Preseason Preview: Batavia Bulldogs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are under a month away from kickoff for the 2023 season. As the season approaches, we will be previewing some of the top programs across the state. Next up is last year's 7A IHSA Runner Up, the Batavia Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are ready to keep their success rolling with a loaded senior class, featuring a next-level quarterback, offensive weapons, and some key defensive pieces. Let's take a deeper dive into some key starters returning for Batavia, as well as some other prospects who are ready to step up and take on a bigger role this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["271802"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Boe is a two year starter on varsity who is looking to eahe Bulldogs another state title. He looks the part, measuring in at 6'3, 205 lbs. Boe is a true dual threat quarterback who totaled 16 touchdowns and over 1,600 passing yards last year. He boasts a powerful arm that pushes the ball down field with accuracy and poise. Boe displays nice touch when throwing on the run and fits the ball into tight windows where only his receivers can get it. He is an elite runner, who has a quick burst and long strides in the open field to outrun defenders to the end zone. Long story short, Boe can hurt you in a variety of ways. The North Dakota State commit is sure to light up the scoreboard in the air, and on the ground, in his final run under center for Batavia.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cemu003eCommitted: NDSUu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["898635"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Buckley is a 6'5, 240 lbs defensive linemen who lines up in every spot for Batavia. The Ball State commit had a breakout junior campaign, showcasing his skills as an elite run stopper who will grow as a pass rusher in this upcoming season and into his collegiate career. Buckley has as quick of a first step that one will see, firing off the ball at the snap and using his long arms to gain leverage on offensive linemen. He displays plus athleticism, possessing the ability to redirect in the backfield and tackle ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage. Buckley plays with a high motor and has strong bend that will surely lead to more sacks in the future. Plain and simple, Buckley is a game wrecker who is ready to show off his skills in his senior season.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cemu003eCommitted: Ball Stateu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["898627"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Whelpley is a 6'2, 220 lbs offensive athlete that is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. He impressed in his junior season at running back, tight end, and wide receiver. At running back, Whelpley displays a downhill and physical running style that makes him tough to bring down between the tackles. Don't sleep on his speed either. Whelpley showed out at tight end, showcasing the ability to outrun linebackers up the seam and make difficult catches over the middle of the field. In the slot, he is a strong route runner and blocker, who can use his speed or his frame to beat defensive backs and gain chunk yardage with ease. Heading into his senior season, Whelpley's stock continues to rise.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cemu003eOffers: Butleru003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["899323"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Fiegel is a fluid outside linebacker who plays with physicality and a high motor. He makes plays all over the field, as the 6'3, 220 lbs Saluki commit wins in a variety of ways. Fiegel is a phenomenal pass rusher, who gets downhill in a hurry. He wins with speed, technique, and aggression, never letting anyone stop him from getting to the quarterback. In coverage and in the run game, Fiegel displays his plus athleticism by covering a lot of ground and getting downhill to deliver a massive hit in the open field. No matter where he is on the field, Fiegel is sure to make a splash play. Heading into his senior season, Fiegel is sure to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.rnrnu003cemu003eCommitted: Southern Illinoisu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Jacob Jansey","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"Batavia","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Jansey is a long and rangy safety who displayed flashes in his sophomore season on varsity. He stands at 6'1, weighing 205 lbs and displays unique coverage and tackling skills. In coverage, Jansey is a smooth backpedaler who can transition his hips fluidly and cover a lot of ground. He can close down the middle of the field or strain to a deep half and stay on top of quicker receivers. Jansey can stick his foot in the ground and get out of breaks in a hurry, whether is undercutting a pass or getting downhill in the run game. He is as surehanded a tackler as one will see in the open field, running down ball carriers and securing the tackle. Jansey's stock is soaring ahead of his junior campaign.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_5_player_details_player_name":"Frankie Porcaro","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_5_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_5_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_5_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_5_player_details_school":"Batavia","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_5_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_5_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Porcaro is a 6'4, 240 offensive linemen whose aggression and technique allows him to pave the way for the Bulldogs explosive backfield. Porcaro saw time at tackle and guard in his junior season. He pulls with quickness, displaying his athleticism that allows him to work to the second level. Once Porcaro gets his arms on defenders, it's game over. He keeps his pad level low and his feet moving, driving defensive linemen or linebackers backwards and planting them on the ground. This speaks to Porcaro's physicality, as he has a nastiness to his game that will shine in his senior year. Keep an eye out for Porcaro this upcoming season.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["147795"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Nekolny is another aggressive senior who will help anchor the Bulldogs offensive line. Like Porcaro, Nekolny is a smooth puller who gets downhill and runs through anything in his path. He is athletic and has a nastiness that speaks to his mindset. When working to the second level, Nekolny gets his feet up and down in a hurry and peels off of combination blocks with urgency. In pass protection, Nekolny can close space by moving his feet and bringing his hands with a powerful punch. He keeps a strong base and will not give ground when faced with bull rushes. Looking to build off his junior season, Nekolny's stock is on the rise.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":7,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d4d89af3aa4"} /-->