4 Under The Radar Gems In The 2024 Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've got 4 really talented seniors who just wrapped up the best seasons of their careers and still aren't quite getting the eyes they should.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='657160' first='Jaylyn' last='Pugh'] - Hamilton Heights - ATH - 5'9" 150lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pugh has quietly turned into a fantastic 2-way player who became a huge piece of what that team did. He got carries, was in on the passing game, and then was a starter on defense. He's a good athlete who flies all over the field with good instincts, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He likes to be aggressive and attack the ball, but not miss the play. He's got the swagger that you need to play on the outside by yourself down and down again. His hands are really good and he's got a knack for the pick. He's picked off 10 balls in the past 2 years and then is a threat to return the ball for a score. At DB over the past 2 seasons, he's put up 95 tackles, 4 TFLs, 10 Interceptions, and 23 passes deflected. When you add in his 702 receiving yards and 6 TDs, you see the value he's added to the team throughout the years. Pugh has very quietly been a star for the past few years but has not gotten the traction you'd think he should. He's a good player who has the instincts you search for and the production you like to see.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@JaylynPugh</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1098788' first='Kaleb' last='Tucker'] - Hammond Morton - DB - 5'11" 165lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tucker put together his best season when he needed to most. He proved to be reliable in ending a play and making the tackle when it came his way. He's a lengthy DB who does a great job driving downhill and reading his keys. Some guys try to do too much, and that isn't Tucker. He does his job, wraps up, and locks down receivers. He has no issue coming up in run support and making plays there as well. While it was just 1 season of high-level play, the light clicked for him. On the year, he put up 54 tackles, 1 TFL, and 2 forced fumbles all while playing on the outside. With his instincts and scrappy play at the line, Tucker is a guy I could see developing into a slot corner if needed as well, just because he's not afraid of contact and has the twitch to stay with guys making subtle moves. While he hasn't gotten the looks, Tucker is a player who could end up making a defense better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@KalebTheGoat14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1098785' first='Amare' last='Middleton'] - Greenwood - WR - 5'11" 160lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middleton had a huge breakout season where he showed a ton of potential. Coming into the season, he hadn't gotten quite the opportunity you would have expected, but this year he didn't hesitate when they gave him his shot. He seemed to always be open and finding the soft spot in the zone. He knows when to throttle down and when to keep strolling against man. Riddle loved to find him downfield because he knew Middleton was open, even when he wasn't. While he's not the tallest receiver, his timing and vertical always put him in the picture to make the play. 50 receptions, 1013 yards, and 11 TDs on the year for Middleton, but it feels like that could be the tip of the iceberg for Middleton and what he does on a football field. He's exciting, makes the big play, and should land somewhere to make an impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@Amare_Middleton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1098784' first='Courtney' last='Dunville II'] - Triton Central - DL - 6'1" 240lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dunville is coming off of his most dominant year yet. He's an incredibly physical lineman who likes to dominate at the LOS. He's got the rare twitch you want in a big man that helps him get up and under blocks with ease. He's able to bend around the tackle and get to the QB like a perennial player. How it took me so long to find him is beyond me, but I've found him and love what he brings to the field. The build Dunville has is impressive and is a compact player, yet has long arms and keeps offensive linemen off of him. During this past season alone, Dunville put up 103 tackles, 14 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He's dominant at the line and does a great job disrupting the passing game while clogging up running lanes. I'm not sure how Dunville has gone so far under the radar for so long, but if his traction picks up like it should he could blow up between now and signing day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@CourtneyDunvil3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->