Sophomores Boosting Their Stock the Most

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new PRZ WI subscription!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming into the rankings update we had a strong base of 100 ranked athletes. Athletes that had already put themselves on the PRZ WI radar and athletes we were going to keep our eyes on this past fall. After the rankings update we see 75+ new athletes among the original 100. Despite all the shuffling those additions caused we still were able to see several of those original 100 athletes earn the right to rise up the rankings because of the strong 2023 season that they put out on tape. Those athletes are who we spotlight today. Let's see who Mae the biggest jumps and what we already are loving about their game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["948111"],"_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":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eRankings Jump: #62 Up to #11u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernrnDeclan has had the size for a while now and used it to create a push on the interior of the line. However, the leap that the sophomore center made in his short area burst, agility, and body control at that size took his game to the next level. The sophomore tape now shows an offensive lineman with a great frame that can quickly close on his man, get hands on and run his feet until he puts his guy in the ground. A lineman who can reach DTs a gap over without getting off balance. We see him trust his feet. Declan does a great job turning that burst into power as soon as he gets hands on and driving his man off the ball and resetting the line of scrimmage in his team's favor. We really got to see the athleticism catch up to the size and strength this fall. It led to our biggest jump in the rankings. Get this kid on your radars early, coaches.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660480fea434c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17955414/6507dc75dfd84309f8a6bc92' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660480fea449d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["948125"],"_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":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eRankings Jump: Watch List Up to #30u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernrnI have been looking forward to watching this film ever since the season came to an end, and it didn't disappoint. The 5'10u0022 185 lbs safety demonstrated that he can do everything a safety needs to do. He can be asked to step into the box, avoid blocks, and make strong tackles. You can have him drop down to cover a slot receiver and show off the change of direction and acceleration. Where he is best is when he is allowed to roam his deep half of the field and read the offense. Wenning repeatedly shows in his highlights that he is quick to process and has the speed to be able to cover ground and get to the ball anywhere in his deep half. Oliver is a well rounded safety that has a lot of talent to tap into and develop.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660480fea452a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17775936/652d6d753864ec04ac8450f4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660480fea4559"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["700149"],"_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":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eRankings Jump: #55 Up to #34u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernrnBrendan has continued to grow since our last update, now checking in at a strong 6' 210 lbs. The production also saw a big spike. The sophomore led the Arrowhead defense in tackles in 2023, giving us plenty of impressive tape to watch through. Brendan is a very effective blitzer from the inside and outside. He has the speed to run the loop on the outside to get to the QB, or go from ILB and shoot through a gap to get to the QB. Brendan triggers quickly against the run and does a great job of getting to the ball carrier clean and making the tackle. He also understands how to set the edge and force the ball inside when playing OLB. Foley clearly has the instincts needed for the position and plays it like a veteran. I'm excited for what is to come from Brendan. He is rangy, a reliable tackler, smart, productive, and agile. Check him out.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660480fea45d4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11591233/654185f33453d10d303325b3' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660480fea461d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["700032"],"_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":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eRankings Jump: #61 Up to #43u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernrnKayden made his big jump because of the athleticism and big play ability he showed over and over on tape. East got Kayden involved as a receiver primarily, but also as a runner with jet sweeps. The long speed allows him to get the edge, beat his CB deep, or split safeties down the middle of the field. The 6'1u0022 WR/ATH also has strong hands to go up and fight for the ball. The way Kayden can read the field and find the alleys where he can beat pursuit angles has also made him a talented return specialist. Teams looking for a speed threat out wide need to keep an eye on Meverden over the coming seasons. His climb up the boards may not be finished.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660480fea4694"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18100544/654aee19b018b2080c2ed6a8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660480fea46bc"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["700208"],"_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":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eRankings Jump: Watch List Up to #46u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernrnSam was another athlete who we had our eyes on this season after putting him in the Watch List during our last update. The 6'4u0022 270 lbs is on his way to being need to know prospect at his position after his 2023 tape. The big man perfectly fits into the run heavy offense of Hartford Union. He fires out of his stance with violence and runs his feet through initial contact. That allows him to quickly overpower his opponent and drive them off the line. Sam also plays with that mean streak needed in the run game. He is looking to put kids on their back and is successful at doing it. Sam is solid in pass protection as well. The OT can slide and mirror DEs and has a strong anchor against bull rushes. Take a look at his tape.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660480fea472c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17866182/656d452ea677250bdcda4497' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660480fea4751"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773293"],"_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":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eRankings Jump: Watch List Up to #47u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernrnSawyer doesn't quite fit into a particular position on defense. The 6'2u0022 195 lbs sophomore plays a hybrid safety/OLB role for Rapids, and he fits it very well. He has the size and strength to set a stout edge against the outside run. The sophomore also has the speed to be able to blitz off the edge from a wide alignment and get to the QB. That speed also allows him to be put deep and asked to cover half the field. We see that shine on one of his interceptions on the season. Despite the bigger frame, Sawyer has the lateral agility to be able to make tackles in space against smaller, shiftier athletes. Brooks is a Swiss army knife type of defender who can help in a lot of roles.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660480fea47df"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18126737/6530127c1762710c7452f139' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660480fea4809"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["700027"],"_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":"u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eRankings Jump: #73 Up to #54u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernrnJackson was one of the five key contributors on the Badger OL on their way to a D2 State Championship. The sophomore spent 2023 gathering experience all across the line of scrimmage. We see him at OC, OG, and OT throughout the highlights. One thing that shows up no matter where he is, the kid excels at winning the leverage battle. Every highlight seems to show him underneath his opponent and easily driving them off the ball with his strong lower body. Winning the battle in the trenches is key for the Badger's run heavy offense to succeed and Jackson fits that perfectly. He explodes out of his stance and closes on his man quickly. Buchanan also does a great job of positioning his body so that the defender is walled off from the gap the offense is attacking. Don't sleep on this kid. He is on the come up.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660480fea487b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17932631/656288a07bd351084084ed18' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660480fea48a1"} /-->