2024 Athletes Ready To Step Up

It is never too early to look ahead. After all, looking to the future is the essence of recruiting. It is also never too early to get a good jump on finding playmakers that have the potential to be stars for years to come. That is why this week we will be evaluating the Class of 2024 as they start to make their push into the spotlight. We start with the five tremendous athletes who are already in our prospect index. These student-athletes may be unheralded, but with greater opportunities set to come their way, anticipate big things coming for them in the years ahead. [player_tooltip player_id="109626" first="Trey" last="Stephens"], 6’0, 170 pounds, Andrean [player_tooltip player_id="109626" first="Trey" last="Stephens"] is a great contributor in all three phases. As a running back, he has great speed and vision. Stephens can see the hole open up, put his foot in the ground and then accelerate into the second level. On special teams, he does a good job covering kickoffs. He can be that special teams ace who helps flip the field position. While Stephens is solid in those two areas, he really excels as a linebacker. Stephens stops the run very well. He sets the edge and takes very good angles in his pursuit. [player_tooltip player_id="109626" first="Trey" last="Stephens"] plays fast and he is somebody that I see progressing a lot this season. [player_tooltip player_id="109628" first="Gabe" last="McGuire"], 5’10, 160 pounds, Alexandria-Monroe [player_tooltip player_id="109628" first="Gabe" last="McGuire"] is an exciting player capable of making electric plays happen any time he steps on the field. He is a pure dual-threat quarterback who can provide a spark on every play. He has good arm strength already, but I believe that his arm strength and his accuracy will only improve as he continues to grow and gain more experience. McGuire can make off-platform throws - something that coaches are looking for more and more. When the play breaks down, McGuire keeps his composure and makes plays. He can break tackles and escape sack attempts. His running ability, athleticism and elusiveness are incredibly impressive. He finds ways to pick up chunk yardage and give defenses fits. [player_tooltip player_id="109628" first="Gabe" last="McGuire"] will continue to get better and he can be a great player at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="109617" first="Glenn" last="Patterson"], 5’10, 165 pounds, Lafayette Jefferson [player_tooltip player_id="109617" first="Glenn" last="Patterson"] is a true playmaker all around the offense. He lines up as both a running back and a wide receiver. At running back, Patterson is a great north-south runner. He finds the hole and bursts through. Patterson has a very direct running style, something that coaches at the next level want. He is somebody a coach can depend on to pick up yards. He can also get into another gear when gets to the linebacker level. As a receiver, Patterson is somebody that a quarterback can always count on. He runs his routes well and he can make contested catches. [player_tooltip player_id="109616" first="Marques" last="Ballard"], 5’10, 170 pounds, Boonville [player_tooltip player_id="109616" first="Marques" last="Ballard"] is an outstanding player in all three phases on the field. Ballard is a constant threat in the return game. He can set the offense up in great field position but, he often does far better than that. Ballard is capable of scoring every time he gets the ball. Defensively, Ballard is a shut-down corner. He plays the ball very well and can come up with a pass breakup or an interception. He also excels on offense. Ballard shows the ability to do well in the screen game, however, I believe that he can also be a great receiver and running back, as he the qualities required to do both effectively. [player_tooltip player_id="109614" first="Dontrez" last="Fuller"], 5’10, 160 pounds, Anderson [player_tooltip player_id="109614" first="Dontrez" last="Fuller"] has remarkable versatility. On the defensive side of the ball, Fuller can play corner and safety. He has the speed and coverage skills necessary to cover any receiver. Fuller is also a standout receiver. He has very good route running abilities and is a sure-handed receiver. [player_tooltip player_id="109614" first="Dontrez" last="Fuller"] is another player who I see immense growth coming from this season. These five student-athletes may still be young, but they each have a very high ceiling. All of these great prospects will continue to get better as they gain more experience. Now is the time for college recruiters to take note of what these five are capable of. This season will be a big one for each of these great players. However, they have proven that they are more than ready for the spotlight.