Wisconsin 8th Grade (Class of 2028) Watchlist – May 2024
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Wisconsin is a state that doesn’t get shown enough love when looking at the younger levels. I hope that narrative continues to change over the next few years, as the boom on early prospect identification continues to heat up. Here’s…
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Continue ReadingWisconsin is a state that doesn’t get shown enough love when looking at the younger levels. I hope that narrative continues to change over the next few years, as the boom on early prospect identification continues to heat up. Here’s a look at nearly 60 names from Wisconsin in the class of 2028 (8th Graders as of May 2024) that are worth taking a look at. Some of these prospects could become big time prospects, as their high school career begins.
Projection: Highly ranked in state
Barnes is a 2028 Wisconsin prospect to keep a close eye on, as he gets set to begin his high school career. The three-sport athlete shined as both a Defensive Back and a Running Back this year for the Kenosha Knights travel ball program. Comes with very advanced ball skills, in addition to the ability/willingness to play physical in the secondary. He’s listed as a Defensive Back, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him become a recruitable RB during his high school year, either.
Highlights
Projection: Highly ranked in state
Don’t look now, but there’s another Oiler that will be suiting up for Brookfield East in the 2024 season. Wide Receiver
Tre Oiler
Tre
Oiler
6'4" | 180 lbs | WR
Brookfield East | 2028
WI
is the younger brother of class of 2025 P4 target,
Trent Oiler
Trent
Oiler
6'5" | 230 lbs | TE
Brookfield East | 2025
State
WI
. Little brother is unofficially in the neighborhood of 6-foot-1 and 170-pounds. With his size and skill, he should be another big play weapon for the Spartans, as they try to rebound from a down year in 2023.
Highlights
Projection: Rankable in state/class
Tough kid with adequate muscle who plays Wide Receiver and Defensive Back. Attended a PRZ Next Middle School Camp in January 2024 and more than held his own against some very talented athletes from multiple states. My gut says Wide Receiver long term, but we’ll see.
Projection: Undetermined
There isn’t enough film readily available to do a proper evaluation on Kravanja as of May 2024. Looks athletic and quick enough. Has played Running Back and Quarterback on the pre-high school level. Could also line up in the slot if needed.
Projection: Highly ranked in state
One of the biggest and best athletes I’ve seen in the state for the class of 2028. Was a human highlight reel for Wisconsin Dells Middle School this past season. Lists himself at 6-foot-4 and 210-pounds. Played Running Back, among other positions this year. Bigger, faster, stronger than competition.
Projection: Rankable in state/class
Competitive pure Cornerback that can run with a lot of Wide Receivers in Wisconsin. Not afraid to play up on the line and get in the face of the opposition. Attended a PRZ Next Middle School camp in May 2024 and was one of the better DBs there.
Highlights
Projection: Highly ranked in state
Love the brand of football this kid plays. Active pre-snap Linebacker that is constantly talking and motioning to his teammates to get them lined up. A multi-sport athlete with long arms and great quickness in pass drops. As a Middle Linebacker, he obviously can also come up and lay the wood.
Projection: Highly ranked in state
Another Linebacker I absolutely love in this Wisconsin 2028 group. Great size and obvious strength for this level of play. Also one of the top wrestlers in the country at this point, with a 71-15 record over the last calendar year (As of May 23) with 46 pins. Attended a PRZ Next Middle School Camp this past winter and stood out.
Highlights
Projection: Rankable in state/class
Young offensive linemen that primarily played Right Offensive Tackle this year for the Lake Country Chiefs. Lists himself at 6-foot and 240-pounds. Based on film, unsure if he’ll stay out at Offensive Tackle or bump down inside. Can’t predict height, but my guess is he’ll be best served long term as an Offensive Guard.
Highlights
Projection: Undetermined
There isn’t enough film readily available to do a proper evaluation on Larson as of May 2024. Lists himself at 5-foot-10 and 170-pounds, which is pretty thick for a Quarterback on this level. Additionally reports a 185-pound bench press and a 225-pound squat.
Projection: Rankable in state/class
Schimpf is a 2028 Wisconsin prospect that is going to do the little things needed to keep the drive going down the field, as a Wide Receiver. Whether it be throwing a key block when he doesn’t get the ball (which he’s excellent at) or making a tough grab and taking a hit, to keep the chains moving. Attended a PRZ Next Middle School camp in January 2024.
Highlights
Projection: Rankable in state/class
There’s not all that much game film out there on Gonzalez, but there’s enough to see that there is talent here. Lists himself at 5-foot-11 and I’m estimating he weighs around 160-pounds. A long-strider that took direct snaps as a Quarterback in the film that’s available, but looks destined to be lining up as a Wide Receiver with his frame and skillset.
Projection: Undetermined
There isn’t enough film readily available to do a proper evaluation on Gallant as of May 2024. Lists himself at 5-foot-11 and 170-pounds which is pretty good size. Plays Wide Receiver and some Running Back on offense, along with Middle Linebacker on defense. Also reports a 175-pound bench press and 345-pound squat.
Projection: Undetermined
There no film readily available to do a proper evaluation on Gallant as of May 2024. Lists himself at 5-foot-9 and 120-pounds, which is thin but decent height for the position at this level.
Projection: Rankable in state/class
This Wisconsin 2028 class has some talented Linebackers and Catling fits the mold as one of the better ones. He lists himself at 5-foot-8 and I’m estimating he’s around 155-160-pounds as of May 2024. Does an excellent job of side stepping would-be blockers and hiding behind the bigs up front, before popping out for some good sticks. Also plays Running Back on the offensive side of the ball.
Projection: Highly ranked in state
An absolute powerhouse of a prospect that attended a PRZ Next Middle School Camp in May 2024 and did well. Jacobsen is more than capable of playing both ways, but looks more at home on the defensive side of the ball as a Defensive Tackle. Already squatting a verified 435-pounds ahead of his freshman season at Wisconsin Lutheran.
Highlights
Projection: Highly ranked in state
The next four years appear like they’re about to be equally exciting and interesting for Jefferson. Offensively he’s putting in the work to become a dual-threat Quarterback by improving his passing. His speed and power are unquestionable, which is why I can also see him as a Running Back. Defensively, he’s a tenacious Linebacker. Certainly checks all the boxes to be listed as an Athlete.
Highlights
Projection: Rankable in state/class
A prospect I enjoy watching on film, on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he’s a DB that isn’t afraid to take chances because of his ability to make big plays. On the offensive side of the ball, he got my attention as a Wide Receiver because of his hands. Unsure on size at this point, but does appear on the smaller side as of May 2024. Regardless, there is obvious upside and obvious ball skills here.
Highlights
Projection: Rankable in state/class
Jones III is a multi-sport athlete that doesn’t strike me as a superstar as of May 2024, but certainly a prospect that shouldn’t be slept on. Has played Running Back and Linebacker through his middle school career. Appears to have been part of a “RB by committee” attack, but makes some nice plays as a ‘Backer. Truth be told, his best sport may be basketball.
Projection: Rankable in state/class
Standing 6-foot-4 and tipping the scales at 260-pounds and just wrapping up his eighth-grade year,
Jacob Van Der Kooy
Jacob
Van Der Kooy
6’4″ | 260 lbs | OL
Oconomowoc | 2028
WI
is a prospect to know based off his size alone. When you add in the very evident investment in off-season training, there’s a ton of upside here. Since he attended the PRZ Next Middle School Camp in January 2024, he’s grown two inches and added 15 good pounds.
Highlights
Projection: Undetermined
There isn’t enough film readily available to do a proper evaluation on Collins as of May 2024. With that said, he played on a good squad out of Racine this year, alongside Jovanni Gonzalez Jovanni Gonzalez 5’11” | 160 lbs | WR WI . He also picked up track and field this spring, participating in the shot put. Furthermore, is quickly approaching 200 pounds on the bench press ahead of his freshman year.
Projection: Rankable in state/class
A Defensive End prospect that fires off the ball quickly and does a great job of finding the ball on run plays. Also has the ability to bend the edge and quickly get past Offensive Tackles who don’t get back quick enough. Also starting to see serious gains in the weight room, already benching 225 pounds. Attended a PRZ Next Middle School Camp in January 2024 and was named a Top Performer.
Highlights
Projection: Highly ranked in state
I have a strong affinity for Offensive and Defensive Linemen who also wrestle…especially in the Midwest. All 6-foot-2 and 270-pounds of
Zachary Keith
Zachary
Keith
6’2″ | 270 lbs | DL
Franklin | 2028
WI
check that box, as a heck of a two-way lineman. On top of his football ability as an Offensive Guard and Defensive Tackle, he’s also a three-time Qualifier and one-time State Champion on the mat.
Highlights
Projection: Highly ranked in state
A multi-sport athlete that plays at a high level in both basketball and football. A teammate of
Zachary Keith
Zachary
Keith
6'2" | 270 lbs | DL
Franklin | 2028
WI
(listed above), at 6-foot-1 and 170-pounds he comes with good size for a Wide Receiver on this level. Equally agile and explosive. Plays Defensive End/Edge/Outside Linebacker on the other side of the ball and brings the requisite physicality.
Projection: Undetermined
One of several players from the Allouez Bucs travel team in this article, there is no film readily available of Graff as of May 2024. Has length in pictures. Also plays basketball. Appears to be a Wide Receiver on offense and while he looks like a future Outside Linebacker to me, he appears to have played Defensive End this year.
Projection: Highly ranked in state
Another multi-sport athlete that looks like he’ll soon be making a splash on the high school level as a Wide Receiver. Young is a long, natural pass-catcher who does a great job of catching the ball with his hands, away from his body. Has a busy June planned, as he is expected to camp at Wisconsin, Louisville, Kent State and Miami.
Highlights
Projection: Rankable in state/class
Fontaine is an athletic Middle Linebacker that plays with really good technique on film. Takes good read steps and plays on the balls of his feet. Scrapes well laterally and uses his hands to push off and avoid the muck in the middle of the field, while diagnosing plays.
Highlights
Projection: Undetermined
There isn’t enough film readily available to do a proper evaluation on Murphy as of May 2024. Has a few clips of him training in social media and looks like he’s put together pretty well. However, without film, it’s tough to project anything on him,.
Projection: Watchlist in state/class
Multi-sport athlete (baseball/basketball/football) that will be off to McFarland High School in the fall. Comes with a nice frame for a 2028 prospect, but needs to increase overall speed to reach full potential. On film, he runs with purpose and has a nice stiff arm, but speed and change of direction are to areas to improve quickly.
Highlights
Projection: Undetermined
A multi-sport athlete that also participates in wrestling and basketball. Based off the eye-test alone, he passes the test in terms of his frame and muscle mass. Obviously an athletic kid, his main position is Linebacker, but he also plays Wide Receiver on the offensive side of the ball. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough film readily available to do a proper evaluation on Lewis as of May 2024.
Highlights
Projection: Rankable in state/class
As of May 2024, on film,
Michael Washington III
Michael
Washington III
5'8" | 160 lbs | RB
Waukesha West | 2028
WI
is very close to becoming one of the upper echelon kids in this 2028 Wisconsin class. A Running Back that separates himself from the pack once he starts rolling in open field. Has that extra gear that the all fast Running Backs have, it just takes him a few steps to get up to full speed. Also runs track and and plays basketball.
Highlights
Projection: Rankable in state/class
Calling a spade a spade, Bell is one of the smallest 2028 prospect I’ve seen in the country, at just 5-foot and 100-pounds. With that being a pretty big caveat, he certainly has some potential for when he grows. Great wiggle and agility in his route running. At the PRZ Next Middle School camp in January 2024, he didn’t great, but I love what I see on film. Certainly a kid I’ll be tracking as he starts to mature.
Projection: Rankable in state/class
On film, there’s enough proof to be excited about what Wright brings to the table. He has favorable size and while he doesn’t jump off the film as a crazy athlete, he can get to the edge. He’s another athlete that takes a few steps/strides to get to full seed. Comes with a muscular frame and think he’s just scratching the surface.
Highlights
Projection: Rankable in state/class
Catholic Memorial is continuing to get the services of a very talented football player, who has a future after high school, if I had to project right now. Solid build and pretty good speed. Attended a PRZ Next Middle School Camp in January 2024 and really held his own. Would be surprised to see him transition to the defensive side of the ball as a Linebacker before all is said and done.
Highlights
Projection: Highly ranked in state
As of May 2024, with continued work and further development, Montgomery could become one of the top Defensive Linemen in this Wisconsin 2028 class. For being a bigger kid, the biggest on his Allouez Bucs travel team, he stays relatively low in a four-point off the snap. Good length and adequate meat on his bones could make him a versatile kid that can play Defensive End or Defensive Tackle.
Projection: Highly ranked in state
In my opinion, I think the Steinke is in for some big things as he progresses through his career. Blessed with a reported size of 6-foot-1 and 165-pounds, he’s a traditional Quarterback but does have the ability to take off and create things with his legs. Regardless of how it happens, he’s a threat no matter how the defense decides to play him.
Projection: Rankable in state/class
Attended the PRZ Next Camp in January 2024 and separated himself a bit, physically. Unfortunately there hasn’t been much updated film on Callaghan as of May 2024, but he’s up to 6-foot and 180-pounds with a muscular frame. Also a talented baseball player, there’s a reason to be excited for the Raccoons fanbase.
Projection: Highly ranked in state
With size being the ultimate unknown factor, Shumpert has the ability (As of May 2024) to become a big time prospect in this Wisconsin class of 2028. He’s big, fast and unassumingly physical on the outside as a Wide Receiver. Playing pitch and catch with fellow 2028 prospect, QB
Dalton Steinke
Dalton
Steinke
6'1" | 165 lbs | QB
Catholic Memorial | 2028
WI
(listed above) there’s absolutely no reason to say this tandem will be slowing down any time soon.
Projection: Rankable in state/class
In the film I’ve seen of this season, took snaps as a Quarterback. However, I suspect it was because he was the most/one of the most athletic kids on the team and coaches simply wanted to get the ball in his hands as soon as possible. No actual stats on size, but looks to be decently tall. Also a basketball player, presumably a Guard, he has decent height and is very sudden/quick. Could be a nice option at Running Back or Slot WR, moving forward.
Highlights
Projection: Highly ranked in state
This past season, Klippel helped lead the Grafton Gladiators to an 8th Grade D2 title in the highly-competitive AAYFL in Wisconsin. Good size and mobility for the righty signal caller. On film was able to move the pocket to escape a rush and reset his feet to make a strong throw. Contrarily, also made several off-platform throws, where he trusted his arm to get the ball into a tight space.
Projection: Undetermined
I searched high and low, but could only find one clip of Damsheuser from this past season, as of May 2024. That said, the clip I saw was a mean, tough block as an Offensive Guard. Was one of the biggest kids on a talented Allouez Bucs travel team. The big man also plays Rugby which tells me there’s some athleticism and the enjoyment of physical play.
Projection: Highly ranked in state
Puskas attended a PRZ Next Camp in both January 2023 and January 2024, making big strides between those events and even bigger strides this spring. He’s packing on muscle and starting to stretch out in terms of height. Running a sub 5.0 in the forty, he is one of the faster Wisconsin 2028s I have seen as of May 2024. As a ball carrier, he’s a three-down back that is a constant threat to make a reception out of the backfield.
Projection: Highly ranked in state
I’m a big fan of the small amount I’ve seen Ehlen play over the last calendar year. He lists himself at 6-foot and 250-pounds and generates a lot of power off the snap. Can play Offensive Guard too, but I think his future is on the interior D-Line as an active Defensive Tackle. Ehlen also plays baseball at a high level and is certainly a Wisconsin 2028 prospect to keep an eye on.
Projection: Rankable in state/class
As of May 2024, it’s hard to get a gage on his exact size, but Morris is yet another member of the Kenosha Knights travel program that impressed during middle school. He’s certainly on the thinner side, but he has excellent body control and the speed to go the distance after the catch. He’s one of the rare four-sport athletes in this Wisconsin 2028 class (football/basketball/wrestling/track).
Additional 2028 Prospects To Know (Note: Either not enough film or ran out of evaluation time in May 2024)
– Alec LaCrosse Alec LaCrosse ATH De Pere | 2028 WI | Athlete | De Pere – No Film readily available. Played for Allouez Bucs travel team.
–
Maxwell McElgunn
Maxwell
McElgunn
6'1" | 165 lbs | QB
Verona Area | 2028
WI
| Quarterback | Verona Area – Only one clip available. Lefty Quarterback with good self-reported size at 6-foot-1 and 165-pounds.
– Jewlvonnie Alam | Defensive Line | Unknown – Has film, but is hard to decipher who he is on each play. Appears to have good size, self-reported at a 5-foot-11 and 180-pounds, with length.
–
Dago Valdez
Dago
Valdez
5'7" | 145 lbs | RB
Kettle Moraine | 2028
WI
| Running Back | Kettle Moraine – Attended a PRZ Next Middle School camp in January 2024. Only one clip available. Plays RB/LB and was also a Returner this season.
–
Logan Hein
Logan
Hein
5'10" | 175 lbs | DL
Appleton West | 2028
WI
| Defensive Line | Appleton West – A Defensive End/Offensive Guard that was a regular season teammate of
Dashaun Lewis
Dashaun
Lewis
5'10" | 170 lbs | LB
Appleton West | 2028
WI
. Not enough film is readily available as of May 2024, in order to make a proper evaluation.
–
Jace Fontaine
Jace
Fontaine
6'1" | 240 lbs | OL
WI
| Offensive Line | Unknown – A versatile offensive lineman that can play either Offensive Guard or Offensive Tackle, with an emphasis towards the former.
–
Chris Puskas
Chris
Puskas
5'10" | 185 lbs | DL
Arrowhead | 2028
WI
| Defensive Line | Arrowhead – Attended PRZ Next Middle School Camps in January 2023 and January 2024, doing very well in both of them. Fast player off the defensive edge and is up to 5-foot-10 and 185-pounds as of May 2024.
–
Keontae Walker
Keontae
Walker
5'5" | 135 lbs | RB
Manitowoc Lincoln | 2028
WI
| Running Back | Manitowoc Lincoln – Attended a PRZ Next Middle School Camp in January 2024. A Running Back that is smaller in stature, but runs decently well. PR’d in the 100M earlier in May 2024, with a 12.12.
–
Magnum Cooper
Magnum
Cooper
6'0" | 185 lbs | ATH
Westosha Central | 2028
WI
| Athlete | Westosha Central – Attended a PRZ Next Middle School Camp in January 2024 as a Wide Receiver. Has continued to get bigger in pictures, but can’t find any updated film as of May 2024. Listed as an Athlete because of his increasing size. Bigger Wide Receiver? Tight End? Defensive End? Outside Linebacker? We’ll see.
– Kieran Hang | Defensive Back | Unknown – Attended a PRZ Next Middle School Camp in January 2024 as a Defensive Back. Tested well at the camp by running a 4.93 in the forty. Unfortunately, I can’t find any film or updated information as of May 2024.
–
Carson McCoy
Carson
McCoy
5'10" | 235 lbs | DL
Arrowhead | 2028
WI
| Defensive Line | Arrowhead – Attended a PRZ Next Middle School Camp in January 2024 as a Defensive Lineman. Also a basketball player, he’s a bigger kid with impressive strength.
– Carter Drummy Carter Drummy 5'8" | 150 lbs | LB WI | Linebacker | Unknown – An athletic Linebacker that also plays Wide Receiver on the offensive side of the ball. In limited film as of May 2024, diagnosis plays quickly and gets to the ball quickly.
– Carlos Canson | Defensive Line | Franklin – A two-way lineman that I like a bit more on the interior defensive line, based on some old film. Appears to have good size, estimating he stands north of 6-foot and 220-pounds or more. As of May 2024, there isn’t any readily available updated film.
–
Christian Woods
Christian
Woods
5'9" | 145 lbs | QB
WI
| Quarterback | Unknown – A playmaking Quarterback, that spent the last four years playing for the Kenosha Knights travel program. Athletic kid who plays three sports (football/basketball/track) and is capable of escaping the pocket and making big plays happen with his arm and legs.
– Chris Ferrario | Defensive Line | D.C Everest – As of May 2024, there’s barely any readily available film of him. In a few clips from camps/training, he looks like he has hands and hips working as a Defensive End, but it’s difficult to gage.