Hidden Playmakers of the Northwoods

Teams across Wisconsin have begun to put on there pads, helmets, and cleats preparing for the 2025 season. Today we look at the hidden playmakers throughout the Northwoods of Wisconsin.    Chase can line up at just about any position in the backfield. Whether it's at wildcat quarterback, fullback, or running back, he is a big play waiting to happen when he touches the field. Speed is his calling card and he is a lightning bolt out of the backfield. While having tremendous speed, Chase is also a very patient runner as he can wait for a hole to open up. He has great vision of the field and can always find a cutback lane. Chase rushed for a conference leading 954 yards and will be one of the top returning athletes in the Packerland Conference. I can't wait to see what he does in his senior season.     Taynum has a unique set of skills for a running back. He has the body control to cut in between defenders and while having the vision to find the open holes. He flashes speed and acceleration when he gets into the secondary. Taynum runs with aggression as defenders tend to bounce off of him when they attempt to make the tackle. I love the way he handles pass protection as he is not afraid to throw his entire body at a bigger defender. Taynum was the workhorse for Superior last season and I expect him to have a big senior year.     Brody is a wizard both on offense and defense. While playing quarterback he has an impressive deep ball while also being a threat with his legs. Brody is able to make the opposing defender miss with his burst or even using quarterback designed runs to move the sticks. Defensively he is a ball magnet. Either he is penetrating the backfield to stuff the opposing runners or making plays in the secondary in which he led his team with five interceptions; two of which he returned for touchdowns. I expect Brody to make another huge jump both offensively and defensively going into his Junior season.     Rex was a sideline to sideline tackling machine last season. Rex put up staggering 56 tackles in only 3.5 games. He plays with authority and can sense where the play is going even before it starts. When he tackles he lowers the boom and stops the ball carrier dead in their tracks. With a healthy senior season I think Rex can be one of the most productive, playmaking linebackers in Wisconsin.     Brody can make any defender miss right after he touches the ball. He carries a massive 6 ‘0 205 frame and really uses his broad shoulders to plow through any defender in his way. Brody is not an easy back to tackle. He uses his legs to keep churning for more yards even after multiple defenders have attempted to tackle him. Brody also processes a sneaky break away speed where once he gets to the second level; not many defenders can catch him. Brody rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and I expect him to be one of the top rushing leaders in the state this year once again.     Keylin was a big play machine in his Junior Season. He possesses elite speed and can scamper right back opposing cornerbacks. While only being 5 '11, Keylin plays bigger than his size and is not afraid to high point any ball thrown his way. He has great body control and can adjust to any pass. When the ball gets into his hands; good things happen. I expect Keylin to be one of the top receivers in the Greater Northern Conference this season.     I think Tysen can make just about any acrobatic catch there is. While being a smaller sized wide receiver, Tysen still can box out defensive backs and make contested catches. Once he has the ball he sees the field well and looks to find open grass. He is also very dangerous out of the backfield as he uses his elite speed to generate big plays. This season, Tysen will look to take on a bigger role on a really good Northwestern squad.     Ethan is a technician at wide receiver. After the ball is snapped he uses his quick feet and hands to beat the defensive back to the spot. He is an extremely polished receiver who has great body control. Ethan uses all of his 6 ‘2 190 frame to punish defenders in multiple ways. Whether it's taking a screen pass for a big gain, stretching the defense with his speed or winning jump balls; Ethan has all of the intangibles you want in a receiver.     Waylon is game changer for Osceola. He is impactful in all faucets of the game. A an exceptional wide receiver he can be a nightmare for the opposing secondary with his top end speed route running abilities. There is no ball that he can't track down. Waylon also is one heck of a kick returner where he averaged 22.2 yards per kick return. If he gets to the sideline; watch out. He is primed for a huge senior season and I am excited to see what he can do this year.     There is a lot to like about Mason's game. He is a multi-purpose back who can change any game with one play. He absorbs hits and keeps he legs moving for more yards. He has the capability to take a pitch for a 20 plus yard gain with his power and quickness. Mason can impact the passing game in many different ways. Screens, wheel routes, and even trick plays, he is a human highlight reel waiting to happen. Mason will be back for his Senior season looking to improve on his impressive 976 all-purpose yards and I can see many more big plays in the future for this young stud out of Spooner.

Teams across Wisconsin have begun to put on there pads, helmets, and cleats preparing for the 2025 season. Today we look at the hidden playmakers throughout the Northwoods of Wisconsin.