Midseason Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is hard to believe that we have reached the halfway point. Four games are in the books, and we have 5 to go before we find out what the playoff fields look like. With the midpoint upon us, we are seeing a lot of highlight reels showing the best plays from these first four weeks. So, it is time to go through them and see who has really surprised, impressed, or made big improvements from their junior season. Those athletes are the focus of today's article. We will stick to the upperclassmen, and next week we will do the same with the underclassmen. Here we go!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["933409"],"_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":"What a start to the year for the Waunakee senior RB. After four games, Ben is averaging an absurd 12 yards per carry going 41-507-10 TDs. Just as wild as the per carry average is that he is scoring a TD on 25% of his carries. Ben isn't just an efficient HS RB. He has a great frame at this point in his development, checking in at 6'1u0022 190 lbs. The instincts jump off the tape as well. He finds the lane, and is very efficient with his movements. You won't see him wasting time dancing around. Ben is always going downhill. The back is also blessed with power and a low center of gravity. Together they allow him to run through arm tackles with ease. There seems to be more speed to his game compared to his junior highlights as well. Ben has proven that he has taken a step forward in his development, and needs to be on far more radars than he currently is.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb73d6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14553765/64fcc23896809808b4214d44' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb7426"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["245945"],"_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":"What a start to the season for the senior signal caller. A couple weeks ago we saw Brock set the state record with NINE TD passes in a game. He currently sits atop the state leader board in that category with 19 ovearll. That goes along with his 975 yards and 71% completion percentage. While he doesn't have the prototypical frame at 6'1u0022 180 lbs, Koeppel does have a next level arm. Feet set or not, Brock can fire the ball with velocity down the field. The ball jumps out of his hand and gives him the option to attack downfield with the ball on a frozen rope. What further stands him apart from the crowd is the accuracy. Brock is great with his ball placement. It is very catchable, and also protected from the defense. Every D3 program should be watching him. Wouldn't be a bad idea for the D2 level to give his tape a glance either. Brock is on a tear to start his senior season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb7488"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14984165/64fdfef2ff0cd80fb8ee6331' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb74a7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["933522"],"_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 impressed by the play of [player_tooltip player_id='933522' first='Rodney' last='Hudson Jr']. this season. He has turned himself into an impressive safety prospect that is going to definitely see a sizable jump in his ranking after the season. Coaches, don't wait that long to check him out though. Hudson fits the mold of a next level safety. He sees the field very well and plays with strong awareness tow hat is developing around him. He can roam a deep half and close on the ball in time to make plays on it. Rodney also has the speed to play man to man coverage on slot receivers. His play at the catch point really stands out watching through the tape. He has natural hands to create turnovers, and he isn't afraid to set the tone with big, well timed hits. He is up to 6'1u0022 192 lbs to go along with the strong safety traits. This is a big time hidden gem.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb74fe"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17867024/64ff72d2f31dcb0b98f88fe0' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb751b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["105010"],"_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'm excited for what Adam has shown in the first half of the season. Watching him grow and develop over the last year had me excited for the potential. Now we are seeing some of it come to fruition. He looks the part of a well balanced, traditional TE. Heberer is an effective blocker inline. The technique, wide base, hands inside, staying square on the defender, has given him the ability to move DEs off the ball and open up lanes. As a receiver, Adam is able to get clean releases from inline or out wide. The long strides give him the deceptive speed as he eats up yards after the catch. His 6'4u0022 frame gives him a huge catch radius and he will go up and over DBs. Adam's arrow is pointing upwards, and he still has so much more room to develop his game. He could be a huge steal for a program.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb7570"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14354636/64f366d7344a4e0ae4e09573' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb758c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["200065"],"_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":"There are some jaw-dropping plays in this midseason highlight! We knew the strengths of Ethan's game coming into the season, but he has pushed them to the next level. He is looking so explosive through 4 weeks. His lateral agility and his ability to start/stop on a dime are outstanding traits. Ethan has many plays where he goes from surrounded to running in the open field because of one juke and burst of speed. His lightning quick movements are so fun to watch, and they look impossible to corral. Mathe also plays with a low center of gravity. Some of the angles and hits he keeps his feet through are hard to fathom. His vision to find lanes, and blocks, or to find cutback lanes is next level quality. Ethan is an exciting change of pace back that will provide a mismatch out in space. Click on the midseason tape below!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb75e1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15019570/6501c1c0ff02390b70aae1c2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb75fd"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1209297' first='Cole' last='Hieptas']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Xavier","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Every time I look into this Xavier defense I come across another impressive athlete. This time it is the 6'3u0022 195 lbs junior OLB [player_tooltip player_id='1209297' first='Cole' last='Hieptas']. Xavier uses Hieptas a lot in the slot. A role that fits his skill set perfectly. Cole is a gifted athlete with size. He has fluid hips and quick feet that allow him to turn and run with receivers in man coverage. The junior has the speed to be able to run with those quick athletes in the slot too. Cole honestly fits the role of a safety more than OLB with his blend of size, range, and athleticism. He also adds the ability to take on blocks off the edge and stuff the outside run attempts. I have a feeling Cole will be a riser over the next year. Definitely a fun prospect to watch.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb76bc"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16264204/64fe82a27bd41b07d872d6b6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb76df"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["274309"],"_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 have been a big fan of the Waukesha North athlete for a couple years now. He definitely needs to be on the radar of more teams. The senior has been making key plays on both sides of the ball all season long in 2023. On offense, Mead has been showing off his deep threat talents. He has the speed to get behind the secondary, and he finds and tracks the ball so easily. Elijah is also an effective route runner. He bursts out of his breaks opening up separation. On defense Elijah has surprised me. I have always thought of him as a WR, but the highlights show some impressive DB traits. He changes direction easily, is aggressive when attacking plays in front of him. He has range to go get the ball, even if it isn't targeting his man. Don't sleep on the play of the senior WR/DB.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb7731"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14657968/64fd2e405798110b68af88df' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb774d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["685845"],"_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":"Ben has a modest stat line, but the tape is far from it. It seems like every catch he makes Ben is having to make the grab in traffic or hang onto it while taking a big hit. The 6'4u0022 225 lbs junior TE has the hands and strength to do so. He goes up and gets it at it's highest point and instantly secures it. Verges plucks it out of the air and uses his size to keep the ball away from DBs. Ben provides a big target radius because of his ability to catch the ball away from his body consistently. Verges rounds out his complete game with strong run blocking. He is able to create movement in the trenches with good technique. Ben clamps his hands on, gets leverage, and runs his feet to the whistle or until he puts the defender on his back. Verges is a rising TE to know. Check out the tape for yourself.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb779e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16345838/64fe231ae97bbd0608fab1d8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb77ba"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["383719"],"_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":"Menomonee Falls' offense can score with anyone. They primarily rely on their dominant run game, but when they take to the air they have an impressive junior to target. Scott has put up an insane 24 yards per reception through the first half of the season. Watching the tape is exciting. Scott has exceptional speed to get deep. He makes it look like DBs are standing still as he flies behind them and easily tracks down the ball. Hawkins is just as dangerous after the catch. When they get him the ball quickly Scott uses his lightning quick agility to make the defense miss and the his acceleration to instantly pull away when he opens up space. Scott is turning into a dominant mismatch at the HS level. Get him on your boards.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb7809"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16882471/64fdc2997bd41b07d8710d9f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb7824"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["634703"],"_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":"We have Carter ranked as a DL after he spent his junior year playing primarily DE for Edgewood. This season the big athlete is playing primarily TE, and the film, plus position versatility should excite the next level. Carter has a good base of athleticism to go with his 6'4u0022 220 lbs frame. The hands are impressive. He makes catches outside his frame look easy. Carter uses his size to box out or high point the ball over DBs. The hands are reliable enough to make catches in traffic also. Carter is very raw at the position, but he has a lot of talent to work with. The Edgewood product is a hidden gem.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb7872"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14770448/650251e4478d7704fc0b2cd3' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650393feb788e"} /-->