Nate’s Big Dogs of the Game: Centennial vs. Champlin Park
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CHAMPLIN– My notepad might still be partially soaked from last night’s game between Centennial and Champlin Park, however I found just enough ink in my blue pen on paper to identify my selections for Big Dogs of the Game from…
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Continue ReadingCHAMPLIN– My notepad might still be partially soaked from last night’s game between Centennial and Champlin Park, however I found just enough ink in my blue pen on paper to identify my selections for Big Dogs of the Game from last night in Champlin and might I add? This list is STACKED with under the radar gems.
Matthew Heinen Matthew Heinen 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Champlin Park | 2024 State MN , LB, Champlin Park (2024) Twitter
The Minnesota-Duluth commit was one of my favorite defensive prospects last night for the Rebels by far. Not only did Matthew have a heavy mesh of the tackles on Thursday night, but this young man showed off from my eyes what an excellent senior leader he was. Regardless of what the scoreboard said, Matthew was constantly speaking out to his teammates on the fly assuring that they had the right read, positioning, etc. they needed which I loved to see. Matthew also played with a hefty motor and showed plenty of aggression with his hands getting on his blocks on Thursday night showing off plenty of ball-hawk capabilities as his vision to the ball was super instinctive. The Bulldogs should be excited to get this kid on campus next fall.
Marcus Whitling, DL/FB, Centennial (2024) Twitter
My favorite prospect from both squads in the defensive trenches was uncommitted 2024 defensive end Marcus Whitling from Centennial as I felt this kid was everywhere on the field and all over my still soaked notepad this afternoon. At 6’1 220 pounds, Marcus showed off on his already posted game tape from last night a prospect that showed off some compression with his angles to the ball as with his athleticism could weave between the Rebels offensive line and go make a play persistently like he did in the backfield. Marcus also showed off soft hands that got off with stellar instincts when attacking the run as Marcus was usually first contact last night as a wrecking ball upfront for the Cougars that played with solid physical contact on the ball carriers he met. He also was intriguing to watch at fullback, as a prospect that showed off fluid angle blocking from my eyes and outside of the Cougars stout offensive line was a driving force to the efficiently of their run game last night.
Arthur Russell, RB, Champlin Park (2024) Twitter
I mentioned it briefly in my game recap about how agile Arthur has developed, but it was certainly on display last night on several occasions. Arthur showed off another versatile skillset last night on how he can be utilized at the next-level in the Rebels return game, as he showed off a shifty change of direction by getting some consistent kickoff returns last night in the wet weather in Champlin. He also showed it off within the open field with the Rebels rushing as although the Cougars didn’t give him much inside, he showed off the bursts of athleticism and dexterity I have seen for the last few years of college camps and 7v7 tournaments that this kid certainly has in his arsenal. He certainly is a 2024 prospect that is deserving of more next-level attention than he has as I love Arthur’s upside at the next-level.
Timmy Ball Timmy Ball 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB Centennial | 2024 State MN , LB, Centennial (2024) Twitter
Timmy showed off an outside linebacker prospect that was certainly a menace last night anywhere he was lined up in the Cougars defense. I love how his athleticism has grown since my last live-evaluation, as in the first two quarters his awareness showed out big time with a pass deflection and a linebacker prospect that keeps getting smoother with how quick his hands get off on his sheds. I also am intrigued with Timmy’s versatility at outside linebacker, as this young man plays with significant range from inside to the edges. As a well-built 6’1 230 pounder at linebacker, Timmy is severely under-recruited and is one that should gain more attention over the next month or less on his recruiting trail.
Daylen Cummings Daylen Cummings 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH Centennial | 2024 State MN , QB, Centennial (2024) Twitter
Daylen is a quarterback prospect that I have scouted since he was just a freshmen, and after watching him last night there are plenty of skillsets that certainly popped out even more. Even in subpar conditions, Daylen showed off excellent touch on his throws especially with his connections on intermediate routes as he showed that he was not feared at all by throwing with what mother nature gave the Cougars last night. He also showed a significant amount of poise on Thursday night, as an uncommitted 2024 prospect that certainly from these eyes rose his stock from his play last night. He also showed quickly how well built his chemistry is with his receiving core, as he made his throws to Ty Burgoon Ty Burgoon 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Centennial | 2024 State MN look like clockwork. It may sound repetitive, but this is another Cougar that should get more exposure at the next-level despite the offers he already has on the table of his recruiting trail.
Ty Burgoon Ty Burgoon 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Centennial | 2024 State MN , WR, Centennial (2024) Twitter
Ty showed off what a technician he was last night in the Centennial receiving core with his route-running ability in my eyes. He was not at all phased by the weather that we had in the NW Metro last night, as Ty showed off elusive and smooth hands that showed off excellent instincts with his well-based athleticism. Ty is certainly a WR prospect that plays much longer than his 6’0 170 pound measurables will show you, as this young man showed off much longer striding ability when he stretched the field for the Cougars offense. The Minnesota-Moorhead staff certainly nailed it this summer landing Ty to commit to the Dragons.
Maverick Harper Maverick Harper 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Centennial | 2024 State MN , RB, Centennial (2024) Twitter
Maverick showed me what a grinder of a tailback he was last night in Champlin, as he showed off the consistent we have seen all season with his heavy amount of contact yards he puts in with his durable lower body. I also was intrigued by how quick Maverick could pick up his burst off multiple defenders at his ankles with his explosion he showed off on a handful of his touchdowns runs he had last night as Maverick runs like a running back that will run thru you with his elusive skillsets. To my surprise, Maverick has yet to get his first offer although he’s had good interest in the NSIC he’s another prospect that could have his first offer coming very soon, as a 5’11 190 running back that plays massively bigger especially as what I like to call a bully-back in the backfield.