Juniors to Watch in the La Crosse Area

The recruiting train is off to its next location, and that location is La Crosse, Wisconsin to dive into the programs within the great city and a few surrounding communities. Similar to Eau Claire, this is a talent rich area of the state that needs to be recruited hard every year. The Class of 2026 is a solid one when it comes to La Crosse and the surrounding cities of Onalaska, West Salem, and Bangor. From linemen to skill players, there is something for almost every level of collegiate competition. Let's dive into this first group of athletes to know!    There is a lot to like about the 6'3" WR out of Aquinas. He just recently wrapped up his junior season of basketball, helping Aquinas win a State Championship. That is after a fall football season where he put up 43/674/9 to lead the team in all receiving categories. Logan does a fantastic job of using his size to win at the catch point with subtle adjustments and box outs with that big frame. The '26 WR isn't just a big target. He has the speed to threaten the defense deep and forces teams to keep a guy over the top of him. Even when he is well covered, Becker is so talented at attacking the ball in the air at the high point and using strong hands to secure the catch to the ground. His size, speed, and ball skills make him one of the top mismatches in Wisconsin.      In my opinion, the top defensive player in the La Crosse area is West Salem's [player_tooltip player_id='1220726' first='Landon' last='Michlig']. The junior DE/P has an outstanding frame for the DE position with his long and lean 6'5" 225 lbs build. Landon put together a great 7 seven games before injury struck, making 31 tackles for 18 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks. The kid is outstanding at creating pressure and disruption off the edge. He has shown he can use that length to create separation with his power and quick shed blocks, or he can flash that explosive first step to shoot clean through gaps to blow up plays. Landon also shows a really good closing burst that gives the ball carrier no chance to try and make him miss. Length, disruptive burst and power make him an intriguing prospect who is only going to be better this coming summer/fall. Get this kid on your radars if he isn't there already.      Christian is one of our favorite under the radar recruits to watch on tape. He is such an explosive athlete who is able to make special things happen with the ball in his hands. The junior had it in his hands a lot in 2024 while playing some QB for La Crosse Central. He finished the season going 29/46, 370 and 3 TDs through the air while also still delivering on the ground with 129/942/13. Christian checks so many boxes for an RB. Vision, patience, acceleration when he sees the blocks open up the alley. The game breaking speed is also there to turn those glimpses of daylights into six points. It is impressive watching him run between the tackles and come out of the other side of the scrum at full speed on his way to a huge play. The junior RB is an impact athlete that is a need to know athlete from this region.      Will is an athlete that is on the rise following a highly productive junior season. He plays both OL and DL, but today we focus on his defensive play. Will put up an outstanding stat line in 2024. He put up an insane 74 tackles, with 21 TFLs, and 6 sacks. On tape Will is creating those stats with next level traits. He has power to hold the line of scrimmage, shed the block and make the stop. Or you will see him set the edge vs the outside run and again shed with those strong hands and flash his burst to close and make the tackle. Pairing with that violent power is quick twitch lateral agility and pass rush moves to beat OL with quickness. That speed especially flashes when he lines up on the interior. Flottmeyer is able to win so many different ways and it translated to big numbers in 2024. A big summer is ahead for him.      If it isn't starting already Aiden has the chance to make a name for himself this summer. The 6'3" 245 lbs OL has noteworthy traits on tape that should earn him attention when he shows it more during summer camps. The best parts of his game revolve around his athleticism. Aiden makes it look easy mirroring pass rushers in pass protection, using his hands to make first contact and then control the defender until the whistle. That athleticism shines in the run game too where Aiden has shown he can move laterally while engaged to cut off a DL. His burst to get to LBs is very effective as well. Knopp also brings a solid base of power to continue to build on this year and at the next level. Check out the junior highlights.      Dylan was a highly productive athlete in 2024 on offense and defense for Bangor. He finished with 97 carries, 615 yards, and 8 TDs on the ground plus 6 receptions for 158 yards and 2 TDs through the air. On defense Dylan was second on the team in tackles and had an overall stat line of 89 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2 sacks, and an INT. On offense, Dylan is a balanced runner. I really like his speed out of the backfield as a receiver. You can see him quickly beat LBs out into his route making him an easy target. As a runner the contact balance and patience allow him to thrive carrying the ball between the tackles. The junior also does a great job of following his blocks and letting them develop before he fully attacks the defense. Don't sleep on the small school standout.      Waylon is an x factor for Aquinas. He is a key contributor on both sides of the ball, finishing with 17 receptions for 396 yards and 6 TDs on offense and 81 tackles, 11 TFLs, and 2 sacks plus 4 PBUs on defense. On offense Waylon does a ton of damage after the catch. He is a slippery, elusive runner with the ball in his hands and sees the field well with the ball in his hands. The junior also flashes the speed to get behind the defense. While he is very undersized for his LB role on defense that doesn't seem to hinder his game at all. Waylon's athleticism allows him to get into the backfield quickly or split out wider over a slot receiver and comfortably play in space. The junior also does really well diagnosing plays as they develop and position himself to make plays. He is a smart, athletic player to keep an eye on.      Tanner was able to get some time on varsity as a DB where he made 10 tackles and a TFL, but I was most impressed by his WR play on JV. Compared to the competition at that level Tanner plays at a different speed. Both his quickness off the line and out of breaks quickly put DBs at a disadvantage and trying to catch up with him. He has the speed to get vertical and the body control to be able to run clean routes while maintaining his speed. The door looks to be open for Tanner to earn a varsity WR spot with 5 of the top 6 pass catchers graduating in 2025.

The recruiting train is off to its next location, and that location is La Crosse, Wisconsin to dive into the programs within the great city and a few surrounding communities. Similar to Eau Claire, this is a talent rich area of the state that needs to be recruited hard every year. The Class of 2026 is a solid one when it comes to La Crosse and the surrounding cities of Onalaska, West Salem, and Bangor. From linemen to skill players, there is something for almost every level of collegiate competition. Let's dive into this first group of athletes to know!