’24 Rankings Update: Top Newcomer at Every Position
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The rankings are updated and 100+ new names have been added that are scattered throughout the 500+ spots. To welcome this strong group of new additions we are going to look at every position and breakdown the tape of the…
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Continue ReadingThe rankings are updated and 100+ new names have been added that are scattered throughout the 500+ spots. To welcome this strong group of new additions we are going to look at every position and breakdown the tape of the top uncommitted newcomer at every position. Don’t miss out on these athletes like I had been. They are next level impact players, and they should have big senior seasons for all of us to watch. We start with our newest member of the QB rankings.
Our top newcomer at the QB position is an athlete that we have had our eyes on this offseason. Mukwonago’s Tyler Schlut Tyler Schlut 6’3″ | 215 lbs | QB Mukwonago | 2024 State WI looks the part of a college QB with his 6’3″ 215 lbs frame. Despite the big frame, Tyler brings a dual threat to the field. When he escapes the pocket, Tyler has enough speed to pick up big chunks. Schlut is also an accurate passer while on the run. Overall, Tyler plays with clean, sharp mechanics and has a quick release. Keep an eye on him this fall. He could be in position for a big rise as he looks to continue to prove he has the arm talent to play at the next level.
Our newest running back to the rankings is Waunakee’s Ben Lindley Ben Lindley 6’1″ | 190 lbs | RB Waunakee | 2024 State WI . The 6’1″ 190 lbs senior is built for the part of a workhorse back. The tape shows he is up for the job as well. Between the tackles, Ben relies on his vision to find blocks and see running lanes before cutting up field. Ben has some wiggle to his game in those tight quarters to shake LBs. Outside the tackles, Lindley has the speed to get around the corner and down the sideline. His well put together frame allows him to play physical when needed too. Look for the backfield leader to end his HS career on a high note.
Highlights
The top newcomer in the talented WR rankings is Baldwin- Woodville’s Collin Fritts Collin Fritts 6’3″ | 195 lbs | WR Baldwin- Woodville | 2024 State WI . The standout receiver looks the part at 6’3″ 195 lbs. Collin uses that size to create separation, essentially saying that he is always open 3 feet over his head. Collin excels in scenarios where he can go up and get the ball. His ability to high point the ball is made possible by very soft hands and strong ball tracking skills. He also has the body control to jump, twist, turn, or stop on a dime to put himself in position to go get the ball. Fritts also has the speed to get down the field. Fritts already looks the part of a redzone threat, and with his big frame could fit in the WR/TE combo position designation..
A big welcome to the newest member of the 2024 TE rankings goes out to Elk Mound’s Sam Wenzel Sam Wenzel 6’6″ | 220 lbs | TE Elk Mound | 2024 State WI . The 6’6″ 220 lbs traditional, inline TE fits the position perfectly. His balance and body control allow the big man to be a smooth route runner and get clean releases off the line. Wenzel has big, soft hands that go and pluck the ball out of the air with ease. Sam has also shown a knack for finding the soft spots in zones, settling down, and then picking up yards after the catch. Sam rounds out his complete game by being a powerful run blocker that can drive level one into level two. The complete TE is trending upwards. Check him out.
Next is one of our highest debuting prospects, uncommitted or committed. That is Monona Grove’s dominant OT Sam Hawker Sam Hawker 6’9″ | 295 lbs | OL Monona Grove | 2024 State WI . Sam possesses the elite, prototypical OT frame at 6’9″ 285 lbs. Hawker carries that weight extremely well too, still maintaining an athletic build. With that natural size comes high-end college strength. Hawker easily overpowers DL in the run game with his leg drive and heavy hands. Sam possesses very good flexibility in his knees and ankles allowing him to still play low, and change directions without getting off balance. Sam also brings light feet and the reactive athleticism to be able to mirror edge rushers in pass protection. He is one of the best OTs available in WI.
Highlights
An athlete who has really impressed since making his way onto our radar is Milwaukee Marquette’s DL Peli Orugbani Peli Orugbani 6’1″ | 280 lbs | DL Milwaukee Marquette | 2024 State WI . The 6’1″ 280 lbs DT/NG has an intriguing blend of quickness and power. Orugbani has well developed body control and balance that allow his quickness to really shine. Peli can quickly move laterally or shoot his gap out of his stance putting the OL at the leverage disadvantage. Peli makes it look easy to move that much size that quickly. Orugbani also has the high motor to make the effort plays out in space. Lastly, the big man does a good job of using leverage and power to bull rush IOL into the backfield to create disruption. Don’t sleep on the DL.
Our highest debuting DB is also our new #1 uncommitted defensive back in the state. That is Milwaukee Marquette’s Patrick O’Brien Patrick O’Brien 6’3″ | 190 lbs | DB Milwaukee Marquette | 2024 State WI . The cornerback has a massive 6’3″ 200 lbs frame and 4.55 speed. Out on his island, Patrick has shown the quick feet and hips to be able to turn and run downfield with receivers. His awareness and play diagnosing are very strong traits as well. O’Brien can also be counted on against the run. He is aggressive when flying downhill to stop the run game. Between his size, range, recognition, and tackling I wouldn’t be surprised to see Patrick get recruited as a safety. I believe he could thrive at a high level of competition there.
Highlights
We end with our newest, and highest debuting ATH. That goes to Muskego’s Ashton Krause Ashton Krause 6’2″ | 195 lbs | ATH Muskego | 2024 State WI . The 6’2″ 195 lbs senior made his impact as an RB in 2022. There he showed off his natural playmaking ability with his elite TD%. It seemed like every time he touched the ball he was creating a big play. That was thanks to his vision, instincts, and speed. The reason Ashton is ranked at ATH is because we believe he can play multiple different positions at the next level. He can continue at RB, or we could see a flip to defense where he can use that speed and instincts to thrive at either LB or DB. The natural athleticism and football IQ open a lot of possibilities for the 2024 playmaker. He is definitely one to keep an eye on this fall.