Film Room: Athletic, Versatile College-Ready ’25s
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Position versatility can be a blessing and a curse for prep prospects. College coaches can either dream on the possibilities or dismiss due to lacking vision. The latter can be challenging for recruits. I watched film of guys in the…
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Continue ReadingPosition versatility can be a blessing and a curse for prep prospects. College coaches can either dream on the possibilities or dismiss due to lacking vision. The latter can be challenging for recruits.
I watched film of guys in the Class of 2025 that fit this mold, which is to say, they don’t really fit a mold. They showed me that they’re worthy of a chance at the next level.
As the late Iowa Hawkeye defensive coordinator Norm Parker was fond of saying, get them on the bus and you can find a seat later.
Koopmans shows potential on both sides of the ball during his junior highlights. I can envision him helping college programs as a threat carrying the ball or catching it. He appears better suited for defense, however, where his athleticism and play-making ability can play up. Koopmans delivers whether he’s lined up at deep safety, middle linebacker or on the edge. He offers impressive burst and sees the field really well. He’s a fundamentally sound tackler that likes lowering the boom upon arrival. He piled up 29 solo tackles, 6.5 stops for loss, 1.5 sacks and three interceptions as a junior.
Like Koopmans, Sleezer is a small-school standout with a big game. While he shows the athletic ability for success on offense, potentially as a tight end, he shines brightest on defense during his junior highlights. He accumulated 71 solo tackles with 8.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and an interception mostly lining up at middle linebacker. He offers the size to develop into that position at the next level but also could bump back to safety, where he would be productive in the box with the ability to cover.
Highlights
Wisdom Fode
Wisdom Fode
There’s not doubt that Fode belongs in this group of outstanding, well-rounded athletes. He excels on the basketball court for the Polar Bears and Pure Prep on the AAU circuit. The skills he brings to the hardwood play very well on the gridiron, too. His junior highlights kick off with him displaying impressive play at cornerback. He’s fluid in his movements with good hip action and feel for the position. He also plays the run well and is a sound tackler. He could work at receiver on the next level as well. He high-points the ball nicely and has sure hands.
Sage Yazzie
Sage Yazzie
Another intriguing athlete with skills to end up on either side of the ball in college, I could see Yazzie turning into a physical outside receiver, a pass-catching tight end, a linebacker or a safety. On his junior highlights, he impresses with his advanced route running. His willingness and ability to block on the outside should open doors for him whether he remains at receiver or bulks up into a tight end. His ball skills would work on defense as well, and he also could contribute on special teams as a returner or in coverage.
Micah Cook
Micah Cook
Cook oozes potential that could play on offense or defense. He jumps off his junior highlights as an edge guy with explosiveness and physicality. He boasts a nice array of moves in his toolbox. Cook separates from blocks quickly and plays with good balance. He understands the importance of setting the edge and funneling the action inside. He resists lunging and wraps up upon arrival at the ball carrier. The strength and athleticism also would work at tight end. Depending on how his frame develops, a move to defensive tackle shouldn’t be a problem.
The possibilities for Hall at the next level are plentiful. As you can see during his junior highlights, he makes plays. The Rams take advantage of his versatility on offense. He certainly could end up as a running back in college with a good feel for carrying the ball. Hall can split out and inflict damage on defenses as a receiver as well. He’s shifty and elusive in the open field. He also shows solid skills as a defensive back and could deliver in the return game, too.
Highlights
I’ve written about Hawthorne before and viewed his film on multiple occasions. In his junior highlights, he confirms that opponents should be aware of where he is on the field or risk being blown up. Hawthorne welcomes contact and collisions but does so with a controlled, fundamentally sound approach. He plays with great burst and diagnosis plays quickly. I could also see Hawthorne thriving as a fullback with his commitment to blocking and fearlessness. He’s certainly someone who could help on special teams as well.