Midseason Breakout Performers: Part III

DAKOTAS- College coaches, you will want want to see this list for sure. The amount of 2025 prospects that have blossomed over the last three to four weeks is crazy, so much so that we probably have one or two more Parts to this series still to get to this week! And better yet, many of the prospects on this list are sleepers with either one offer or none, so there is still plenty of talent left in the Dakotas to add to your roster next year. Let's fire away!   SOUTH DAKOTA:    I am certainly surprised that Layton hasn't caught up more steam within his recruiting trail over the last few months, however the tape I have seen over the last few weeks should open the door for more opportunities this fall. The open field speed that Layton has when he reaches the second level flashes quickly on tape as I feel since Spring he has gained more game-speed than what the testing numbers would show you. The change of direction with his route-running also has seen growth since I first identified him last fall as the instinct is certainly starting to show off further with his football IQ. Layton is a 2025 wide receiver you need to buy stock on quickly! <a href="https://x.com/Layt_ls">Twitter</a>     I mostly saw reps at camps this summer at linebacker, but I like the transition he has made to defensive end for the 11AAA #1 ranked Harrisburg Tigers. Where Isaac has developed in my eyes is with his transitioning leverage and vision as he seems to move more instinctively to get across the line to go make a play. The motor also resonated with me from Isaac, this summer and although he is going up against bigger competition at defensive end, he certainly shows off a prospect that is a quick-learner at a newer position and plays bigger than the measurables show. I certainly expect more NSIC offers to come Isaac's way this fall due to see his position flexibility.     Getting a chance to watch Dawson at our Prep Redzone Dakotas combine over the summer you could see the upside brewing with his route running. But man, watching his change of direction on his routes from some of his game tape shows how agile and sudden this young man is. The 6'2 155 pounders length also helps his case, as he can utilize throws that focus on precision and using that stretchy frame to extend plays on the second and third level. He also has another level of game speed that is at a faster pace than what his 40-yard dash will show you. Dawson is also instinctive with his transition tracking the ball as I love the way this young man's football IQ is trending for this Wall Eagles 2026 wide receiver. <a href="https://x.com/dawson_handcock">Twitter</a>     It hasn't ever been commonly seen on tape of a punter that plays with finesse and poise with good speed to get a first down, but that is the case you see with Aberdeen Central's [player_tooltip player_id='1382661' first='Colby' last='Dauwen']. As a wide receiver, he shows good start/stop athletic movement and has a growing ceiling to develop to get more yards after the catch. I like the hangtime that Colby gets on his punts and the quick spin of how the ball drops down back down to the field. It seems over the years with PRZ, Aberdeen has been a mecca for special teamers at the next-level, which could be the same with Colby in this 2025 class.     The developed footwork that Kaden has grown since our spring Prep Redzone Dakotas Combine in Sioux Falls is intriguing with his midseason tape. The foot balance and attention to detail has certainly rose up for Kaden. Although he isn't the biggest corner at the moment, Kaden plays with a physical presence as he plays way bigger with his hands and strength getting off blocks and showing catchy change of direction as a sophomore on varsity in the Warriors secondary. I really like this kid's ceiling he can hit in the coming years as our DB1 in South Dakota in the 2027 class.    NORTH DAKOTA:    Harper is a senior sleeper that is starting to catch steam on his recruiting trail and the midseason season tape proves it. He shows off a more agile release off the snap and shows off nothing but length with his frame as a route-runner as you can see the wingspan that is there when he reaches for the ball. That agile movement has also transitioned thus far as a blocker, as the growth with his angle blocking and the stamina to land multiple blocks on the same play with great two-way vision with his eyes. He just got his first offer the other day and I would expect his recruiting trail to continue to grow this fall.     I called it out this summer that I loved seeing the growth of Zach's change of direction and he has demonstrated even further with his development. Zach has turned more into a sideline to sideline linebacker as even when he transitions to the other side of the ball this young man does a great job with finishing his tackles with sound physicality. The tape also shows Zach's improvement with his vision and overall, his instincts pre-snap look smoother than a year ago. His high character, 4.0 GPA and being a member of the National Honor Society along with his skillsets have picked up some offers recently and that great traction should do nothing but continue to grow this fall on his recruiting trail.     What a monster start for Northern Cass 2025 running back [player_tooltip player_id='720541' first='Matthew' last='Hoppe'] in the first four games as I was anxiously awaiting for his tape to load up tonight. Matthew shows off plenty of the elusiveness I want to see from a tailback at the next-level as on numerous occasions on tape he turns nothing plays for some into big gains with his wirey change of direction. His durability has also been excellent these first four weeks as it seems like rep after rep of tape you see him break handful of tackles, as I would love to log his yards after contact already this fall. I guarantee you there are not many running backs in the Dakotas that have averaged over 200 total yards per game thru the first four weeks. Man, do I really love this kid's vision too with the ball in his hands. Good news college coaches, Matthew is still waiting for his first offer as one of the state's 2025 big sleepers on the recruiting trail. <a href="https://x.com/Matthewhoppe90">Twitter</a>     I certainly like what I have seen so far from Kodee's midseason tape showing off not only an explosive first step but that has certainly led to more striking leverage that he has added to his plate. Kodde has also taken it up a notch from 2023 with his pad-level as even though I saw Kodee at a handful of camps over the summer and saw his growth, it's great to see what he has taken from camp to the fall season with his pad-level. He also appears more balanced with his footwork and I am intrigued with his next-level fit at the center position. Kodee is another 2025 prospect that I really like his character as he fits the personality mold in the offensive trenches. Yet another 2025 prospect that is still waiting on his first offer.     The Fargo Shanley defensive end has been cause of creating plenty of backfield chaos over the last handful of weeks for the Deacons. At 6'3 230 pounds, Holden penetrates so well in the defensive trenches and has alert vision to slow down the ball carrier either in the backfield or consistently in the first couple of yards. He also has the athletic bend and measurables that are certainly intriguing as a next-level prospect. Holden also is fluid with his hands getting off blocks and that consistency is key throughout his tape. Another 2025 on our list tonight that is significantly under the radar with no offers yet that we could find. <a href="https://x.com/DeutschHolden">Twitter</a>

DAKOTAS- College coaches, you will want want to see this list for sure. The amount of 2025 prospects that have blossomed over the last three to four weeks is crazy, so much so that we probably have one or two more Parts to this series still to get to this week! And better yet, many of the prospects on this list are sleepers with either one offer or none, so there is still plenty of talent left in the Dakotas to add to your roster next year. Let's fire away!