More Class A Under-the-Radar Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Continuing my coverage of Class A prospects to watch next season, I have a handful of athletes who look ripe to leave a massive impact in 2026. We've got kids with insane frames, great 2025, tape, and risers across several graduating classes. Enjoy!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2080578"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69988b5356244"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gruwell is a versatile offensive lineman who is capable of playing any position on the front 5. His frame lends itself best to playing center, however, and that's where Gruwell saw most of his success last season. His greatest assets as a blocker are both his leverage and quickness. Gruwell isn't the biggest guy in the trenches, but he's often the lowest, which allows him to displace bigger defenders, particularly on reach blocks. He does a great job of staying hip-to-hip with his guard on double teams, and his fast feet allow him to climb to the second level rapidly. In short-yardage situations, he gets an explosive jump off the ball that really helps with QB sneaks. Expect Gruwell to be a big part of that Dawson-Boyd OL success next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1992050"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69988b53562a7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bothun is a physical rarity in single-A football, and the two-sport athlete (Football/Baseball) has been attracting a lot of NSIC attention as of late. On his junior tape, Bothun proves to be a mean edge rusher who is capable of frequently disrupting both run and pass plays. One of my favorite parts of his game is how he blows up lead blockers. Fullbacks or pulling guards, it doesn't matter. Bothun will get underneath them and explode through, completely collapsing run lanes and blowing up the play in the backfield. He also plays an important role on offense as a tight end, where he's got legit receiving upside. Bothun is a fantastic checkdown, both because he's a reliable target and because he's more than capable of taking the rock downfield for extra yardage. I'm excited to see where his recruitment goes during his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1430774"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69988b53562ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another verified Dawson-Boyd standout with a legit frame, Bothun was hurt most of last season, but when he finally came back in Week 7, he made a massive impact. A lot of his tape is as a hybrid DB/LB, which is a role he fits into well. He's plenty adept as both a run stopper and a true DB in pass coverage. When he plays in the box, Bothun does a great job of screaming downhill and provides a legit run-stopping threat. He can create chaos in the backfield, especially when sent on a blitz, which he's been able to time up well several times on his tape. He's got a nose for the ball when he drops back into coverage, and sees a lot of success in zone defenses. Keep an eye out for Bothun next year; he looks like a prospect who can continue to do big things, especially with a full season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Breck Martin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"270","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Yellow Medicine East","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69988b5356388"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Martin is a giant of a sophomore that I really wish had produced more tape in 2025. He's a menacing figure at defensive tackle, and while he's not the quickest prospect in the state, he produces a devastating effect every time he collides with the ball carrier. He plays a "heads-up" brand of football, whether that be keeping his eyes on the QB while pass-rushing and bouncing outside when the QB rolls out, or swatting down passes with his long arms (of which he's done multiple times), Martin is always looking to disrupt the play. He often requires two, sometimes even three blockers to hold him off, and even then, he can split a double team and collapse the pocket. Martin should be someone to watch closely during his junior campaign next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Elvis Bellefeuille","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"125","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2441","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Dawson-Boyd","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69988b535649e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bellefeuille was the starting kicker for Dawson-Boyd last season and returns ready to make a big impact during his final high school campaign. He's fairly automatic when kicking extra points, going 17/22 last season, often leaving them with more than enough height and length. He didn't get a ton of field goal opportunities last season, but he did nail a pair from 15-yards out, right down the middle with plenty of room to spare. Keep an eye out for this out-state kicking prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kingston Crosby","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"230","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Dawson-Boyd","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69988b535651f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another promising Dawson-Boyd 2027 prospect, Crosby, is a big body two-way threat for the Blackjacks, finding a significant amount of time on both the offensive and defensive line. On defense, Crosby spends most of his time in the interior. He showcases an explosive jump off the LOS and has a few TFLs on his tape that really draw your attention. He is constantly working through the backfield and has utility as a pass rusher as well. On offense, Crosby finds himself aligned at right tackle. He showcases a lot of promise as a run-blocker, and once he starts driving his feet, he'll remove a defensive end clear out of the play. He's better at blocking in space than I anticipated, and he could end up being a big part of DB's success in 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Chance Kosel","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"190","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lakeview","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69988b5356617"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kosel is a sophomore ball carrier who is looking to break out in a big way in 2026. He put out a good amount of tape from last season, and it left me excited to see his junior campaign. On his 2025 tape, Kosel proved he can create problems for opponents across the field. As a running back, Kosel's contact balance, vision, and speed all impressed me. He's excellent at running between the tackles and is often able to break multiple tackles before hitting daylight and breaking off a chunk play. He runs hard and isn't afraid to set the tone with a defender by lowering his shoulder and running through them. There are a lot of things to like about Kosel's game going forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Logan Herrick","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lakeview","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69988b5356693"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A QB/SS who played a lot for Lakeview last season, Herrick is a two-way athlete that colleges should watch out for during his final run this fall. In my opinion, his best work is on defense. Herrick provides an intimidating force across the middle of the field and punishes QBs who throw near him by lighting up receivers. He does a great job of being physical at the catch point without drawing a flag, too. I like how he tracks the ball carrier as well, as he's often attached to that near hip and is careful not to overpursue. As a QB, Herrick showcases surprising arm talent and can drop deep balls right into his receivers' hands. He does a good job of bouncing in the pocket to buy time, and I like how he remembers to set his feet before he throws. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->