MI’s Top Sophomores in the 2024 Semifinals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In two days, we'll know who plays in the State Championships. We still have 32 (11-man) teams playing across Michigan, with a ton of talent represented. We even have a few D1-projected Sophomores who'll likely play this weekend, who I feature below! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["547739"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673e546cda141"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">So far, Harper Woods has rolled over teams in the postseason. During this 3-week span, Dakota has made a ton of plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week against Lutheran North, Dakota had well over 100 yards and 1TD on offense (wildcat) in addition to an interception on defense. The <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19388168/67383d870579e2eac66f9a3e">tape from last week</a> is pretty impressive- he looks like an NFL player going against a D3 college. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week against Goodrich, Dakota should make even more plays. Goodrich has a way better defense, several great players, and Dakota should have more opportunities to truly show off his skillset. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At receiver and DB, Dakota will likely be lining up in front of another D1 prospect. I'm extremely interested in seeing if Dakota is able to make a few explosive plays against Goodrich. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1233561"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673e546cda19b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Darryl is about to face off against the best defense he'll see this postseason. He doesn't have any tape from this season on Hudl yet, but I did get a chance to watch Darryl during Week 1. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Against Cleveland Heights, Darryl showcased elite athleticism and throw on the run. Mason has a great defense, but they're far from the most athletic defense in the state. I predict that Darryl will make a ton of plays with his legs, and score at least 1 TD on the ground. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's still considered a Power 4 prospect, and should continue to make his case this week, and maybe next week during the State Championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["489268"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673e546cda1df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chad has had an excellent season, and I'm excited to see what he can do against a super athletic Groves defense. Primarily a receiver (this season), Chad is a reliable deep threat and speed-in-space target. Even against top competition (Toledo CC, De La Salle), Chad is able to win separation and secure important catches. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I love Chad's route-running- he has the knowledge/athleticism/Change of direction to consistently get open on comebacks. In addition, his athleticism translates well to his release and deep route running- able to take the top off of the defense. He'll be going up against a really great Groves secondary, and I'm looking forward to seeing Chad's highlights. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["489263"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673e546cda221"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Even though Jabin doesn't play every snap, he still makes a major impact on every game. There's a set of plays that are made for Jabin, and he does wonderful in those instances. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jabin's best attribute right now is his athleticism. If Jabin is in, you need to account for his legs and maybe even put a spy on him. He's also a major threat throwing the football- but honestly isn't the most polished passer right now. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm not sure how much Jabin will play against Groves, but whenever he's in, the defense will be forced to adjust in a major way. Jabin could be the difference in this game! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1233478"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673e546cda264"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Eric is an extremely underrated piece of Catholic Central's success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First and foremost, Eric has elite size. 6'5" long arms, and great weight make for a high probability of D1 offers this offseason. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As for his skillset, Eric is still a bit raw, but worlds better than other 6'5"+ underclassmen that I watch. Pass blocking, Eric does his job. His footwork is still a bit wonky, and he's not very agile, but he does enough to get in front of his defender and execute a block. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Run blocking (playing at any OL position) is solid. Eric does his job- playing with excellent leverage and solid footwork when he's playing guard. Eric is also able to get to the second level/boundary. It's obvious that Eric knows the blocking schemes, and as long as he plays against Cass Tech, I'm confident he'll have a few highlights. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->