Uncovering Unranked Talent

Use code JohnsonCombine2025 for $10 off your registration to the Prep Redzone WI Showcase on May 18th!   The hunt for the top talent in every Class across Wisconsin never ends. We are always on the lookout for new names to put on our radar and hopefully the radar of college recruiters. So today I decided to take the time to look through rosters and Hudl accounts to try and find another batch of new athletes that we don't currently have ranked on Prep Redzone Wisconsin. After a good chunk of time I found seven athletes from the Class of 2027 that I want to talk about. So let's dive in!    Kamden is well worth keeping an eye on over the next couple of years. The RB/LB led Lake Mills in rushing as a sophomore and was also the second leading tackler on defense. Checking in at 5'8" puts Kamden into consideration primarily as an RB. The sophomore runs hard with the ball in his hands. He is compact with a low center of gravity and has some power in his 180 lbs frame. Kamden balances that side of his game with his agility running between the tackles. His ability to make the subtle lateral cuts puts him in much more advantageous positions while attacking the defense. The sophomore also flashes explosive quickness through the hole and is able to work his way into the open field even when running downhill between the tackles.      A new offensive linemen on my radar since the rankings update is West Salem sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1733753' first='Luke' last='Grube']. Luke is a work in progress, but where he is at has me very excited for his future. The 6'3" 240 lbs OT is a mobile athlete whether that be in pass pro or getting out in space. He just needs time to continue to develop his body control to take that next step. What is most impressive along with his size is the strength in his hands. The sophomore tossed people around with his initial punches last year and the leg drive is also developing and allowing him to drive DL off the line of scrimmage.      Liam played OLB for De Pere in 2024, but the 5'11" 195 lbs athlete projects as a S to the next level. Even as an OLB, the sophomore has a good base of experience playing in coverage from 2024. First off, it looks like Liam has the speed to play back at safety down the road. He also has the change of direction and closing speed to be able to provide more man to man coverage when needed. The sophomore is fluid in space and has the short area burst to make plays. Plus you can count on Liam to do the dirty work and attack downhill in run support. Love to see that he found he way onto the field via the OLB position and am excited for his further development.      A kid that I can't wait to see develop and earn a varsity spot eventually is edge defender [player_tooltip player_id='1639174' first='Keith' last='Willingham'] of Arrowhead. Keith is an explosive, athletic DE who has excellent range on the edge and the closing burst to create disruption all over the backfield. The sophomore wins with his first step quickness initially and also gets himself involved in a lot of plays with the motor he plays with. As his strength in the trenches continues to increase he will become a very well rounded edge defender and have his chance at playing on Friday nights.      I'm very excited for Peyton's future. He is already a varsity starter at left tackle and has next level size at 6'2" 295 lbs. The '27 also has that devastating strength that stands out even on the varsity level. Peyton is able to reset the line of scrimmage in the run game as he bursts off the line and is able to generate momentum on contact. Plus the rising sophomore has that mean streak to put opponents on the ground and keep them there. The big man also does really well keeping his legs moving while engaged with his man to keep the push and momentum going. I want to see him continue to develop his body control and balance so that he doesn't get caught overextending or reaching too much. This is definitely a kid to keep as eye on as he prepares for his junior season.      Another sophomore with varsity experience is WR [player_tooltip player_id='1858086' first='Nolen' last='Quiroz']. Nolen has a well developing frame for the WR position at 6'1" 170 lbs. The sophomore did a good job of getting open in 2024. Whether it was finding soft spots after the play broke down, or being able to run through zones and finding the soft spots, or using route running to beat man coverage. The sophomore WR naturally tracks the ball and catches it with soft hands. The rising WR has a solid catch radius with the ability to go get it, whether that be above the rim or out in front of him. I'm excited to see him in a potentially bigger role this fall.      Another two way athlete is RB/LB Anthony Wilson out of Kenosha. At 5'9" I want to focus on his play at RB at this time. I will say though, the hits he delivers on defense are impressive. He is definitely the one that delivers the hit. At 210 lbs, Anthony is a ball of power running downhill. He is a one cut, get up field as soon as he can type of runner that can break arm tackles. He is built low to the ground so he has a solid low center of gravity. Anthony is a kid that is going to move the pile, and he also has the burst to pick up chunks of yards. I will be keeping an eye on his development, growth, and role going forward.

Use code JohnsonCombine2025 for $10 off your registration to the Prep Redzone WI Showcase on May 18th!