Class of ’25: New Additions Pt. 2
The Class of 2025 Rankings Update saw 60+ names added to the rankings portion of the update. We covered 10 student athletes on Monday. Today, I am going to dive into another group of incoming sophomores that made their debut…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2025 Rankings Update saw 60+ names added to the rankings portion of the update. We covered 10 student athletes on Monday. Today, I am going to dive into another group of incoming sophomores that made their debut in the rankings. Part 1 was the Top Newcomer at Each Position. Part 2 is going to be six athletes that caught my attention, and made me put an asterisk next to their names to make sure I follow their seasons closely because I believe they are due for a big breakout as they look to get a taste of their first consistent varsity action. Let’s dive in!
Coming in at DB2 is the 6′ 190 lbs athlete out of Verona. Miles checks off so many boxes for an athlete at his age. He has great size for his age and position. He is aggressive in coverage, and as a run stopper. Miles has proven that he can be a three down option because of his ability to attack down hill quickly, and reliable tackling against the run. In coverage, Dawkins has good awareness to see receivers entering his zone, and he reads and reacts to the QB quickly. Dawkins is a smooth athlete who looks ready to make the jump to the varsity level whenever Verona needs him to.
The 6’2″ 205 lbs ATH out of St. Mary’s Springs has the tools to be a breakout star this fall. Noah possess exceptional size for his age, and it shows on his film as he towers over his peers. He also has superior strength highlighted by his ability to stiff arm or run right over defenders at the freshman level. If he stays at RB, Noah will be a north- south, tone setting runner. The big man also plays along the DL and LB where he uses that strength to toss OL out of the way. He is more raw on defense right now, but he look for him to breakout when he eventually gets a chance on varsity.
Highlights
I’m very excited about the potential that the 6’3″ 290 lbs OG demonstrated throughout his freshman tape. First off, the Grafton product is a bulldozer in the run game. He instantly gets the leverage advantage and drives DL off the ball with a strong, wide base and good hand placement then buries them into the ground. Nellis is a very consistent, violent finisher. What impresses me most is the big man’s range and ability to get to the second level with ease. That is going to be invaluable for the future of Grafton’s running game. Keep a close eye on this trench beast. Big things coming.
Highlights
The Hamilton Sussex athlete debuted as TE2 in our new rankings. He is used as an H-back where he lines up in the slot and in the backfield where he can create mismatches vs LBs. Rocco has already shown a strong understanding of leverage and how to use it to put himself in position to box out defenders. He has strong hands that allow him to hold on to the ball in traffic and while being hit. The 6′ 185 lbs athlete got a taste of Friday nights during one game where he was able to reel in 2 TDs while attacking the middle of the field. Sussex will be looking for new go to options this fall giving Rocco a shot to breakout.
Highlights
Sam instantly grabbed my attention with his tape, which earned him a Top 3 ranking at the LB position. He already has solid size for the OLB position at 6’2″ 190 lbs with years ahead of him for potential growth. His first step explosiveness stands out among his peers on the freshman field. He consistently is able to get penetration and create a ton of disruption. I’m excited to see him get a chance to play on Friday nights as 3/5 of the varsity’s leader in TFLs graduated including their sack leader from 2022. There is a void to fill in Lomira that looks perfect for the underclassman. The talent Sam has shown early in his career tells me he deserves a shot to fill it.