Watch List Prospects Rising to Ranks

In this report, I identified five prospects on our current watch list and have now been evaluated and graded after viewing their 2024 season film. All will be ranked during the next published update in March 2025.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    Prospect Introduction: [player_tooltip player_id='528737' first='Levi' last='Altshuler']   [player_tooltip player_id='528737' first='Levi' last='Altshuler'], a 6'0”, 190-pound quarterback from Berkshire School in New England, is a promising talent in the Class of 2026. He showcased his dual-threat capabilities in his first year as a starter, amassing 1,200 total yards and 21 touchdowns. Altshuler's film from February 15, 2025, highlights his ability to escape the pocket, evade defenders with his feet, and deliver accurate throws on the run. His lower body strength stands out, enabling him to power through tackles and effectively utilize a stiff arm to fend off defenders. Additionally, he demonstrates proficiency in executing <a href="https://x.com/i/grok?text=run-pass%20option%20(RPO)">run-pass option (RPO)</a> plays, making him a versatile and dynamic playmaker. His elusiveness and physicality make him difficult to bring down, while his arm talent allows him to stretch the field. Altshuler's combination of athleticism, decision-making, and raw potential positions him as a rising prospect with the ability to compete at various levels of <a href="https://x.com/i/grok?text=NCAA%20college%20football">NCAA college football</a>. Continued development in pocket presence and refining his mechanics could elevate him into a highly sought-after recruit. His highlight reel (available at <a href="https://x.com/i/grok?text=Hudl">Hudl</a>) provides compelling evidence of his upside as a future collegiate standout.      [player_tooltip player_id='1475530' first='James' last='Mortarelli'], a 6'1”, 170-pound linebacker/edge prospect from Natick High School in Massachusetts, is an intriguing talent in the Class of 2026 from the New England region. His film review from February 15, 2025, highlights a player with exceptional field awareness and a high football IQ. Mortarelli demonstrates a strong understanding of <a href="https://x.com/i/grok?text=zone%20coverages">zone coverages</a>, consistently positioning himself effectively to disrupt plays. His ability to read blocks and react quickly allows him to make plays both at the line and in space. He finishes tackles with authority and shows impressive open-field tackling skills, a critical asset for his position. Mortarelli maintains a square stance to the line of scrimmage and uses good pad level, showcasing sound fundamentals. His lean frame offers significant potential for physical development, as adding muscle mass could prepare him for the demands of college football. With his combination of instincts, tackling ability, and athleticism, Mortarelli projects as a versatile defender who could excel at college level NCAA competition. Continued growth in strength and refinement of his <a href="https://x.com/i/grok?text=pass-rushing%20skills">pass-rushing skills</a> could elevate his stock further. His highlight reel (available at Hudl) underscores his potential as a future collegiate contributor on the defensive side of the ball.      Prospect Introduction: [player_tooltip player_id='999652' first='Joe' last='Capasso']   [player_tooltip player_id='999652' first='Joe' last='Capasso'], a 5'11”, 185-pound quarterback from Notre Dame High School in Connecticut, emerges as a standout prospect in the Class of 2026 from the New England region. His film review from February 15, 2025, reveals a polished dual-threat athlete with exceptional command of the field. Capasso operates as a true field general, displaying a strong presence and confidence in the pocket. His mechanics shine through in his dropback, showcasing good footwork and a smooth, repeatable throwing motion. A highlight at the 2:05 mark of his reel (available at Hudl) demonstrates his impressive arm strength with a deep, accurate throw that jumps off the tape. Capasso's ability to make precise throws on the run and excellent ball placement make him a dangerous passer. As a runner, he's equally effective, using his athleticism to evade defenders and gain yards with the ball in his hands. His combination of arm talent, mobility, and poise suggests he has the tools to compete at various NCAA levels. With continued refinement in decision-making and physical development, Capasso has the potential to become a highly recruited quarterback. His skill set and leadership qualities make him a prospect worth tracking closely.      Prospect Introduction: [player_tooltip player_id='606177' first='Keigan' last='Canto']   [player_tooltip player_id='606177' first='Keigan' last='Canto'], a 5'8”, 185-pound running back from King Phillip Regional High School in Wrentham, Massachusetts, emerges as a promising prospect in the Class of 2026 from the New England region. His film review from February 15, 2025, showcases an instinctive runner with a natural ability to identify and exploit running lanes, using quick jab steps to navigate through defenses. Canto displays reliable hands, adding value as a receiver in the passing game, and demonstrates elusiveness to avoid tacklers. However, areas for improvement include his tendency to run with a high pad level, which can hinder his effectiveness, particularly in short-yardage situations inside the tackles where more lean and power are needed. He also needs to finish runs with greater authority to maximize his impact. While his agility and vision are evident, verifying his 40-yard dash time will be crucial to assessing his speed and overall grade better. With his compact build and skill set, Canto has the potential to develop into a versatile back at the NCAA level, provided he refines his technique and adds strength. His highlight reel (available at Hudl) offers a glimpse of a prospect with upside, making him a player to watch as he progresses through high school.      Prospect Introduction: [player_tooltip player_id='1253343' first='Logan' last='Reed']   [player_tooltip player_id='1253343' first='Logan' last='Reed'], a 6'0”, 180-pound <a href="https://x.com/i/grok?text=wide%20receiver">wide receiver</a> from Taft School in New England, stands out as a promising prospect in the Class of 2026. His film review from February 15, 2025, highlights a highly athletic player with long, fluid strides that allow him to cover ground quickly in the open field. Reed brings intensity to his game, evident in his aggressive blocking on the perimeter, a trait that adds significant value beyond his receiving skills. He shows the ability to <a href="https://x.com/i/grok?text=high-point%20the%20ball">high-point the ball</a> when targeted, demonstrating strong hands and body control in contested situations. His quick release off the line of scrimmage into his routes further showcases his technical proficiency and explosiveness. While his athleticism and skill set suggest considerable upside, verifying his speed through a <a href="https://x.com/i/grok?text=40-yard%20dash">40-yard dash</a> time will be critical to determining his potential level of play at the collegiate level. With his combination of size, aggression, and route-running ability, Reed has the tools to develop into a dynamic wide receiver capable of competing at various NCAA levels. Continued refinement of his speed and route precision could elevate his stock further. His highlight reel (available at Hudl) provides compelling evidence of a prospect worth tracking as he progresses through high school.

In this report, I identified five prospects on our current watch list and have now been evaluated and graded after viewing their 2024 season film. All will be ranked during the next published update in March 2025.