The Watch List: March Edition

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the ranking updates slowing down for now, it's the perfect time to search for the next wave of potential newcomers. The<em> Watch List</em> series is back again to help achieve that goal.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spring is typically the period when unknown prospects get discovered. There are many opportunities for a prospect to get noticed this time of year, which then gives scouts plenty to evaluate.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the case especially for underclassmen. They will be the center of attention in this first <em>Watch List </em>of March. Here's a mix of Class of ‘27 and Class of ‘28 prospects.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Class of ‘27</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1631999' first='CJ' last='Hess'] - Bishop Miege, 5'10”, 160, DB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hess of Miege starts off the Class of ‘27. The sophomore was tested often throughout his first season as a starter. However, he didn't shy away from any challenge, and was even a key defender for the Stags during their postseason run. During the playoffs he recorded over six pass breakups, and came away with an interception in the state semifinals. He's since followed up his solid postseason performance with some nice plays during 7-On-7 competition. Look for Hess to continue to build on his success throughout the offseason.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1626655' first='Brooks' last='Bayer'] - Spring Hill, 6'2”, 225, DL/TE</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bayer is the first of two Spring Hill prospects we'll be taking a look at in this report. The Broncos had a handful of underclassmen that received varsity action on defense in 2024, and Bayer was arguably the most impactful. During his sophomore season he tied for the team lead with three sacks and tied for second with nine tackles for loss. Not only is his play outstanding, but he already has an ideal frame for a next-level edge rusher. He's been adding to that frame too, as he recently reported a new squat max of 445 pounds and a bench press max of 300 pounds. Recruiters should absolutely start monitoring his progress if they haven't already. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Class of ‘28</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1639961' first='Michael' last='Beck'] </strong>- Spring Hill, 5'10”, 145, DB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beck was one of a few freshmen that not only earned varsity playing time for Spring Hill in 2024, but he proved to be a contributor as well. The freshman appeared in nine games and recorded 33 total tackles and two interceptions. For the ‘24 campaign being Beck's only high school season, he looked very comfortable on the varsity stage. He displayed solid fundamentals at corner and even earned the coaching staff's trust to be left on an island on some occasions. Beck has the potential to be one of the top DB's in the <em>Frontier League</em> during his sophomore season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1639963' first='Andy' last='Gray']</strong> - Shawnee Mission NW, 6'2”, 165, ATH</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This second Class of ‘28 prospect has flashed early signs of being one of the most well rounded athletes in the class. Gray is a talented three-sport athlete and he's quickly becoming a name to know. SMNW's coaching staff has given him high praise, and he's received recognition from the <em>Blue-Grey All-American Combine</em>. Based off his freshman film, Gray is capable of not only playing multiple positions, but also excelling at each of them. His versatility gives him a great shot at earning varsity action during the ‘25 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->