2024 Candidates to Outplay Ranking At Next Level
In this article:
Everyone always loves to see which guys are rising and falling at the top in new rankings updates across the industry. However, not as many people like to talk about some guys that will outplay whatever their new ranking is.…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingEveryone always loves to see which guys are rising and falling at the top in new rankings updates across the industry. However, not as many people like to talk about some guys that will outplay whatever their new ranking is. Here are a few of those guys that I have on my radar.
Quavo Saboor – DB – Kell
Saboor is one of my favorite players in the 2024 class, which I have well documented. He is headed to Cincy, where I think he could develop into a very talented DB in the Big 12 in just a few years. Simply put, his speed and energy from the safety position is sure to translate. He flies all around the field and is able to impact the football at all levels. He transitions smoothly and explosively from his backpedal to a full on sprint, which allows him to come downhill aggressively and strike. He also has a lot of range, showing the ability to play centerfield and make numerous plays on the football. I got a chance to see him in person on the 7 v 7 circuit this offseason, where he showcases excellent range and ball skills. As a result, he was able to come away with a couple interceptions on the afternoon. If Saboor was a little bigger, we would be talking about a blue chip prospect. Regardless of his size, he has the athleticism and elite playmaking ability to blow whatever expectations are set for him out of the water.
Tyjai Hopper – DB – Alpharetta
There are a few reasons why I think Hopper is a prime candidate to outplay his ranking. For starters, it’s in his blood. Hopper has some older brothers playing at the FBS level. Even without the family history, Hopper is a prospect that has the tools to raise his stock even more once he hits the college level. Hopper is a hard-nosed corner on the outside that isn’t afraid to get involved in a run game. He is a true striker from his CB position, showing the ability to break on underneath routes and deliver big blows to receivers. He is a stout 6’2 180 that has the frame to get even bigger. He checks the physical boxes for a guy that you want playing man coverage on the outside. He is long, physical, and shows good ball skills on tape. It will be interesting to see if Hopper sticks on the outside or plays more of a S/N position where he could impact the first two levels more often. Regardless, I think he will absolutely be a contributor at the next level.
Brady Kluse Brady Kluse 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Harrison | 2024 State GA – WR – Harrison
Kluse, despite his eye-opening measurables, is one of the more underrated WR prospects when you mention the top guys in Georgia. Kluse is a well-built 6’3 195 that still has room for physical development, particularly in his lower body. Kluse is a super explosive receiver prospect who is a threat to score on any given play. After the catch, he shows excellent mobility an twitch for a player at his size. Once he kicks it into that next gear, he separates from the defense. Perhaps even more impressive is his ability to make plays in traffic. His size offers him natural leverage and reach over almost every defender he plays against, but he also shows the focus and concentration to keep his eyes on the ball while battling in tight traffic. Kluse has proven he can make plays all over the field and his best football is ahead of him. For that reason, he is a prospect to keep tabs on at the next level.
Leroy Jackson Leroy Jackson 6'1" | 280 lbs | DL Lee County | 2024 State GA – DL – Lee County
As far as 2024 DL prospects are concerned, Leroy Jackson Leroy Jackson 6'1" | 280 lbs | DL Lee County | 2024 State GA is flying up my board. Simply put, Jackson plays like an absolute maniac. He is a game breaker up front that does nothing but scratch and crawl on each rep. He has the lower body strength to match up with anyone and hold his own. He can blow big interior offensive linemen off the ball and create instant penetration. This gives him some pass rushing ability from the inside and also allows him to completely collapse and flatten running lanes for RBs. To go along with his sheer strength and motor, he does show that he is able to get off blockers with his hands and arms. For a guy that might not have the most length, this will be where he needs to live. He can rip, punch, and push his way off blockers with his strong arms, regardless of his length. Jackson holds numerous P5 offers. This lines up with my P5 grade I have on him.
Devin Henderson Devin Henderson 5'11" | 185 lbs | ATH Cass | 2024 State GA – DB – Cass
At this point, Henderson is a well-covered prospect for us here at Prep Redzone. Now committed to Liberty, Henderson lines up with the FBS-level projection i’ve set for him in the past. Versatility is the name of his game. He has played practically every skill position, and does it well. He is a playmaker with the ball in his hands and is extremely instinctual at defensive back. For a shorter DB, he has excellent ball skills and has shown that he can rise up with larger receivers to make a play on the football. Henderson is a high motor defender that is not afraid to fly all over the field and get his hat on the ball on any given play. The physical attributes are why he’s going to the FBS level, but I think the football IQ and instincts that he’s gathered from playing numerous different positions are why he’s going to outplay projections.