2023 Recruits Who Can Develop Into Saturday Studs

We are back at the 2023 class today looking at a handful of recruits who could easily develop into studs at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="357151" first="Gavin" last="Miller"] - Hobart - LB - 6’2" 185lbs Miller is a powerful backer who is able to do everything Hobart asks of him. Whether he needs to come down in the box, line up on a WR out wide, or play DE he’s shown to be versatile enough to have success and make plays. He’s not the fastest guy but he’s got decent speed and covers sideline to sideline. He’s got long strides, a thick frame, and has no issue hitting. He’s good in open space and can tackle when he’s the last line. He’s not bad mechanically most of the time as well. He’s shown the ability to come to balance and not over pursue. There are times he aims a bit high but if he can get that down some it won’t be an issue. Miller is someone who is able to anticipate the play developing and get to the gap ahead and make the play. As he gets stronger and develops physically, he’s going to become more well-rounded and powerful. Miller understands how to use the field and make a guy extend a play wider and wider until he runs out of room. Miller is sound in a ton of categories across the board and as he gets coached up, seems like someone who will make play after play. I’m curious to see what he can do this fall and how much he’s developed from year 3 to year 4. There was a big jump last year and if he’s able to have a similar jump, he could really begin to draw a ton of attention. [player_tooltip player_id="189496" first="Ethan" last="Evers"] - NorthWood - MLB/RB - 6’1" 205lbs Evers is fun to watch because he’s got a nose for the football. He’s able to find the ball in traffic and make the tackle. He’ll shoot through small holes and end up ink the backfield and make a play. He’s got a quicker first step than I anticipated as well. He’s got no issue lowering his shoulder to initiate contact. I will say, there are times he dips his head too low which can affect his tackle. Evers is able to come into the box and play the run as well as drop back into coverage. Personally, I think he’s best around the LOS when he can make things happen. He’s got a knack for getting home and affecting the throw. When in pursuit, he’s got a nice second gear and has good closing speed. He takes good angles and won’t put himself in a bad spot. Evers has long arms and strong hands. Once he gets his arms on a ball carrier, they’re going down. When he drops back into coverage, he keeps his feet moving, doesn’t cross, and won’t be on his heels. He’s better in zone than man because he likes to watch the eyes of the QB. He’s got a tendency to play a bit off and allow the catch but almost always is able to make the tackle. Evers is a fairly good, yet raw athlete. As he develops physically, he’s going to become a reliable option for his college’s defense. Evers is going under the radar and is the kind of guy who has been making college football go-round for over 100 years. I expect big things for Evers this fall and if he’s able to come out and have a big year, he’s going to get offers. Parker Richards - Pike - DB - 5’8" 160lbs Richards is an incredibly fluid athlete who can fly around the field. Pike uses him all over the backend of the defense and trusts him to move around. He’s got great instincts, sees the field well, and has incredible closing speed. He’s able to come downhill and blow plays up in the backfield. He is a bit light physically and needs some work in the weight room, but he can hit. He’s willing to throw everything he’s got into a tackle to make the play. Richards is someone who could come into the box and play LB if you wanted. While a bit light, he’s physical, explosive, and anytime he’s around the LOS for Pike he’s making plays. When he’s dropping back into coverage he’s got a sense of confidence about him. His backpedal can be rather smooth and he typically doesn’t have much-wasted movement. Richards can cover sideline to sideline with ease and is someone who could play Centerfield and just make play after play. He’s also someone who could be good in Special Teams whether it be as a gunner or returning kicks. He’s versatile and is only going to get better. There’s a lot to like with Richards and how he plays on the field. If he’s able to continue developing and have another good fall, there’s no telling where he could end up. [player_tooltip player_id="300141" first="Daniel" last="Tippit"] - Warren Central - QB - 5’10" 150lbs Tippit has come a long way for Warren Central and had to fight through some stiff competition to even see the field. When he’s been on the field for Warren Central, he’s been dynamic and effective. He’s typically quick with his decisions and gets the ball out fast and where it needs to be. He’s able to throw with anticipation and can throw his guy open. He doesn’t have the biggest arm but he’s consistent and accurate. With him, you know what kind of ball you’re getting and it’ll land right where it needs to. When he’s in the pocket and has time, his mechanics are fairly decent for his age and play time. He does have a heel click that’ll need worked out but outside of that, it’s very promising to see where he’s at already. He’s got a decent feel in the pocket and will step up and extend plays when he has to. Tippit has great timing and just has a nice feel for the game and things going on around him. The biggest question for him will be his physical development. There’s no denying that right now he’s a bit lighter and shorter than you’d like. But, he throws such a nice ball it shouldn’t matter. The ball comes out smooth, clean, nice tight spiral, and glides through the air. He’s accurate, makes quick decisions, and can throw with anticipation. That alone is more than half the recruits that are out there. This fall, he’s got the chance to go out as the full-time starter and show everyone what he’s got. Everything to this point has been a ton of flash and things to get excited about. He’s got a ton of weapons around him including [player_tooltip player_id="107090" first="Joe" last="Walker"] who makes everyone’s job a bit easier. If he’s able to come out this fall and play at a high level, he’ll be picking his best offer. [player_tooltip player_id="189112" first="Owen" last="Smith"] - LaVille - WR/CB - 6’2" 180lbs Smith made a catch at Purdue this past weekend that not only grabbed my attention and everyone who saw it, but it literally took the breath away from the coach I was standing next to. Smith was running a go route on the sideline. The ball looked to be thrown out of bounds. Somehow, Smith levitated to grab it and then got 1 toe-in like the Elastagirl. It was incredible and then his HUDL tape did not disappoint when I pulled it up later. He’s dynamic, versatile, plays both ways, and on Special Teams returning kicks. He’ll take a kick back to the house with even the smallest lane so I’m not sure why teams still kicked to him last year. At receiver, he can catch everything. If the ball gets in his area, he’s got the frame and arm length to go get. His ball skills are incredible and he’s got strong hands. His route running is fairly raw and he showed improvement this weekend. He’s also a bit light for his frame and as he gets stronger you can expect him to be more and more physical in the air. His vertical on tape is the same as it was at Purdue so that wasn’t a fluke either. He’s a jump ball monster and a Redzone scoring machine. I didn’t see much YAC but he’s a chains mover and is incredibly reliable. At DB, he’s got good pursuit, shows the same speed, and can tackle. He’s also willing to come into the box and play the run when asked to. Wherever he is on the field he’ll make plays. He’s versatile, lengthy, and has ball skills that some of the best receivers don’t have. This fall will be huge because with another step of development, he could be sifting through offers when it’s all said and done.