Junior High Watchlist

<p>Look for these players below to continue to have success on the gridiron and in-turn turn heads in the recruiting realm. Here's a group of guys I anticipate to quickly produce on the Senior Circuit in 2025. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1433332' first='Randle' last='Johnson'] | Wide Receiver | Searcy | 2029</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1433332' first='Randle' last='Johnson'] (5-10, 150) is a dynamic and physical playmaker who excels as a route runner. He showcases impressive mid-play adjustability, allowing him to position himself effectively to secure catches. Johnson's high route-running IQ enables him to exploit defenders' positioning, creating separation with precision. After the catch, his elite acceleration and breakaway speed make him a constant threat, often leaving defensive backs flat-footed and gaining significant yards in open space.<br></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1408405' first='Lexx' last='Latham'] | Running Back | Rivercrest | 2028</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1408405' first='Lexx' last='Latham'] (5-9, 160) is a dynamic and instinctive playmaker with exceptional cutback vision and patience on slow-developing plays. His ability to create yardage independently stands out, showcasing natural instincts and adaptability. Latham's open-field speed is electric, and his one-cut acceleration is explosive, making him a dangerous threat on every touch. His elusiveness between the tackles and in tight spaces is impressive, allowing him to navigate traffic effectively. Additionally, he demonstrates solid instincts in pass protection, adding versatility to his skill set.<br></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1280296' first='Toriando' last='Dunlap'] | Quarterback | Dumas | 2029</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1280296' first='Toriando' last='Dunlap'] (5-8, 175) is an athletic and versatile quarterback who poses a dual-threat to defenses. His speed and agility make him dangerous on the ground, while his capable passing abilities allow him to stretch the field effectively. Dunlap demonstrates good football IQ, consistently opting for smart decisions by taking underneath routes to sustain drives rather than forcing risky throws downfield. His precision on deep passes is notable, as he delivers the ball in stride to receivers for breakaway opportunities.<br></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1236762' first='Cooper' last='Wilkerson'] | Wide Receiver | Little Rock Christian | 2029</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1236762' first='Cooper' last='Wilkerson'] (6-0, 155) is a versatile and elusive playmaker with strong route-running skills and the ability to exploit mismatches against linebackers. He thrives on a diverse route tree and frequently makes highlight-reel contested catches, showing impressive timing and upper-body strength to win over 1-2 defenders. In the screen game, Wilkerson demonstrates excellent vision and awareness, reading open-field blocks effectively and using his agility to evade close defenders. His combination of versatility, strength, and playmaking ability makes him a reliable and dynamic offensive weapon.<br></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1474526' first='Dadrien' last='Love'] | ATH | Marion | 2029</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1474526' first='Dadrien' last='Love'] (5-9, 160) is an electrifying athlete with exceptional agility and quickness. As a running back, his jump-cut ability and fluid change of direction allow him to exploit cutback lanes effectively. Once in the open field, his burner speed makes him a constant big-play threat. </p>   <p>Defensively, Love's awareness and reaction speed as a linebacker are standout traits. His quickness is a nightmare for offensive linemen, excelling in run-stopping and blitzing scenarios. Love's ability to incorporate hesitations and unpredictable movements disrupts blocking schemes and keeps opponents on their heels.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1155564' first='Antavion' last='Gaines'] | Running Back | Searcy | 2028</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1155564' first='Antavion' last='Gaines'] (5-11, 145) is a tough and explosive runner known for his ability to gain yards after contact. He excels in between-the-tackles situations, thriving on solo contact and using quick jab steps to read defenders and accelerate past them. Gaines has a deceptive burst of speed, regularly leaving defenders behind with shoulder fakes and jab steps. His toughness is evident, as he often drags multiple defenders with him, especially in short-yardage situations. Gaines is a relentless runner, capable of picking up tough yards and breaking tackles with his physicality and elusiveness.<br></p>

Look for these players below to continue to have success on the gridiron and in-turn turn heads in the recruiting realm. Here's a group of guys I anticipate to quickly produce on the Senior Circuit in 2025.