2023’s I’m Excited to See Added to the Rankings
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With the Classes of 2025 and 2024 rankings update behind us it’s time to dive into the Class of 2023! The Class of 2023 has my largest list of new names that I need to add to the rankings, and…
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Continue ReadingWith the Classes of 2025 and 2024 rankings update behind us it’s time to dive into the Class of 2023! The Class of 2023 has my largest list of new names that I need to add to the rankings, and there are dozens in particular that have my interest in where they will debut. That is what I want to dive into today. I want to look at several players that I’m excited to see make their debut in the rankings, and see where they matchup with their peers. I’ll also go into why they have peaked my interest. Let’s do it!
Anthony Corona Anthony Corona 6'2" | 210 lbs | DB Wilmot | 2023 State WI , DB- Wilmot Union
The 6’2″ 205 lbs safety is going to find himself in the running for DB1 in the Class of 2023. The big man has a well rounded game already. Anthony is a three down safety prospect who is gong to be just as effective against the run as he is against the pass. Against the run, Corona is able to use his speed to fly downhill from his deep safety spot to the line of scrimmage to make tackles in a flash. He doesn’t just have to break through free either. Corona has proven he has the strength to defeat blocks. Against the pass, Anthony can play a deep zone, read and react, and then get to the ball with ease. He also can line up on a man and play tight man coverage. To top it all off, Anthony has the ball skills to generate turnovers. This is going to be a fun player to watch in 2022!
Blake Fletcher Blake Fletcher 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Horlick | 2023 State WI , LB- Racine Horlick
Blake is going to be firmly in the running for the #1 off ball LB when the 2023 rankings debut! The 6’3″ 220 lbs LB is an extremely gifted athlete and has all the traits you want in an ILB preparing for his senior season. He has elite play speed and range that allow him to play sideline to sideline, pick up RBs and TEs in coverage, and close quickly on the ball. He is a strong dude as well as he has proven he can disengage from blocks and you can see the power when he tackles. Even his prototypical wrap ups are big hits as he runs through ball carriers. Blake is such a smart player also. He quickly diagnoses plays and reads the flow of the line to get himself exactly where he needs to be right on time. His three down ability further increases his value as he won’t need to leave the field for any situation. I’m pumped to see where he debuts!
Nate White Nate White 6'0" | 175 lbs | RB Rufus King | 2023 State WI , ATH- Rufus King
The 6’ 170 lbs athlete is going to have a great shot at ATH1 when the 2023 rankings debut! Nate was the most electric player I watched live this past fall. From his QB position for Rufus King, Nate used his rare, quick twitch suddenness to turn the tiniest slivers of daylight into huge, game changing plays. His acceleration is also elite as is his top end speed. His field vision fully maximizes his athletic traits as he quickly reads blocks and sees defenders and understands their leverage. Once Nate gets into the open field it’s over. It’s no wonder why he has been receiving consistent communication from the D1 level including the Badgers. This is a name you need to know in the Class of 2023.
Collin Selk OL- Columbus
The 6’5″ 265 lbs OL is going to be one of the top OL when the rankings debut. He actually plays both ways, but I believe he is best on the offensive side of the ball. That is where he is able to maul linemen. His strength is clearly next level ready and he has proven it by using leverage, and that raw strength to dig defensive linemen out of the trenches and into the second level. Selk also has made a habit of burying defenders into the ground. Collin is a tone setter, and was a major key to Columbus’ dominant run game. The big man is the easiest mover of all the top big men of the Class of 2023. There is so much potential to tap into here. He is going to be a beast this summer and fall. Lok for his recruitment to start popping off during camp season.
Thomas Paasch Thomas Paasch 6'7" | 295 lbs | OL Green Bay Southwest | 2023 State WI , OL- Green Bay Southwest
The 6’7″ 295 lbs lineman is going to have a great shot at being OL1 when we debut the rankings for the Class of 2023! He has really impressed me with his growth physically and within each of his traits. He has the best build of any 2023 I’ve seen here in WI, and after watching his film along with seeing him in person at offseason camps I came away very impressed. His body control and flexibility have made a big jump over the past year, which tells me he could be just starting to scratch the surface on his potential. In the run game, Thomas clamps his heavy hands onto his man and uses his wide, strong base to drive defenders back into level two. In the pass game, Paasch slides smoothly and is able to use his elite length to make first contact and to be able to recover. The D1 level has been keeping a close eye on him and he has just landed his first offer from Eastern Michigan. Only the beginning!
Brent Hoppe Brent Hoppe 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL Turner | 2023 State WI , LB- Turner
The 6’4″ 220 lbs edge rusher looks like he will debut as the #1 defender on the board! Brent was the first ’23 I saw to land a D1 offer in the form of a Central Michigan offer. It’s easy to see what got their attention. He has a perfect frame for the position and he has rare traits. His first step off the line is unmatched and it makes him unblockable. If you don’t think he is then look at the stats. He led the state in TFLs with 42 and he had a game where he collected 7 sacks! Unblockable! Even if he gets blocked initially, Brent has a relentless effort and has the strength to power his way to the QB or RB in the backfield. You won’t find a better edge presence than Hoppe. The only tough choice for myself is DL or LB. You will know this name.
Gabe Herman Gabe Herman 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB De Pere | 2023 State WI , QB- De Pere
This one is very intriguing to me. The Class of 2023 has the best collection of QB talent that I have seen come out of WI. Herman has himself firmly in the mix for QB1 in that elite group. The 6’3″ 205 lbs signal caller’s arm instantly stands out as one that can play at a high level of college competition. He can hit every blade of grass on the field and get it there on a rope if needed. It’s not just a strong arm, but an accurate arm as well. He can put it on a spot depending on leverage by the DB. He also has the athleticism to buy time. Speaking of buying time, Gabe is one of the best at it in the state. He plays even bigger than he is listed, and is very strong making it hard to drag him down. Herman steps up in the big games also. He has a lot of traits that should excite teams. I know I’m pumped!