Predicting 2024 Offensive Stat Leaders

<p>The 2024 season is almost upon us. Pads get handed out a week from today, and game week is only 3 weeks away! It is crazy how fast the season has arrived. So you know that means we have to continue previewing the season. We have identified some of the top RB groups and WR groups. We have looked at juniors that could earn an offer during this season. Now it is time to look at who could lead the state in passing, rushing, and receiving statistics. We will go through and predict three players for every yards and TDs category plus receiving yards. These kids are going to put on a show this fall, so get eyes on them consistently to see if they fit your program at the next level, coaches. Let's get it started!</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Passing Yards Leaders</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Brady finished 3rd in passing yards in 2023, and is #1 among the athletes who are returning this season. Last year we saw Grafton make it to State utilizing the talented QB's right arm at a consistent rate, so I expect to see more of that. He returns talented teammates on the OL, in the backfield, and on the receiving end of his passes. Hilgart is very comfortable in the offense, has a high level of talent, and will have plenty of chances to put up big numbers. That puts him as a quick first choice when predicting who will lead the state in passing yards.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Joseph is another quick pick when predicting passing yards leaders this fall. He is the 2nd most productive returning passer from 2023, and we know that they won't hesitate to put the ball in his hands during big moments. This year we could see that happen more than ever with all the graduation we saw this summer. That includes RB Terrance Shelton who was leaned on weekly in 2023. It won't be easy for Joseph to get to the top of the passing ranks with his top 4 receivers from 2023 graduating, but he does returns TE [player_tooltip player_id='685845' first='Ben' last='Verges']. From there we will have to see who steps up and takes on the plethora of targets in 2024. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Drew was at the helm for Stoughton as they made an exciting, deep playoff run in 2023. The team overall returns a lot of pieces that were key contributors in 2023, so you can expect to see even more success this fall with all the experience this team will have under their belts. WR [player_tooltip player_id='942620' first='Jay' last='Johnson'] and LB/TE [player_tooltip player_id='942600' first='Mason' last='Richter'] return to haul in those Viney passes. Between Viney's talent and the fact that Stoughton will be looking for a new RB1 after their top 2 RBs graduated this summer, we could see another solid rise in production from an already productive QB.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Passing TDs Leaders</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Wade is a must include when it comes to predicting who will lead the state in passing TDs. He has 68 passing TDs through the first three years as a varsity starter, including 25 last year. Every year he has thrown more pass attempts than the year before, so the opportunities should be there for him to build on that already impressive number of 25. Another reason I expect a huge year from Wade is he is also the leading rusher from 2023, so the focus of the offense is all on Wade. Keep an eye on the Lourdes Academy standout. He is going to be putting on a show this fall.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">In his first year as the varsity QB Tristan put up an impressive 27 TD passes on nearly 300 attempts. Pink returns with his leading receiver from 2023 as well who hauled in 7 of those TDs. Having that connection and trust is going to be key for TJ and the offense this fall, but the '25 QB isn't afraid to spread it around the field. In 2023 he threw a TD pass to 8 different weapons, and 6 of those 8 caught multiple TDs throughout the season. Tristan is a poised passer who finds his open man and gives them a great chance to make a play on his passes. Look for him to build on his strong 2023 numbers in 2024.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">MJ is a big play waiting to happen every time he takes the snap. With his arm or his legs. Even with his dual threat abilities, MJ was one of the state's top TD throwers in 2023. He has an arm that can hit any part of the field with pinpoint ball placement. Another major bonus to support MJ's potential to lead the state in passing TDs is his big play WR [player_tooltip player_id='685892' first='Marvanous' last='Butler- Brown'] will also be returning to the field, taking the top off of defenses. This duo could team up for an outrageous season this fall.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rushing Yards Leaders</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">You can't predict the leading rusher for 2024 and not include the dominant leader from 2023. Christian put together an absurd junior season with over 2,500 yards. That heavy workload worked like a charm for GB Notre Dame as they made it to Level 4 of the WIAA playoffs. The team will return talented offensive linemen to continue to open up lanes, plus a versatile TE in [player_tooltip player_id='685836' first='James' last='Flanigan'] who is an impact as a run blocker. Look for Collins to get a heavy workload this fall as the team looks to replace their QB1 also. A big year is on the way for the '24 RB.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">One of the state's best two way players is Neenah's [player_tooltip player_id='262065' first='Grant' last='Dean']. The Badgers commit has carved out a great career as a defender and rusher, and the best may still be yet to come. Neenah is a run heavy offense that will surely get Grant his touches and then some this fall. Dean is built to dominate on the ground at the HS level. He has game breaking speed, runs behind his pads and with a low center of gravity to break tackles and create yards after contact. Plus he has the tight quarters elusiveness to turn nothing into something. On top of that, I expect to see Neenah have a great season that includes a deep playoff run that increases Grant's touches even more. Dean is going to be fun to watch on both sides of the ball this fall.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Conner is the next man up at Columbus following the state record breaking career of Colton Brunell. Columbus has loved to run the ball early and often over recent years. They have had some coaching changes that could lead to a change in offensive philosophy, but if we see more of that run heavy offense then Conner could put together a great senior season. Roche has put in the work building a strong frame that can handle the wear and tear of the season. The athleticism and contact balance are there to create extra yards outside of what the OL creates for him. Plus he has a talented group leading the way. It could all come together to be a great senior season for Conner.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rushing TDs Leaders</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Collins is one of a couple players to be included in more than one category. It was a must for him because not only did he lead the state in rushing yards, but also rushing TDs with 40. The carries will be there. The talent on the OL will be there. Collins has plenty of talent himself. It should all culminate in a lot of yards, TDs, and wins. Christian is a must watch prospect going into this season.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">As only a sophomore, Tommy scored 28 rushing TDs while leading his offense, and team, to a D1 State Championship. He has a great group of OL returning in front of him opening lanes and putting defenders on their backs. Tommy himself has great instincts and vision. Plus he has the well rounded running style that can win between the tackles with physicality or outside the box with speed and quick twitch agility. Look for him to build on that 28 TD season this fall as he continues to prove he is a top prospect to recruit.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='308945' first='Lucas' last='Peters'] is another State Champion RB returning in 2024. Last year he put up 13 TDs while being apart of a dominant trio of runners. One of those members of the trio has graduated. While I don't see Lucas taking over FB where Easton Stone graduated from, but we could see Peters get more touches at his wing position. Last year he put up over 1,000 yards with those 13 TDs while having less than 200 carries. If he breaks that 200 carry threshold we could see a big statistical season for him. He is a dark horse pick, but I won't be surprised to see him at the top of the list.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Receptions Leaders</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Ethan is the #1 WR when it comes to returning production. He finished in 3rd place overall for receptions in 2023 with 81. The offense is pass heavy too, so the chances should remain for Ethan. In 2023 we saw Ethan used on a lot of quick passing game routes. Those will be key again this fall as University School starts a new QB this fall. Whoever does start at QB will have a great option at WR1 to target. It could be another perfect storm of talent and usage here.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Boden made big strides in his junior season, going from 30/356/5 as a sophomore to 63/1047/12 as a junior. If he even builds on those junior numbers even a little bit we could see him vault himself near the top spot for receptions in 2024. That is definitely in the cards because Boden returns with his starting QB from 2023. That is huge for a kid trying to lead the state in receptions. On his own, Boden is a talented route runner who consistently is running with a lot of separation from DBs for his QB to easily target. His soft hands and those easy target areas make him an easy target. A big year is on the way for Boden.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">This is another pick that could be considered more of a dark horse selection. Chris has an overflow of personal talent. He is one of the best WRs in the state with his explosive athleticism and ball skills. He is also one of just a few receiving leaders on his team returning in 2024. Mount Horeb/Barneveld will be starting a new QB, but he looks like a talented prospect who should be able to find and get the ball to Kiel anywhere on the field. If the connection is there between Kiel and QB [player_tooltip player_id='1307501' first='Brooks' last='Hendrickson'] early in the season then we will see big numbers out of Christopher.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Receiving Yards Leaders</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">I usually wouldn't include an athlete to lead the state in receiving yards who is on a team starting a new QB, but Cooper is so talented and such a mismatch for HS CBs that he will still have a chance. As long as the ball can get to his hands we could see some elite numbers. Cooper is so elusive after the catch and a sudden route runner before the catch that there is always space for him to create once he has the ball. Cooper is also stepping into the WR1 role that has seen a lot of production at Sun Prairie East in recent years. Not to mention that Cooper put up almost 21 yds/rec in 2023. If we see his receptions take a jump up at that rate the yardage will be pushing that 1,000 yard mark or more.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">This is my dark horse selection for this category. Harper put up just over 300 yards in 2023 as a sophomore while leading the way for Arrowhead's balanced offensive attack. We are sure to see more of that balanced attack, but while doing so we could see Harper have his breakout season as a junior. He has a great QB delivering him the ball. He himself has all the talent to get open, create yards, and make the special play that most can't. If Arrowhead finds themselves in some high scoring battles throughout the season we could see big numbers from Hughes. No matter what the numbers are, though, this is a kid that is must watch for college coaches.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">One of the favorites to lead the state in receiving yards, and more, is [player_tooltip player_id='1067058' first='Madden' last='Mahr']. It is another perfect scenario where multiple contributing factors are going to work to his advantage. First, Madden will be back with his QB from 2023 so the rapport will be there. Second, Mahr has already proven he can put up big numbers with his 1,000+ yards as a junior. Third, Madden has proven that his athletic tools are too much to handle for most if not all of the Division 5 DBs that he faces throughout the year. I'm expecting him to end his HS career with a very productive campaign.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Receiving TDs Leaders</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">My dark horse pick for TD leaders out wide is Germantown's [player_tooltip player_id='402809' first='Christian' last='Griffin']. While Griffin himself posted 19/253/3 in 2023 we saw the WR1 get a slew of targets leading to a highly productive season. While the QB from 2023 has graduated, look for the offense to try and remain the same as they plug in the next man up. At WR the next man up is Christian. A WR who is built similar to last year's WR1 at Germantown. Christian is a long WR who can be a mismatch in the redzone and reel in catches over the top of DBs. 11 TDs graduated this summer in the receiving game. If Griffin can pick up that slack we could see him have his breakout season.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Another athlete making more than one appearance is [player_tooltip player_id='1067058' first='Madden' last='Mahr']. The kid was already one of the top TD scorers in 2023 and with his QB returning I expect to see the duo pick up where they left off. That is burning DBs for long scores and big plays all season long. Madden is a special mismatch that has proven it with great numbers. That will continue in 2024.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Another big play WR who looks like he could be in line to lead the state in receiving TDs is [player_tooltip player_id='1220670' first='Logan' last='Becker'] out of Aquinas HS. As a sophomore Logan scored 10 TDs through the air while also putting up 24.3 yds/rec. In 2023 he also only had 28 receptions, so if he can break the 40 catch threshold we could see him right at the top of the TDs list because of his big play ability and long speed. It is also a huge plus that the QB who threw him those 10 TDs in 2023 will be back in 2024 to try and help Aquinas win their 4th straight State Championship. Becker will need to continue to step up and make big plays for that to happen. So look for the junior to build on his 2023 numbers.</p>

The 2024 season is almost upon us. Pads get handed out a week from today, and game week is only 3 weeks away! It is crazy how fast the season has arrived. So you know that means we have to continue previewing the season. We have identified some of the top RB groups and WR groups. We have looked at juniors that could earn an offer during this season. Now it is time to look at who could lead the state in passing, rushing, and receiving statistics. We will go through and predict three players for every yards and TDs category plus receiving yards. These kids are going to put on a show this fall, so get eyes on them consistently to see if they fit your program at the next level, coaches. Let's get it started!