The Road to Glory: Unforgettable Final Four Showdowns

The Final Four Weekend is an exciting one. We were down to the 4 finalists in each conference, and these games didn't disappoint. I selected a handful of players who I believe positively impacted the game, giving their respective teams a chance to win.   We have the Stock Up Showcase next week on Saturday December 14th! Use my Code TATEPRZ2024 at checkout! I can't wait to see you guys there.    Meisner has been on a tear all season, and this playoff game was no different. The 5'11 180-pound senior dominated on the ground, wracking up 286 yards and 3 touchdowns on 24 carries. Meisner averaged 11.9 yards per carry. On the defensive side, he had 14 total tackles (10 solo, 4 assisted), 1 TFL, and 1 fumble recovery. Meisner has very good athletic ability due to very good speed, acceleration, balance, and good change of direction. He uses his elite vision to identify which holes to run through. He hits the hole with ferocity, and uses his homerun speed to run past the 2nd level of the defense. Meisner has very shifty feet, allowing him to easily maneuver around defenders. When defenders try to tackle him, he sheds them off and keeps running. Meisner puts his shoulder pads down and uses his good trucking to run through defenders. I've been thoroughly impressed with how Meisner plays the game, and colleges NEED to look his way. He'll be a solid contributor for any team.     Vigil is an exciting versatile prospect. The RB/LB/KR made his impact for Forge Christian throughout the game. He had 8 carries for 47 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2/2 for 27 yards passing, 5 total tackles (10 solo, 5 assisted), 1 sack, 3 kick returns for 116 yards with 81 yards being his longest. Anytime Dante touched the ball, a play was made. He thrives as a linebacker. He has very good athletic ability due to very good acceleration, change of direction, and good speed. Vigil's very good mental processing is on full display. He continuously watches the QB's eyes leading him to the ball carrier. He'll identify the gap and rush it leading to a sack or TFL. Vigil is a very good tackler. He uses his very good strength to wrap up the defender and pull them down. He brings that same energy to the running back position. He runs with a head full of steam, using his good vision to identify the holes. If one was filled, he used his very good COD to jump cut into the next hole. Exciting performance by the senior who should have colleges looking his way.     Martin still showed out in the loss to Mead. The 5'11 180-pound LB/DB had 12 total tackles (9 solo, 3 assisted) and 2 fumble recoveries. Martin has good athletic ability due to good speed, acceleration, and change of direction. He has very good strength. Martin is a fantastic rusher. He used his very good mental processing to consistently identify gaps and plug them. He uses a low pad level to out leverage the offensive lineman. Good block shedder. Martin is a very good run stopper and has very good tackling. He stops the running back in their tracks. One thing that stood out to me was how Martin is always looking where the ball is. It doesn't matter if it's on the other side of the field, he's chasing after it trying to make the play. He's only a junior, recruiters should keep an eye on his growth into next year.     The senior safety had a season high night against the Cherry Creek Bruins. He racked up 14 total tackles (8 solo, 6 assisted), 1 TFL, 1 INT, 1 pass deflection. Waitman has very good athletic ability due to very good speed, change of direction, good acceleration, and jumping. His very good change of direction allows him to keep up with shifty wide receivers. Waitman has very good mental processing. He watches the QB' eyes and keeps his eyes on the ball at all time. His competitive toughness was on full display. If a teammate needed help finishing a tackle, Waitman didn't hesitate to help out. He's a very good tackler. Patient tackler too, not getting overzealous and missing the guy. He stops the run with ease, not allowing big gains after contact. He's a beast in zone coverage, prowling the field. Waitman's able to diagnose what's happening, and use his very good reactionary speed to strike first. In man coverage, he sticks to the receiver. Waitman also has good ball tracking skills and catching allowing him to pluck the ball away from the wide receiver. The Valor standout should have more eyes looking at him after this performance.     Strickland was a consistent target for his QB all night. Making a pair of 4th down conversions, Strickland had 6 receptions for 73 yards and 2 carries for 11 yards. Luke has very good athletic ability due to very good acceleration, jumping, good speed, and change of direction. He has very good release against off coverage, and especially against the press jam. When the defender is sticking to him, he's able to make big catches using his suction hands. He made a big catch on a 4th down, extending his body. Another he converted by running through the middle of the defense. He has good separation quickness, and will sit in the open void waiting patiently for the easy completion. Strickland has very good catching, extending his lengthy arms to adjust above. It was an all around good performance for Strickland, and colleges should take a look at his tape and they'll find a reliable wide receiver.

The Final Four Weekend is an exciting one. We were down to the 4 finalists in each conference, and these games didn't disappoint. I selected a handful of players who I believe positively impacted the game, giving their respective teams a chance to win.