PRZ WI Showcase Preview: Athletes I Can’t Wait to See

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>*Make sure to utilize code Johnson30 for a 30% discount on a Prep Redzone subscription*</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are just a few days away from the Prep Redzone WI Spring Showcase on Sunday May 17th! The roster of athletes is shaping into a very talent rich pool that should set us up for a highly competitive day. Best of all is the representation from the Classes of 2027-2029 are all really strong. There are big time talents that are sure to put on a show during the combine, positional work, and 1 on 1 battles. As we prepare for the event I wanted to give a glimpse at just a sliver of the type of talent that we will be watching. Athletes that I think will crush the day and start their summer on a great note. If there are any athletes looking to join in the event still, we have extended registration so get signed up while you can! Now let's dive into why I'm excited to see these athletes in particular!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1653433"],"_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-6a0669c9d7aa5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I love that we are seeing several juniors who are alumni of previous Showcases returning to show their development and continue to raise their stocks. One such athlete is Verona WR Dejon Knutson. The '27 WR is set to be WR1 for Verona, and he is also ready to launch a summer of proving his individual talent. I'm pumped to watch Dejon in 1 on 1s. In past showcases we have seen Dejon dominate as a WR and also take reps and win at DB. Every time I watch Dejon he makes one of the plays of the day, so I'm ready for the show he will put on Sunday. No doubt about it, he will be one of the top athletes for coaches to watch on Sunday and throughout the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1227286"],"_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-6a0669c9d7ae1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another alumni of previous Showcases is QB Eli Ogi. I have very high hopes for Eli on Sunday. I will be looking for him to come out and show that he is the best QB in attendance. I know he has been putting in the work this offseason, as usual. That work has always led to him making strides in his game, so Sunday should be the first of many chances this summer to prove that he is one of the very best QBs in the Class of 2027. He has the frame, and Sunday he is going to show that he has the arm talent to play at a high level. I'm confident you will be seeing his name in tweets and articles following the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1336932"],"_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-6a0669c9d7b04"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Not only is Sam another 2027 alumni, he is also a previous MVP of the WR position. This time around I am excited to see the entire day from Sam. From the combine where he is sure to dominate with his agility and change of direction to the 1 on 1 battles where he will get to once again show off his unreal route running abilities. I have been able to see Sam in person multiple times over the past year, and the way he wins with his route running is among the best in WI. I can guarantee you I'll be watching him closely every chance I can.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1727545"],"_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-6a0669c9d7b24"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tate is a 2028 that I was very excited to see on the list of attendees. I'm looking forward to seeing what he checks in at for height, weight and everything else during weigh-ins. Then I will be anxiously waiting to see him battle the DBs in attendance in 1 on 1 battles. On tape we have watched Tate show that he has great hands and uses his size and long strides to attack down the field. I want to see that dominance on the field on Sunday. I believe Tate has a very high ceiling to continue to work towards, and am hoping to see him show us that potential on Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1627975"],"_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-6a0669c9d7b42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When I saw that Roman had registered to come compete on Sunday he instantly became one of the athletes I was going to make sure to keep a close eye on. 6'3+" 290, the top ranked OL in his Class, multiple years of varsity experience, and toughness off the charts illustrated by playing with a fractured ankle in 2025. Now that he is fully healthy I can't wait to take it all in. Frame, body comp, flexibility in his ankles and knees, balance and change of direction, and his anchor strength. I'm fired up to watch Roman verify that he is in fact one of the best OL in the state, not just his Class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1939657"],"_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-6a0669c9d7b5e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is an LB that has intrigued me since watching him during our winter rankings update. Wyatt is building the prototypical frame of an LB, sitting at 6' 215 lbs. He is coming off a sophomore season where he piled up 78 tackles, 12 TFLs, and 4 sacks. No doubt he has the talent to be very impactful playing downhill against the run and getting after the QB. What I want to see Sunday is how he tests athletically during the combine, both his times and just how he looks moving around the field. To go along with that I want to see how he plays in coverage vs RBs 1 on 1 and see if that is something he fits naturally into. Having that ability would make him even more valuable and continue to push him up our boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1184480"],"_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-6a0669c9d7b7b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As you can see by his Class ranking, Henry is one of the best players in his Class based off the tape. He is a TE that has already proven to be a mismatch as a freshman. His frame and athleticism are beyond his years in terms of development and the tape also shows that he doesn't hesitate to impose his will after the catch as well as using that big frame to create space and protect the football. On Sunday I want to see how he tests and most importantly I want to see him 1 on 1 vs older athletes. We have had a lot of talented TEs come through the Showcase over the years, and I have a ton of confidence that this can be a launching point for Henry as well. Big things ahead for Henry, and I can't wait to watch him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2124830"],"_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-6a0669c9d7b97"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The TE position should be a young, and loaded group. Our next athlete I can't wait to see live is another 2029 TE in Owen Schmitt. Owen has the frame to work his way into being one of the next top tier TE recruits coming out of WI. He is listed at 6'4" 225 lbs on his X account, and I'm excited to see him verify that Sunday. From there I want to see him in 1 on 1s. His tape shows a lot of his impact coming in the quick passing game, so on Sunday I hope to see him show that he can win further downfield and use athleticism or route running to get open. This will be a great chance for him to focus on the TE position and show what he can do before the season rolls around and we see him at TE/DE/K for Waukesha South. The '29 is a special talent that should already be on the radar of the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2124832"],"_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-6a0669c9d7bb4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lukas has been on the radar of Prep Redzone scouts since he was in 8th grade and our Midwest Director of Scouting was writing about him from one of the Minnesota D2 camps last summer. Sunday will be my first live look at the impressive freshman RB/LB. He has registered as an LB and I can't wait to get the verified testing numbers from his day. At his size, if he can put together a good slate of numbers it will launch him into rarified air early in his career. More importantly, if he can show that he can be fluid through drills and also matchup vs RBs in space 1 on 1 then he will be well on his way towards being a very high level recruit. Sunday is the launching point of what will be a very fun 3 years for Lukas. Get him on your radar today if he isn't already. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2124911"],"_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-6a0669c9d7bd0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The only downside of a team making a State Championship run is that their teams are loaded up with senior talent and the impressive freshman talent has to wait their turn to shine. Because of that Khaleb didn't get much tape from the season and is on our Watch List. So you can bet that the freshman will be someone I follow closely. I want to see what he measures in at, what the frame looks like, and then what he looks like as a pass rusher vs OL in 1 on 1s. I want to see the get off, how low he fires out, if he uses his hands consistently and effectively, and if he can counter off his pass rush moves. I hope to see Khaleb prove to be one of the top 2029s in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->