Quarterfinal Games & Prospects to Watch
In this article:
Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription! The quarterfinals are here, and we have narrowed it down to the best teams across the 8 Classes. Luck has nothing to do with it. These teams have put in the…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingUse code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription!
The quarterfinals are here, and we have narrowed it down to the best teams across the 8 Classes. Luck has nothing to do with it. These teams have put in the work, played together, and the results are coming out in their favors. Among the matchups in today’s article are multiple athletes that I will be watching closely, and college coaches should make sure to as well. Let’s dive into the recent tape of those athletes now!
#7 IC Catholic Prep vs #11 St. Laurence
Dominik is a monster on defense. The junior holds our #1 spot at LB in his Class, and the tape shows why. Hulak is a massive athlete, yet he has the athleticism to make plays all over the front seven and in coverage. Dominik’s frame is also packed with power. He runs through block attempts and delivers hard hits that end plays quickly. Dominik also has a great burst and closing speed. The dominant junior has a high football IQ and is decisive in his movements. The standout junior also has his athleticism utilized at TE where he is a mismatch at the HS level. Big things are ahead for Hulak.
Nathen’s best football is ahead of him. I see a lot of potential in his frame for more size and strength. He is a lean 250 lbs, and as he adds the size in a college weight room we are going to see his game take a big step forward. Right now, Nathen still has a lot to like. On offense, the senior has the range to be able to effectively pull across the formation and the strength to pop DL out of running lanes. Omolo has a sufficient anchor in pass protection as well. In double team scenarios we see Omolo removing DL from the screen with his partner. The senior has solid foot quickness and agility to get him to his targets and in position to have the leverage advantage. Don’t overlook the senior OG.
Highlights
Aaron has an exciting, well rounded game. The senior RB has been proving it in the playoffs. He can attack a defense with speed, stretch the field horizontally, break contain, and beat pursuit angles downfield. Then the senior will attack between the tackles and win with agility/jukes. Ball can also win with power and contact balance where he will rip through arm tackles. The senior and Top 10 RB in the Class has been a big play waiting to happen all season. Keep an eye on him this week!
Highlights
Connor isn’t the biggest LB prospect, but the traits are next level quality. Cleary possesses the blend of power and athleticism needed to thrive on defense in today’s football. He can impact the game against the run, on the blitz, and in coverage. Against the run, Connor is quick to attack downhill and shoot through his gap to close on the ball carrier. The senior shows good timing and burst when blitzing. In coverage, Cleary has the range to run in man coverage and drop/slide in zone coverage as he reads the QB. Don’t sleep on the LB prospect.
#1 Seneca vs #5 Wilmington
Kysen Klinkner
Kysen Klinkner
Senior Kysen Klinkner is a senior under the radar prospect to check out. Kysen is a 6’5″ LB/TE that makes an impact on both sides of the ball. On offense, Kysen is a traditional TE who can make an impact in the run and pass game. His blocking is effective. Kysen can win in the trenches by driving DEs off the ball or getting up to LBs. In the passing game Kysen is a big target that uses his size to his advantage to protect the ball and box out defenders. On defense, Klinkner is a rangy OLB who can set the edge against the run with his stout strength. You can also have him cover the flat to curl zones off the edge. Give the senior a watch.
Joshua Lucas
Joshua Lucas
Joshua is a hidden gem in the offensive trenches. He is a massive 6’4″ center, and the tape shows a talented run blocker. Joshua is a tone setter in the trenches with his bully mentality. You consistently see Lucas not only driving IDL of the ball, but finishing them into the ground. Joshua uses leverage to get underneath stout DL and reset the line of scrimmage downfield. I was impressed seeing how consistent Joshua is with his hand placement on his opponent as well. Seneca will need him to dominate so they can move on in the postseason.
Brendan Moran
Brendan Moran
Brendan is an LB prospect that isn’t afraid to do the dirty work between the tackles. Most of all, stuffing the inside run. Moran does a good job of playing his gap. He moves with the flow of the line against zone blocking, and he attacks downhill vs power. Brendan will take on and plow his way through blocks or try to stand the lineman up to at least hold the line. We have also seen Brendan play of the edge and hold the edge there against the run also. Wilmington will need him to step up against the OL of Seneca.
Brody Benson
Brody Benson
Brody is a 6’4″ 250 lbs OL who earned multiple offers over the summer. Easy to see why. Brody looks the part on the hoof, and once you click on the tape you see that he plays the part of a college OL. Brody has solid burst out of his stance, and is able to generate power right out of his stance. Benson has show he can create a push in the trenches, and does a good job of getting his body in position to be between the defender an the ball. Brody has strong hands that deliver a nice initial pop. This is a senior OL that needs even more attention.