Ball Hawks Roaming the Field in ’24
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Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription We saw absolute amazing performances in the defensive backfield in 2023. The state leader in INTs snagged an outrageous 14 picks. That athlete won’t be back on the field this fall,…
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We saw absolute amazing performances in the defensive backfield in 2023. The state leader in INTs snagged an outrageous 14 picks. That athlete won’t be back on the field this fall, but the talent returning is going to force QBs to be on their game when attacking these athletes. Let’s dive into the film of these ball hawks to know.
Casey is an exciting prospect to know in the Class of 2025. He has a great base of traits to build on, elite length, and the production (10 INTs in 2023) that coaches will want to get to know. Besides that elite length, the first thing that jumps off the tape is how natural Casey’s hands are. He has soft hands that catch the ball away from his body. Also, his play in zone is impressive. He shows good awareness, is able to chang direction, and has the range needed to cover ground and jump passing lanes. Lastly, Casey has a strong knack for being able to put himself in position to make plays. I’m pumped to see his final season, and how he performs at camps this spring/summer.
Highlights
Jackson Spees
Jackson Spees
Another zone coverage standout is Jackson Spees out of Stevens Point. The junior finished 2023 with 9 INTs and also showed he was a reliable tackler. Someone who isn’t afraid to make one on one tackles out in space. Jackson also has next level speed/range. He can cover ground in zone ocvoerge to jump passes, and the junior will also make the chase down play on ball carriers or close quickly on screens. Spees has a well rounded game that you can trust out in space. Check out the film of the three sport athlete.
Logan Maertz
Logan Maertz
Logan helped Reedsville make a deep playoff run in 2023 with his contributions in the defensive backfield. The junior was able to pick off 7 passes and make 52 tackles on the year. Reedsville returns multiple of their top playmakers, so expect them an Logan to continue their success in 2024. We don’t have any film not he 5’10” 150 lbs DB, but we will continue to follow him in case any comes available.
Jaxon Keepers
Jaxon Keepers
The 5’10” 180 lbs junior finished 2023 with 7 INTs, and 46 tackles for Brandon. Those 7 picks have him tied for 7th place in 2023. We don’t have any film of the productive ballhawk, but we will be keeping an eye on him to see if the production continues, and film is created.
Brayden Larson
Brayden Larson
Brayden did it all in 2023. He there the ball, ran the ball, played WR, and was tied for 7th in the state with 7 INTs. The junior also made 63 tackles, proving he doesn’t shy away from the physical aspects of the position. Watching through the tape, it is clear that Brayden was the best athlete on the field in most, if not all, the games he played in. You see him change direction and close on WRs. He pulls away from the defense while on offense. He has natural ball skills. Brayden is new to our radar, but he is an athlete to keep an eye on. Production and athleticism plus sufficient size make him worth checking out. Give the tape a watch through.
Tanner Herman
Tanner Herman
Tanner is an undersized athlete, but that didn’t stop the junior from having a great 2023. He grabbed 7 INTs, returned one for a score, made an impact as a receiver, and was the team’s kicker. Tanner has dangerous short area burst and agility that makes him a problem in space and also gives him the ability to change direction in zone coverage or while staying in his receiver’s pocket in man coverage. I’m excited to see how he performs this fall after helping Johnson Creek have a very successful 2023.
Stanley- Boyd is going to have a talented roster this fall. They have had a player in the Top Returning Passers, Receivers, Sack Artists, and now Ball Hawks article. The DB to know on the team is sophomore Carson Hodowanic Carson Hodowanic 5’10” | 175 lbs | DB Stanley- Boyd | 2026 State WI . The now 5’10” 170 lbs athlete already possesses next level athleticism. The sophomore is coming off a 6 INT season, including 1 that he returned for a TD. Carson’s quick twitch agility, balance, and long speed allow shim to get aggressive, press at the line, and still be able to turn and run with his man. The sophomore showed he was able to flash strong, timely hands to break up passes along with forcing the turnovers. Keep an eye on the explosive athlete over the next couple seasons.
Highlights
Next up is two way player, Trey Bahr Trey Bahr 6’0″ | 170 lbs | ATH Aquinas | 2025 State WI . The state champion finished 2023 with 6 INTs on the way to a third straight championship for Aquinas. Trey is a solid athlete, but he plays even faster than he probably tests because of how well he reads and processes. The junior knows where to be and seems to have a head start as the QB starts to throw the ball. The safety is comfortable covering a deep zone, and he has the ball skills needed to easily pluck the ball out of the air. I look forward to a big senior season.
Colton Struckman
Colton Struckman
Colton is new to my radar, and I am glad to have come across him. The sophomore safety is an athletic, rangy player who is showing that he has good instincts and can read and react quickly. The 5’10” 165 lbs athlete isn’t afraid to get involved against the run either. He snagged 6 INTs in 2023, and I think we could be in store for a breakout junior season in 2024. Colton is just scratching the surface on what he could be. Check out some of his film below.
Joseph Shimek
Joseph Shimek
Another sophomore who got in front of a lot of passes is Brillion’s Joseph Shimek. He was able to grab 6 INTs, make 24 tackles, and Joseph played QB. He is a multi-sport athlete, including a solid baseball prospect. There is no football film available at this time.
Ryan Wettstein
Ryan Wettstein
Ryan plays the ball in the air really well. He tracks it and adjusts to it, essentially becoming the receiver. His soft hands allowed him to collect 6 INTs. In zone, the corner does a great job of attacking downhill on passes in front of him. He has next level speed that allows him to recover deep, and make the big returns when he makes INTs. Keep an eye on the junior in his final season this fall. He has traits that translate to the next level.
Barrett Temmers
Barrett Temmers
We wrap this article up with another name to know in the Class of 2025. Barrett was a playmaker on both sides of the ball for Prescott. The junior finsiedh with 6 INTs to go along with his 550+ yards of offense and 11 TDs. Barrett is an explosive athlete whose athleticism jumps off the tape. He attacks the ball in the air, is able to contort his body to get his hands on the ball, and explodes into his tackles. The safety has the range to be able to play single high for Prescott and make tackles sideline to sideline. I was impressed by the game I watched early this past season. Get him on your radars.