Sophomores Ready to Make a Varsity Impact

The Class of 2027 saw several athletes make an impact on Friday nights because their team needed them to step up, and because of their talent levels. As this group moves into their sophomore seasons we are sure to see plenty more members of this class get a chance to make a varsity impact for their teams. Today we are going to take a stab at predicting who we believe will make the biggest impact under the Friday night lights. Get ready for these kids to put on a show! Make sure they are on your radars!    The stage is set for the impressive 2027 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1335692' first='Henry' last='Koopmeiners'] to step up and break onto the varsity stage. Waukesha North has 1 DL returning that registered a sack in 2023, and two total DL that registered 2 or more TFLs. North will be looking for more production and impact in the trenches this fall, and the 6'5" 220 lbs DE should be one of their first athletes they turn to.   Henry has elite length, a decent get off but more impressive acceleration once he gets out of his stance. However, with another offseason under his belt we could see a big jump in his overall balance. That would help improve that first step quickness, making him even more dangerous. Henry also has shown examples of stout play against the run on the edge. Plus he could see action on the OL as well. Keep an eye on the rising prospect as he looks to make a mark somewhere in the trenches this fall.     West is looking for a new man at the helm leading their offense on Friday nights. 2024 QB Cael Eide graduated following a 1,200+ passing yard, 10 TD season, and nearly 400 rushing yards. The only other QB to see varsity action in 2023 was Zac Hotter, a 2027 prospect. That looks like the main competition for fellow 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1226914' first='Jamison' last='Larsen'].   Larsen does have a great frame for the position that is sure to continue to grow and fill out over the next three years. On the freshman team, Jamison was a poised passer who stood in the pocket against pressure while delivering strikes downfield. He has an arm that can stretch the field and deliver accurate passes off his back foot. Larsen is an aggressive passer that pushed the ball downfield in 2023 with no hesitation. I'm looking forward to seeing who wins the job at Waukesha West this fall.     It will be interesting to see if the #1 IDL prospect in the Class of 2027 can carve out a role on the Ellsworth varsity defense. They have [player_tooltip player_id='1380117' first='Nolan' last='Kummer'] returning for another expected strong season. However, Ellsworth doesn't have a lot of athletes with the size that Eli offers.   Eli can plug up running lanes, eat up space, and hold his ground on the interior so his LBs can run free behind him. While watching Eli at camps this summer it is clear that the big man has some lateral quickness to his game as well. Quickness that will allow him to win one on one battles and create disruption on his own. He is quickly developing hand fighting technique. Pair that with some quickness and his size and you get an athlete who could find himself playing Friday nights this fall. Keep an eye on him!     Hortonville does return their 2023 leading rusher, [player_tooltip player_id='685920' first='Levi' last='Strange'], to the team in 2024. However, the backup to Strange has graduated and that leaves a void of nearly 60 touches between carries and receptions. Next in line for those potential reps is 2027 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1335708' first='Tristan' last='Berrens'].   The 205 lbs sophomore could pair with the 195 lbs 2025 Strange to make one of the most punishing backfields in WI. Berrens has sufficient speed when he does get into space, but he is at his best when he can create yards after contact and break tackles. He would be an exciting option that can keep pressure on the defense while Strange catches his breath or short yardage is needed to be picked up.     Chase actually saw some varsity action in 4 games as a freshman, so the bright lights won't be as new to him as others in this article. Also unlike other athletes in this article, it looks like Chase will have a more clear path to the next man up. The QB he split time with in 2023 has graduated, leaving the offense to him.   Chase is an accurate, technically sound QB. His footwork in a clean pocket is consistent from snap to snap. He has a smooth throwing motion with a high release point. The control over his ball placement is his key to success on the field. Chase is able to pinpoint the ball to all three levels of the field. On short to intermediate throws he can get plenty on the ball, and deep downfield he is able to drop the ball in a bucket. I expect to see the arm continue to strengthen over the years too, which will only push his talents even higher.     Looking at the Mukwonago roster, I don't see a TE on the team with the size that Justin is bringing to the group. During camps this summer, Justin showed off soft, reliable hands that caught the away from his body. His big frame naturally made it hard for DBs/LBs to cover him and break up passes as he boxed them out at the catch. Justin also has tape showing him to be an effective blocker in the trenches, helping open up running lanes, or downfield in the passing game to spring his receivers loose. I think we could see a big leap from Roy this fall that puts him on the radar of a lot of teams.     Indian Trail will be looking for a new QB to lead the offense this fall. Senior LJ Dagen and his dual threat abilities graduated, and that leaves a big void for someone to fill in for. Dagen put up 2,300 total yards from scrimmage in 2023, and Indian Trail will need similar numbers to have success again this season.   It looks like it may be an open competition for the job, and one of the athletes up for the battle will be 2027 QB [player_tooltip player_id='821242' first='Joel' last='Perez']. Joel is an athletic QB, fitting the dual threat mold that Indian Trail has had recent success with. Through the air, Perez brings a quick release, quick feet, and the ability to zip the ball around the field, especially from 20 yards and in. Perez is also developing the touch necessary to win with his deep passes based off what we saw during camps. I'm excited to see some tape from Joel this fall.

The Class of 2027 saw several athletes make an impact on Friday nights because their team needed them to step up, and because of their talent levels. As this group moves into their sophomore seasons we are sure to see plenty more members of this class get a chance to make a varsity impact for their teams. Today we are going to take a stab at predicting who we believe will make the biggest impact under the Friday night lights. Get ready for these kids to put on a show! Make sure they are on your radars!