Watch List Athletes Standing Out

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We do our best to provide coverage of as many athletes as possible here in WI. That includes rankings as many athletes in each graduation Class that we can. However, sometimes the athletes who catch our attention may not have film to analyze for the rankings. That lands those athletes on the Watch List. Today, I went through the Watch List in the Class of 2024 and 2025 to see who has film posted. In the end, I came away very impressed by these eight athletes, and they need to be very high on the recruiting boards of college coaches. Each of these athletes will be moving into the rankings after the season. Let's see what the new film has to say about these studs!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405609"],"_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 article has me so excited because I finally get to dig in deeper on what these talented athletes have to offer. First up is Fondy OLB [player_tooltip player_id='405609' first='Herbert' last='Broomfield']. Herbert is 6'3u0022 215 lbs. The standout edge rusher first caught my eyes in the offseason with an outstanding rep of 500 lbs on squat. I'm just as impressed watching the tape. Desptie the long frame, Broomfield is a talented athlete. He uses his length to maintain separation, has the flexibility to dip under OL and has impressive bend when rushing the edge. Herbert also has next level burst out of his stance. What also really impressed me is that the big OLB will drop into coverage and slide or change direction fluidly. Give this film a watch. This is a talented kid who seems to be well under the radar.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1a69"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15832561/65085db464df8b0f2494e941' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1ab8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268950"],"_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":"Another senior prospect that many need to take a look at is the massive DL out of Cedarburg. Hudson is a stout presence in the middle of the DL. The 6'3u0022 265 lbs senior looks  well equipped to anchor a DL at the next level. He plays with a wide base, good lower body flexibility to be able to sink his hips to anchor himself into position to hold the line. Plus when given open seams, Fore is able to get off the ball and get into the backfield to create disruption. I highly recommend considering him on the OL side of the ball too. We see a few clips of that, and the power he has would shine on the interior of the OL.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1b1a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16267110/64fe32c45798110b68b1aee2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1b3a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["934253"],"_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 a DL heavy article, but WI is loaded with them. Next up is the rapidly rising senior [player_tooltip player_id='934253' first='Benjamin' last='Harman']. He sure looks the part of a collegiate DE at 6'5u0022 240 lbs with long arms. Harman possesses so many of the top traits needed to excel at DE at the next level. He bursts off the line. His body control and balance allows him to change his rush path and make counter moves while engaged. The strength is there to be able to jam and lock out his man to create separation that he can use to disengage. Plus he sets a strong edge against the run. Harman is just scratching the surface on his raw talent and potential.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1b93"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14793733/65033284a019f30a48cf4f5c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1bb1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["934265"],"_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":"Camden is another intriguing DL prospect that the D3 and D2 levels should check in on. He is a very raw prospect, but Camden possesses the tools that you can't teach. He has length, get get off the ball well, and has enough power to rip his way through blocks. His bull rush has been successful for him on a pretty consistent rate as well. Ryan is also a solid athlete. He can pursue outside the tackle box, and closes with a solid burst. This is definitely an athlete worth putting on your boards.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1c04"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14783324/652046b7f326f10baccfbc9a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1c21"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["685978"],"_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 might not be an athlete on any Watch List that I have been more excited to see on tape than River Falls' [player_tooltip player_id='685978' first='Eli' last='Johnson']. The tape was worth the wait. Eli has a D1 frame at 6'6u0022 230 lbs. He is a true mismatch who can lineup at the traditional, inline TE position or out wide/slot. Eli uses his elite size to create separation. He can box out DBs, catch the ball away from his body with soft hands, and is physical after the catch. The big man is a major contributor in the run game also. Johnson has the strength to drive his man off the ball and reset the line of scrimmage downfield like you would expect an OL to do at this level. On top of it all, the senior TE is a natural, smooth athlete. One that can accelerate quickly, change direction, adjust laterally while engaged in blocks, and do it with ease. Eli is an FBS level talent, and already has seen the offers coming in from that level. He is going to debut very high in the rankings when we update them after the season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1c7e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16152191/651062fa9680e80344adb086' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1c9c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["685974"],"_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":"Another quickly rising junior is Bay Port's [player_tooltip player_id='685974' first='Alex' last='Warden']. Not only will his ranking change after the season, so will that weight. Alex is now up to 6'6u0022 240 lbs, and he is beaming with high end potential. The Bay Port product is a long, athletic kid who is growing and filling out his frame all while showing very high end traits that you love to see in D1 quality OL. Alex has a rare base of athleticism, body control, and balance for the position. The OT moves so smooth and quickly as he reaches DL, gets to the second level, or gets out in space. He plays with great leverage thanks to flexible hips, knees, and ankles. The wrestler shows that he clearly understands leverage and how to use it to his advantage. Plus he has the heavyweight boxer hands that can clamp on and completely control his man or land that initial punch sending them to the ground. Warden has earned an offer from Wyoming, and I have a feeling we are close to watching him recruitment truly take off. In a Class full of FBS level OL, Alex finds himself right in the race for being one of the best.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1cfe"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16315061/6516177f6e817909504fc060' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1d1e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["685968"],"_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":"Nathan is another OL prospect to have on your radars over the next year. He is now up to 6'4u0022 270 lbs, and anchoring the Kimberly OL at the center position. On tape we get a good look at Nathan as a run blocker. He is able to do what you want to see from a center. Rothkamp can reach/cut off backside DTs when the guard pulls. He does a great job helping/double teaming DTs and getting them out of the trenches. Even when covered, Nathan is able to deliver quick, accurate shotgun snaps and instantly engage and react to his opponent. The technique overall is pretty sound too. He uses his hands, shows good hand placement, stays low, and overall is able to do a reliable job of leading the OL.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1d71"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16193010/650f4eff2351e40a0c9873ba' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1d8c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["944048"],"_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 wrap up this impressive list of Watch List athletes with a look a standout 2025 WR. I already had him on my radar at the time, but Isaac really had me excited for his potential on the football field once I saw him at the Minnesconsin Mega Camp. Since then I have watched him play live, and seen the tape. This is one to have on your boards early. The junior is a well rounded athlete with great size. The 6'4u0022 195 lbs WR/TE already has earned an offer from UW-Stout basketball too. Isaac lines up primarily out wide as a WR for Menomonie, and he is a mismatch for DBs there. Isaac's basketball background has made him a dominant force at the catch point. Especially in jump ball scenarios. He high points the ball consistently and shows strong hands to complete catches in traffic. Ellison is a deceptively smooth route runner, and you see it opening up a lot of space consistently for him on a week to week basis. Quick feet, loose hips, and balance allow him that ability. This is a big target to get to know. He also plays OLB on defense. Don't miss this one.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1de1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15148359/652156ffd468d80b7805d4ff' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65272c45f1dfd"} /-->