Sophomore Breakout Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 Rankings are updated and live on Prep Redzone WI! While scrolling through the talent it quickly became apparent that multiple athletes look like they are in position to step into either their first varsity action, or a much larger workload than they managed to secure as freshmen. In this article we are going to try and predict who is going to breakout, make a name for themselves, and potentially climb the rankings even further because of it. We start with an RB that is looking at a starting role, and the opportunity to close on the top RBs in the Class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["948094"],"_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":"I am very much looking forward to RB [player_tooltip player_id='948094' first='Tommy' last='Novotny'] on the varsity field this season. The '26 RB was the third leading rusher for the team last fall, and is the leader rusher returning to the team this fall. I am expecting to see Tommy add a lot more work this fall, and be the starting RB for Marquette. The RB3 in the Class of 2026 has a lot of traits you look for in game changing backs. He has the long speed to change a game in one carry. His vision and instincts behind the line and working through the box constantly keep him in good position to make the most out of each carry. Get ready for this kid to take over games. I have a feeling he is going to make a name for himself early in 2023.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64dc1797546c2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["533176"],"_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":"Harper is the third leading receiver returning to the roster for Arrowhead. The only two above him are seniors that should still see plenty of targets this fall. However, there are a lot of targets to go around. That gives one of the top 2026 WRs in the state a chance to fully breakout and put himself on the map. Harper possesses the quick twitch agility and burst to be a menace after the catch in the short passing game. His body control already looked the part of a seasoned veteran in his freshman highlights, giving him the ability to run crisp routes at a high rate of speed. You have to love the fact that the kid is willing to do the dirty work out wide too. His blocking is going to spring some big plays this fall. Get ready to watch one of the top talents in the Class make his mark this fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64dc17975472e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["700022"],"_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":"Have your eyes on this one throughout the season. Badger is going to pound the ball on offense. They return QB [player_tooltip player_id='270649' first='JP' last='Doyle'], and FB Landon Nottestad. Behind them, the leading returning rusher is the '26 RB [player_tooltip player_id='700022' first='Matthew' last='O'Grady']. The 6' tall RB is developing the frame to handle the physical side of the position, but his biggest plays come from his athleticism. O'Grady has the speed to attack the edges, which is exactly what his role will be this fall. He can stretch the field horizontally, stick his foot in the ground, and get up field in a hurry. Look for his speed and vision to be the third piece in Badger's three headed backfield monster.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64dc17975478b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402820"],"_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":"This is one that I will be watching to see when/if the Germantown RB will be able to get onto the varsity field. He is a smaller back for sure, but he has built a stout, strong frame that doesn't like to go down on the first hit. Germantown's leading rusher returning to the field is standout LB [player_tooltip player_id='262063' first='Cooper' last='Catalano']. They are going to have to find help for him so he can catch a break, and so they can keep throwing fresh legs at the defense. Tyler's quick feet and agility in tight quarters could really hurt a worn down defense. I'm excited to see if he can earn a role on Friday nights.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64dc1797547e4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["948107"],"_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":"This is another situation where the signs seem to point towards a 2026 having the chance to have a huge role on varsity. EC North graduated every player who threw a pass in 2022. So, the next man up may be the sophomore QB [player_tooltip player_id='948107' first='Zach' last='Shipman']. The 6' 165 lbs sophomore isn't the biggest prospect, at least not yet. However, his arm talent may be ready for Fridays. Watching through his freshman highlights, it is clear the ball jumps out of his hand thanks to natural arm strength. The freshman tape also shows that he is a dual threat when pressured. I'm intrigued by the incoming  sophomore. I'll be tuned in to see if he has earned the starting job.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64dc1797548a7"} /-->