Freshmen Ready to Make a Leap in IL
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Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new PRZ subscription Over the years that I have covered HS football across WI and IL I have noticed that the offseason between freshman and sophomore year is where we see some of…
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Over the years that I have covered HS football across WI and IL I have noticed that the offseason between freshman and sophomore year is where we see some of the biggest jumps in development for players. From growth spurts to improvements in strength or body control. Looking through the rankings I have come across a few athletes that I believe are poised to make those big jumps this offseason. Get to know these kids before their breakout.
Emmett was able to crack the varsity lineup as a freshman, a sign of big things to come. The DL has a solid frame that I expect to continue to grow over the next three years. The freshman was used all along the DL and was able to win using a variety of tools. Inside, Emmett has solid quickness off the line to beat interior linemen. The freshman has solid lateral agility to get around OL, and his hands consistently got him wins in the trenches. Where we could see a big jump is in his size. Plus his overall strength could be noticeably improved if he uses this offseason well. Add strength to move OL to his bag of tricks and you will have a very talented, well rounded prospect on your hands. I’m excited for what’s to come for Easton.
Highlights
I’m very excited for what is to come with Curtis. He already has an eye catching frame that he uses to overpower DBs and box them out at the catch point. Curtis is a deep threat, jump ball specialist, and dominant redzone presence. Any situation where he can use his size and strength to win is where he stands out. Stubbs’ tape also showed that the long striding runner can get deep quickly. Where I’m excited to watch him develop is as a route runner. Add the threat of breaking off a route at any moment to his game and DBs won’t be able to predict where he is going on any given play. If he can hone is footwork and body control we will see the route running take a leap and so will his dominance on the field. Big things ahead for Curtis.
Carlos has the potential to be one of the next top OL in IL. He already possesses a great frame with the length needed to play OT. Rios has learned to use that length to his advantage and to help him recover if he ever needs to. The freshman is light on his feet when he is asked to pass block, and uses that length to make first contact, and he has solid strength to clamp onto his man and control where he goes. In the run game, Carlos is strong and has a heavy initial punch in the trenches. The building blocks are there for Carlos to continue to mold his game into a talented prospect. I’m excited to watch his overall body control and balance develop as time goes on. The more those develop the less he will be caught reaching or off balance. The less he is in those positions the more often he will be in positions where he can maximize his movement and developing power. Carlos looks like he has a high ceiling.
Highlights
Another freshman I’m very excited for is Mount Carmel safety Tavares Harrington Tavares Harrington 6’2″ | 180 lbs | DB Mt. Carmel | 2027 IL . Tavares already looks the part of a next level DB with his 6’2″ frame. The tape shows a well rounded prospect too. One that can be utilized in coverage and against the run. Harrington is a hard hitting tackler who doesn’t hesitate to fill against the run or drop the hammer on a WR at the catch point. Tavares also has solid feet and the ability to change direction out of his backpedal. I can’t wait to see how he comes back next summer/fall. Now that he has a year under his belt it will be interesting to see how the instincts improve. There is a lot of natural talent to mold here. Check out the tape.