Northwest football prospects: All-Risers Team (Offense)

The winter has been abuzz with scholarship activity for many of the top prospects.   Much of that activity stems from fall breakouts and all-state-worthy performances.   However, there are a few players in the Northwest who have simply dominated early offseason work and are already climbing up the rankings.   This article takes a look - not at the best individual prospects at each position - but the players who have raised their stock the most over the past six months.   Here's a look at the Northwest's All-Risers Offense:   QB: [player_tooltip player_id='1428218' first='Ryan' last='Harrington'], Anacortes (2027) — Harrington had a stellar junior campaign, throwing for 3,364 yards and 32 touchdowns with an additional 521 yards and four scores on the ground.   But his recruitment hadn't yet matched his production and tape.   Safe to say that's been fixed now, as he's up to seven offers, including six since the start of the new year.   The Wipe Me Down Boyz star has added offers from Colorado State, Eastern Washington, Fresno State, Idaho, Washington State and, most recently, Cincinnati.    Harrington's stock is soaring.    HM: [player_tooltip player_id='1564852' first='Landon' last='Benner'], Nelson (2029) — By all accounts Benner has taken a major jump in his development.   The Team Lillard/Nelson signal-caller is quickly establishing himself as a key name to watch going forward - even at a young age.   Benner's talent was on full display up in Seattle late last month, throwing 26 touchdowns in six games.   He's got a chance to be special.    RB: [player_tooltip player_id='985352' first='Briytan' last='Bailey'], Puyallup (2028) — The SPSI MVP rushed for 1,700 yards and 24 touchdowns last season and established himself as one of the best backs in the region.   While the 5-foot-8, 180-pound ball-carrier isn't the biggest, a lot of doubts go away when you put on the tape.   He pops!    Bailey recently added his first offer from Montana State.   It shouldn't be the last.   He's been special for the past six months-plus.   HM: [player_tooltip player_id='1125493' first='Reece' last='Ballew'], Mountainside — Ballew had an intriguing sophomore campaign, then suffered a season-ending injury early in his junior year.   That made him a blank slate to many.   Fully healthy, Ballew was the Prep Redzone RB MVP and the Northwest Winter Showcase RB MVP, putting him right back on track as a player to watch.   He is beginning to hear from several colleges - and at a variety of levels.    HM: [player_tooltip player_id='1892954' first='Jayvian' last='Ferrell']-Gilkey, Lake Stevens — JFG is an all-state running back who had a big year for Lake Stevens.   The 5-foot-9, 185-pound ball-carrier has recently picked up offers from Idaho and Northern Arizona.   WR: [player_tooltip player_id='937176' first='Malachi' last='Garlington'], Nelson (2027) — After an all-state junior campaign, Garlington has continued to add to his success.   The dynamic 6-foot-3, 180-pound pass-catcher is stacking offers — Boise State, Oregon State, San Diego State, Washington State and others.   But the Big Ten and SEC are starting to seriously look around, and he recently took an unofficial visit to Oregon.   Garlington may jump another full tier in his recruitment and become a heavily-offered Power 4 target if he continues his rapid ascension.   WR: [player_tooltip player_id='1188105' first='J'Isaiah' last='Mitchell'], Puyallup (2027) — We love Mitchell at Prep Redzone.   He's a 6-foot-5, 200-pound two-way playmaker with significant upside.    And college football programs have taken notice, as he now holds double-digit scholarships, highlighted by Boise State, BYU, Cal, Oregon State, Washington and others.    His rare blend of size and athleticism given him a sky-high ceiling and it will be fascinating to see his climb.   It doesn't look to be stopping any time soon.    WR: [player_tooltip player_id='1397315' first='Justin' last='Suega'], Federal Way (2029) — There may be no hotter position in the region than wide receiver currently, so Suega making the list at his age is a statement.   After picking up an offer from Washington in August, Suega has continued to rise.   This offseason, he has been stellar for Heir Football Academy and he's picked up another offer from San Diego State.   WR: [player_tooltip player_id='937738' first='Kase' last='Betz'], Graham-Kapowsin (2027) — After a first-team all-state season, Betz has picked up offers from Cornell and Montana State.   The 5-foot-11, 175-pound athlete could play on either side of the ball in college.   Simply put, it feels good to see him finally earning his flowers.   He's a ballplayer, and college football programs are finally taking notice.   TE: [player_tooltip player_id='1242768' first='George' last='VanSandt'], Central Catholic (2027) — Somewhat overshadowed by Power 4 prospect (and former teammate) [player_tooltip player_id='1187089' first='Seager' last='Milholen'], VanSandt previously looked like more of a blocking tight end.   But that reputation has quickly fallen away with Alpha Football this offseason.   He is a natural pass-catcher and is more fluid than you'd anticipate given his 6-foot-5, 235-pound frame.   VanSandt has added offers from Harvard, Idaho, Oregon State, San Diego State and others.    TE: [player_tooltip player_id='1003593' first='Tytan' last='McNeal'], Eastside Catholic (2028) —  He's already a five-star recruit, so it's a little bit odd to name him a “riser,” but the offer sheet of late is impossible to ignore and worthy of mention.    McNeal is an elite national recruit who will likely be named an All-American.   Recent offers from Florida and Penn State indicate he remains as coveted as any player on the West Coast.    OL: Cade Wilson, Banks (2027) — Banks?   That's generally the first reaction to college coaches stopping by a program that hasn't produced many Division I standouts beyond current head coach and former Oregon Duck Cole Linehan.    But Wilson is a special.   The 6-foot-4, 295-pound lineman has gone from intriguing small school player to bonafide Division I recruit rapidly.   Wilson holds a lone offer from Idaho, but coaches all over the FCS and FBS level have been checking in on the talented future interior lineman.   His stock is rapidly rising.    OL: [player_tooltip player_id='937281' first='Tripp' last='Johansen'], Willamette (2027) — The two-way standout is collecting Ivy League offers like infinity stones — Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, Yale and others.    Johansen is an Uber-strong 6-foot-3, 255-pound playmaker who could play on either side of the ball in college.   OL: [player_tooltip player_id='1907993' first='Tyson' last='Daniels'], Kennedy Catholic (2030) — He's young, so his stock may be more “welcome to the party” than it is “rising,” but Daniels ascension is impossible to ignore.    The 6-foot-4, 285-pound lineman already boasts offers from Penn State and Texas A&M.   He's a national recruit.   Already.    OL: [player_tooltip player_id='1397350' first='Xavier' last='Berry'], Federal Way (2029) — The 6-foot-7, 275-pound offensive tackle has rare size and athleticism.   Berry holds offers from Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and others.   If he continues to ascend, I would expect his recruitment to transition from “regional” to “national” very soon.    OL: Rashaun Lavata'i, Curtis (2027) — A young-for-his-class 6-foot-6, 275-pound offensive lineman, Lavata'i strikes an intriguing figure.   He's picked up offers from Idaho, Oregon State and Washington State in the past month, but it seems he could take yet another leap forward if his senior tape shows further maturation.   There's a potential monster brewing here.

The winter has been abuzz with scholarship activity for many of the top prospects.