2025s in Position for a Spike in Production
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The Class of 2025 steps into center stage of recruiting as they prepare for their senior seasons. The athletes of the Class of 2025 are putting in the work in the weight room and on the field as they prepare…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2025 steps into center stage of recruiting as they prepare for their senior seasons. The athletes of the Class of 2025 are putting in the work in the weight room and on the field as they prepare for the camp circuit and the upcoming season. Among this talented class are athletes who have a path to a big time spike in their production from 2023. Whether they have a path to the starting job they didn’t have before or they are making their varsity debut, these athletes are going to put on a show and grab the attention of the next level. So let’s get ahead of it and identify some of those athletes today. Keep an eye on these playmakers this summer/fall.
The Edgar junior WR is coming off an already impressive season. He finished 2023 with 33 receptions, 759 yards, 11 TDs, and an insane 23 yards per reception. Leyton did all of that while Edgar was feeding their stud senior RB who set the school career rushing record on the way to a State Championship. This fall we are going to see new faces stepping into starting spots. One that doesn’t change is Leyton at WR1. He is the most proven offensive weapon returning to the field, and has the talent to give his new QB1 an easy target.
On tape, Leyton is a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive backfield. He has a long frame at 6’3″ that provides a large catch radius. The junior tracks the ball and high points it, even through contact, well. His size isn’t even where he creates his most consistent separation. That is with his quick twitch agility and change of direction that make him an explosive route runner. Schuett is able to stop on a dime and burst out of his breaks. His balance is strong, allowing him to carry a lot of speed through breaks too. That quick twitch and burst also give him a very effective release package off the line. Check out the film, get him out to camps, and keep an eye on the big play threat this fall.
Because of a move and school change Bradley had to play at the JV level this past fall. That quickly proved to be a lopsided fight very quickly. The junior ended the year with 1,309 rushing yards, 15 TDs, 233 receiving yards, and another 3 TDs. He also returned a kick for another score, giving him 20 on the year. What is even more exciting for RB4 in the Class is that the top 4 leading rushers on the team from 2023 all are graduating. So the workload is there for a talented athlete to step up and take.
Right now it is looking like Bradley is in a great position to step up and take on that workload. I hope that happens because I want to see how that skill set that dominated the JV level translates. The tape is fun to watch. Bradley has a second gear in the open field that allows him to pull away from the field. He plays at a different speed than everyone else and clearly stands out from the crowd. Bradley also sees the field very well. He finds his aiming point, sets up blocks, finds lanes and then lets his superior athleticism dominate. When he sticks his foot in the ground to get upfield we see a strong explosive burst of acceleration. The playmaker made it look easy last fall. I can’t wait to see him take the field in 2024.
Highlights
Shimar returns to the Old Abe offense after leading the team in rushing in 2023. He finished the year with 125 carries for 507 yards, and 4 TDs. Memorial is returning several studs to their offense this fall, especially out wide at receiver. The way talent is spread across their formation could leave Shimar facing some light boxes. That will play well into his play style and skill set this fall.
Simmons is a patient runner. We see him allow blocks to set up before attacking the line of scrimmage. Shimar has some wiggle to his game in tight quarters. We see it as he forces missed tackles in the gap or behind the line of scrimmage. The 6’1″ 200 lbs junior has the frame to handle a large workload and to also play physical. He runs through arm tackles and finishes violently in short yardage situations. While Shimar isn’t a burner we do see him with enough speed to break loose in the open field at times. Shimar is an experience back with a solid frame and a balanced attack of agility and power. A big year could be loading.
Hunter made an impact on offense, defense, and special teams this past fall. However, what he did may just be a taste of what he produces this fall. The junior ATH is the second leading rusher returning in 2024. He is also the leading receiver returning, and the 4th leading tackler returning in 2024. The 6’1″ 200 lbs athlete also 307 return yards on 16 attempts. We have seen other versatile athletes come through this program recently, and it looks like Hibbard is next up.
Altoona got Hunter involved on the ground by using him to stretch the field horizontally on tosses. That way he could either find lanes to cut up through or get to the edge and upfield. Hunter shows solid instincts with the ball in his hands. The junior is able to make the game changing plays as a runner. At safety Hunter shows versatility. He can play in the slot, cover a deep half, or make plays agains the run. Hibbard has the range that allows him to make plays all over his zone. I’m excited to see how he improves this offseason.
Highlights
Andrew is positioned for a productive senior season. He is the top returning WR on the team in terms of 2023 production. The junior was able to do that while only playing three games this past season. Andrew returns with a chance to be WR1 to a QB with a season under his belt as starter. Andrew could partner with Bork at TE to form a tough receiving corps to guard.
In 2023 we saw Andrew get targeted heavily in the short passing game. Oconomowoc wanted to get the ball in his hands quickly and let the 6’1″ 210 lbs junior create yards after the catch. Andrew has shown that he will finish plays physically with a lowered shoulder. He also has some elusiveness in space when he can get a DB 1 on 1. It is also clear that Kronenberg is a willing blocker downfield. The junior only played 9 quarters, so get ready for a big jump in production and probably his ranking.
Garrett was able to make some impact in the minimal varsity action we saw him get in on. Not a surprise that he was limited due to the senior talent at his position. However, a lot of the producing players ahead of him will be graduating. That leaves him in a battle for work at the RB position this fall.
The 6′ 205 lbs junior RB showed flashes all over. He made a huge play at WR, taking a post route 50 yards for a score. We also see him make a nice catch through contact. Garrett further flashed the speed and playmaking abilities with a long kick return where he was able to get around the edge and up field for a huge return. Along with the solid athletic profile, Waterford also asked him to do the dirty jobs like lead blocking and Dreger showed that he could step up and play physical against an LB. Garrett stepped up when needed in 2023. Look for an increased role this fall.