224-4D61-914F-B5D4CEEEB8E4-rotated.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-886671" width="192" height="256" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Devon Rader</figcaption></figure>   2024 LB [player_tooltip player_id='884797' first='Devon' last='Rader'] (Eaton) 6'0 215- First thing you notice with Rader is that he passes the look test. When you think, Mike linebacker, he's what you envision. In talking to him he's an old school backer who loves to run and strike. He gets downhill quickly. It's 2023 through and to be a 3-down linebacker at the college level you have to be able to drop and cover. That's not a problem for Devon. He has the loose hips and the ability to get depth quickly. He has the speed and athleticism to match up with TE's and running backs. He hasn't really gotten much college attention to this point, but I expect that to change this fall as he puts down some good senior film!   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/C81AA35E-92D1-4AFE-B04D-0CE67B37CE4A-rotated.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-886673" width="192" height="256" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">CJ Crawford</figcaption></figure>   2024 LB [player_tooltip player_id='884796' first='CJ' last='Crawford'] (Beavercreek) 6'2 225- Crawford is another linebacker who's a thumper. He has the combo of size and athleticism that I think could make him a versatile player who could mean a level of versatility. For example, with some technique work, I could see him being a really good defensive end at the college level as well. CJ gets downhill well and plays with good pad level and leverage. The intriguing thing for me is his ability to bend. His combo of strength, quickness, and ability to bend. I'd love to see what he can do at the Defensive End position.