Returning Athletes to Watch: Simley/Chisago Lakes

Continuing my coverage of some talented 4A returning players, I've found a selection of top-notch athletes from Simley and Chisago Lakes, two programs that have produced solid talent over the last couple of years. Meet some of the future standouts!    A consistent riser at QB throughout the past couple of years, Urbina's development has been rapid and noticeable. Boasting a 3.7 GPA and some excellent junior tape, Urbina is someone I think could truly breakout next season. Early on in his film, he showcases impressive pocket mobility, fantastic poise under pressure, and the ability to deliver dimes while off-platform and/or on the run. His deep ball placement is eye-catching, especially on corner routes where he's able to perfectly drop the ball into a receiver's hands. The touch he puts on the ball when throwing intermediate routes is impressive as well. There's a lot to like on Urbina's tape, and with a solid camp circuit this offseason, I think we could see his stock rise again.     A highly-touted defensive line prospect who holds an offer from Big 12 member Iowa State, Elachi is looking to solidify himself as one of the top athletes in the state ahead of next season. Boasting a tremendous frame, Elachi has a potent bull rush as well as a quick rip move, and can bully offensive linemen while pass-rushing. He can shed blockers quickly in the run game and also plug up gaps while commanding a double team. He doesn't get caught up in the wash easily and does an exceptional job of flowing to the alley to catch the ball carrier. Despite playing a lot of DE, against run-heavy teams, Elachi has shown the ability to jam runs up the middle as well. He's a problem one-on-one with any OT, and I can't wait to see what he does during his senior campaign next fall.     Runge has been recognized as one of the top wideouts in the state, and while he plays in a run-dominant scheme, he managed to rack up 329 receiving yards on 23 receptions, finding the endzone 8 times throughout the season. His junior tape is very exciting. Runge is a fluid route runner who flashes his hands late and excels at bringing down tightly contested passes. He's got a great release from the line and routinely cooks corners in press coverage. The way he's able to get up to bring down difficult passes is extremely impressive. He's got a number of plays where he hauls down possession catches against the sidelines, too. Runge is going to be a problem for defenses next season.     A wideout who burst onto the scene this season as a freshman, making waves on varsity, Larson-Adams took down 15 receptions for 208 yards and 3 TDs. On his tape, he showcases stellar quickness and high-level ball tracking, which is especially uncanny given his experience. His overall athleticism is very impressive, as is his game sense. Larson-Adams does a great job of adjusting his route to the ball and provides a legitimate YAC threat every time he brings down the rock. He's also a force in the run game, always managing to find work and laying key blocks that open up the play for big gains. I'm excited to see how he develops over the next 3 years.     One of the highest-rated offensive linemen in his class, Fierro has been a consistent force in the Simley trenches. I'm a big fan of this kid's tape. Fierro is a mauler with a great combination of strength, speed, and agility. He finishes his blocks into the dirt, and possesses a stellar reach block that seals an edge very well. He plays with a low pad level, and with his ability to block in space, Fierro provides a legitimate threat when pulling. He punishes defenders for crossing his face, and when he moves a DL down the line, they typically end up on the ground. He's also a force on the defensive side of the ball. Fierro led the team in TFLs last fall and provides an explosive force on the defensive interior. I can't wait for the offers to start rolling in for the Simley powerhouse.     A two-sport athlete (Football/Baseball) with a 3.9 GPA who started on varsity as a defensive tackle last season as a sophomore, Fagnan is a Chisago Lakes athlete I'm excited about. A stout run stopper who proves difficult to move off the LOS, the first thing that jumped out to me on his tape was his pursuit. He never gives up on a play and has made a number of tackles in the alley after flowing from the opposite side of the field. He does a nice job of using his hands to prevent offensive linemen from locking on to him. He should be a defender to watch going forward.     A sophomore athlete who saw significant time as both a kick returner and a FS last season, Anderson is a versatile DB who could evolve into a high-level starter for the Wildcats. He's a dangerous returner, particularly on kickoff. He's got great vision with the rock in his hands, and does a great job of capitalizing on bad coverage, always managing to find the open run lanes. As a safety, Anderson is very adept at pass coverage. He does a nice job of reading the QB's eyes and jumping underthrown balls. He makes QBs pay for risky passes and uses his hands to force incompletions at the catch point. Anderson should be a DB to watch next season.     A two-way athlete for the Wildcats, Sogard saw time last year both as a DT and as a center. He gets a good first step off the line as a defender and possesses a powerful chop move that allows him to disengage from offensive linemen quickly. He plays with a low pad level out of the gate and does a nice job of utilizing leverage to work through. On his sophomore tape, he showcases a high motor and a willingness to work through multiple blockers in a single play. On offense, Sogard showcases solid hand placement and gets underneath defenders' pads early and often. He can put a DT on skates once he locks on. Can't wait to see more of the big man next season!

Continuing my coverage of some talented 4A returning players, I've found a selection of top-notch athletes from Simley and Chisago Lakes, two programs that have produced solid talent over the last couple of years. Meet some of the future standouts!