Twitter Community Film Analysis
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Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription! As I tweeted earlier this week, I am in the middle of updating the Class of 2025 rankings. That includes adding a lot of new names. Names that we got from…
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As I tweeted earlier this week, I am in the middle of updating the Class of 2025 rankings. That includes adding a lot of new names. Names that we got from my tweet asking for more film. We saw a huge response to that, so I wanted to take all that film and start writing about what all these new athletes have to show us. These student athletes will all be in the rankings when they debut, but I can’t wait any longer. So let’s dive into some film!
This Rufus King has several 2025s on their defense who have been making a name for themselves over the past few seasons. Add another one to that list with the breakout of hybrid OLB/S Bennett Words Bennett Words 6’0″ | 185 lbs | DB Rufus King | 2025 State WI . The 6′ 185 lbs junior can be found off the edge or in the slot wrecking havoc on his half of the field. He shows the range to get home when blitzing from the slot. His agility in space allows him to corral RBs/QBs when they get out on the edge. The junior is an instinctive player who aggressively triggers downhill when he reads run and fills off the edge. Bennett is physical and strong too, delivering hard hits that will separate the football from the carrier. These types of athletes are growing in popularity for defenses at the next level. Keep an eye on him.
Coming off a dominant, spotlight grabbing season is Grantsburg’s RB Ian Burkman Ian Burkman 6’0″ | 205 lbs | ATH Grantsburg | 2025 State WI . The 6′ 205 lbs junior is a physical bell cow who was built for the physical aspects of the RB position. Ian is able to power his way through arm tackles, his balance and center of gravity allow him to recover from awkward positions after hits, and he will also absorb hits and almost go with them before gathering himself and running through them. The bigger back also steps up in a big way as a run and pass blocker. Add in solid hands and vision after the catch and after the hand off and you get an impressive small school prospect.
A junior DB to get yourself familiar with is St. Croix Falls’ Honorable Mention All State Member Willem Hoefler Willem Hoefler 5’11” | 170 lbs | DB St. Croix Falls | 2025 State WI . The 5’11’ 170 lbs DB is a gifted athlete. His ability to change direction jumps off the tape. He attacks out of his backpedal quickly, his hips are so fluid which allows him to turn and run with receivers downfield or instantly hit breaks to stay right with his man or to undercut his route. The vision in zone coverage is excellent too. We see multiple times where he will come off his man to make a play on the ball going to another receiver near his zone. His speed and overall range are key to his success as well. We are just seeing the start of something impressive here. Get this kid on your boards today.
Gavin does what you hope to see from a 6’3″ 190 lbs WR. He shines in the redzone and all jump ball scenarios. He shows an understanding of body positioning in those jump ball scenarios. We see him use that catch radius to his advantage as he catches the ball away from his body and defenders. He is strong through the catch when in traffic. The big man has solid leaping ability to further push his catch radius to the max. The big man also has the long speed to run away from the defense in the open field. He is looking like a well rounded weapon out wide.
Highlights
Connor made a huge impact on both sides of the ball for the State Champions out of Rice Lake. On offense Connor is a big play threat on every touch. He averaged almost 9.5 yards/carry and 27 yards/reception. The speed that Connor plays with is a game changer. He is able to stretch the defense horizontally and vertically. The junior is also explosive in tight quarters with his acceleration. The 6’1″ 180 lbs RB also brings a physicality that you don’t expect when he runs between the tackles. Yet the tape shows him pushing the pile, breaking tackles, and forcing gang tackles. That physicality shows up on defense too where Durand isn’t afraid to play in the box against the run, get off blocks, and lay big hits. Connor’s vision with the ball makes him a dangerous return man on top of it all too. I’m excited to see where he debuts in the rankings. Big year coming for the two way athlete.