2024 Offensive Underdogs
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While underclassmen are receiving tons of hype during Camp Season, the class of 2024 is preparing to dominate younger players in their final high school season. These four offensive weapons are receiving less hype than their prospect status merits and…
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Continue ReadingWhile underclassmen are receiving tons of hype during Camp Season, the class of 2024 is preparing to dominate younger players in their final high school season. These four offensive weapons are receiving less hype than their prospect status merits and should grow as recruiting targets in their senior season.
Kafentzis is a massive big play threat who’s underlooked due to his size but could be one of the most underrated players in the state. He consistently finds the defense’s greatest weakness and exposes it, a role that’s helped him be massively effective at Emerald Ridge in a complementary receiving role to recent Idaho commit Tony Harste Tony Harste 6’0″ | 170 lbs | WR Emerald Ridge | 2024 State WA . He’s been raved about the past few weeks after capping off a strong camp season with WR and DB MVP awards at Eastern Washington’s Team Camp two weekends ago. He received his first full scholarship offer from Nevada on the same day and has been buzzing since. His tape shows great hands, impressive YAC and running ability highlighted by stiff arms and great angles, jump ball ability with great timing, chemistry and trust in the play, and the ability to beat a defense over the top with athleticism. He has the instincts to school defenders in whichever way they present themselves, whether a slight advantage in footwork or hip mobility or a reliance on short cushions or deep zones- Gio will exploit it. He’s had to carve out the most efficient ways to threaten defenses playing alongside several of the state’s other big receiving talents and become a much more cerebral player as a result. His effectiveness is built on a strong foundation of skill and study of the game that will lead to readiness wherever he goes.
Wilkinson is a weapon who lines up anywhere in the backfield for East Valley, and has some of the sickest highlights you’ll find. Popping up on YouTube just 3 months ago, the 6-minute video begins with a half-dozen explosive touchdown runs that make you ask how he does it. If you give him an inch, be prepared to lose a mile- he never gets caught from behind and is the fastest moving player on every high school field he plays on. He’s been recorded at a 4.48 40-yd dash yet seems to just be unlocking his true potential as a runner with improving start form and spring-loaded mechanics. He also breaks up to 5 tackles on a single play, showing intense lower body strength and balance that allow him staying power on his feet. His cuts fool defenders with ease and his vision allows him to pave the least obvious paths to the end zone, putting them on skates and turning them into bowling pins at the correct moment each time. He’s recently received his first two offers from Montana and Idaho while taking Idaho’s Safety MVP so far this camp season, and has taken Washington State and Montana State visits as well. He could lead the state in rushing this season. Diezel’s film and measurables will take him to D1 football where he’ll be an immediate home-run threat, as he just committed to Idaho at the beginning of the month.
Matthies is a dependable X receiver who can move the chains at all costs, making him a great 3rd down option. He can isolate on the outside against press coverage and has the length to beat man to man corners off the line of scrimmage. He has the size and aggression to go up and get jump balls. He prioritizes taking advantage of zones with his size over sharp cuts. He sacrifices a large catch radius for quick ball security and safe yardage. He’s effective after the catch and fights for every yard, forcing defenders to wrap him up to take his large frame to the turf. He takes extra steps to slow himself down and doesn’t have great hip mobility but keeps defenders off balance with unpredictability. His best plays at Free Safety come when he reads and reacts quickly or makes confident tackles as the last man standing. He shows a wherewithal to follow quick targets pre-snap and make the most of his cushion and off-coverage looks. Matthies could leap forward by diversifying his skillset, using his hips more and getting stronger to complement his gifted size. He has the chance to grow into his potential further with a big senior year and become one of the most intriguing possession receiver prospects in the state.
Swanson is a well rounded wideout who takes advantage of the smallest bits of separation. He’s an effective deep threat with good size and speed, but his strength and hands shine as his best tools on film. He times his routes well to get between levels of zone coverage without slowing down. He has the instincts to attack the defense with a variety of deep and short routes and finds space against man coverage with a big catch radius. He beats tight coverage from defenders with aggression, allowing his quarterback to trust him in contested scenarios as he shields the defender away from the ball or plucks it away with good hands. He has quick feet and good hips but still tons of room for improvement in his footwork. He’s been great at his last few camps, finishing as a top 2 WR at Washington State’s camp and top 4 at Idaho’s. He’ll look to build on an all-league Junior season by going even harder in his senior campaign and receiving his first offers.
Highlights
Jesse Hart III
Jesse Hart III
Hart is an evasive WR who features in the slot for Edmonds Woodway. He runs improvisational routes and splits the secondary in half when he goes deep, or gets the ball short and finds creases. He’s willing to trade massive separation for moving the chains efficiently, putting himself in easy positions for his quarterback to be confident reaching him in. He’s sudden with his breaks and splits secondary defenders to catch them off-guard. His measurable attributes don’t pop on tape but his production certainly does. He needs to build on an all-league season with an awesome senior year to convince colleges he’s worth a shot, but has enough tools to be one of the more productive slots in the state. Hart will have opportunities to play college football due to his heart and track record, but he could be elevated if he can show more route-running prowess and traditional receiving skills.