Gridiron Athletes Dominating the Hardwood
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Use code Johnson30 to save 30% off a subscription! College coaches love to recruit athletes that play multiple sports. Young athletes can learn techniques from the different sports that end up translating to another sport. As an example, I have…
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College coaches love to recruit athletes that play multiple sports. Young athletes can learn techniques from the different sports that end up translating to another sport. As an example, I have noticed several offensive linemen with basketball backgrounds are much lighter on their feet when they are in the trenches. Here in WI there are several athletes who have excelled on the gridiron and hardwood this fall and winter. I want to shine the spotlight on these athletes and give them the recognition they deserve. We start with an underclassman that has dominated both sports.
All signs point to Drew having the talent to play either basketball or football at the next level. Despite being a sophomore, Drew has already broke the 1,000 career point threshold in basketball. He is third in the state this season with 32.4 points per game. That follows a freshman season where he scored just under 20 PPG. He has Southern Door at 16-3 on the season, and first place in their conference.
On the football field, Daoust helped Southern Door to an 11-1 record. Drew is the starting QB for SD after spending his freshman year at receiver. The 6′ QB is a dual threat QB that hit double digit TDs through the air and on the ground as a sophomore. Drew has solid arm talent to build on. It is strong, he can make throws from teh pocket or on the run. Look for him to make the next step in his development next fall, and for him to carry an even bigger workload. Until then, enjoy him dominating the hardwood.
JJ has long been known for his dominance on the football field. He is the best WR in the Class of 2024, but recently he has been locking down the boards on the basketball court. JJ is currently 4th in the state with 15.5 rebounds per game. He also adds 18.0 PPG on offense. The big man knows how to establish position with that big frame, and uses it well to gather the rebounds.
On the field, JJ plays with the same superior power. After the catch, Douglas runs angry and is difficult to drag down. Before the catch, JJ uses his frame well to box out cornerbacks. His long arms further distance defenders from the ball. It looks like he is going up for a rebound when he is making the in-traffic catches. He is one of the best multi- sport athletes.
One of the state’s best facilitators on the hardwood this season is the Mosinee guard. He is 6th in the state with 7.2 assists per game. Keagan is also scoring 17.4 PPG. It is clear that he dominates with the ball in his hands. His play has been key to Mosinee’s 15-4 record.
On the gridiron, Keagan has been one of the most productive WRs for the past couple seasons. He is a quick twitch athlete who can get in and out of his routes quickly. That opens up a lot of space for his QB. After the catch, he has the speed to take it the distance and can again use that quickness to shake defenders in tight quarters. He is going to be the go to guy this fall. A monster year is in store.
One of the best receivers in the state has been a key contributor on the hardwood this winter. Drew has led Kettle Moraine to an 11-7 record on the back of his 18.1 points per game, and 7 rebounds per game.
On the field, Drew was a key factor in KM’s run to a state championship. He has been the go-to option for the past two seasons putting up 50+ catches and 1,000+ yards. Drew is exceptional at tracking the ball in the air. His body control allows him to make catches in awkward positions or along the sideline, and his route running is very crisp for the HS level. He is going to be able to play at a high level of competition at the next level. A “must know” athlete.
Brody is another athlete who is equally talented on the court as he is on the field. The senior is still looking for his next level home, and holds an offer for basketball. This season, Brody is averaging 16.9 PPG, 3.9 rebounds per game, and 3.7 assists per game. DeForest sits at 11-6 overall in basketball, and third palce in the Badger East.
On the field, Hartig was the go-to receiver for DeForest. He finished with 63 receptions, 844 yards, and 8 TDs. Brody is a bigger receiver, and uses his size to create separation, and gain yards after the catch. You see it a lot with the basketball/receiver combo. They have an innate ability to use their bodies to create separation. Brody is one of the top uncommitted seniors in the state. Especially at the WR position.
Highlights
Evan has been a bright spot on a struggling Catholic Central team. He has put up a very impressive 21.3 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, and 1.1 assists per game. The 21.3 points per game are nearly half of what Catholic Central is averaging per game.
On the field, Evan has had a similar impact. He was responsible for 1,100+ of the team’s 2,200+ yards thanks to his 805 passing yards ,and 311 rushing yards. Krien also made an impact in the defensive backfield with his 2 INTs, and 4 PBUs. We have the senior ranked as an ATH because he could play a few positions at the next level. DB is my projection for best fit due to his length, athleticism, ball skills, and willingness to tackle out in space. Check him out. Could be a solid D3 roster addition.
Highlights
Sun Prairie West has gotten off to a solid 11-5 record this season. Ean has been a great role player for the talented roster with his 8.8 points per game. He makes his biggest impact on the boards with his 11.6 rebounds per game. That doesn’t surprise me, though. The same way that Ean is able to establish position on the glass is the same way that he is able to bully opponents on the football field.
On the field, Ean is an impactful two way player. He plays TE and LB for West. On defense, Ackley led the team in tackles. He was able to read plays quickly, and has the athleticism to get to the gap to stop the RB or make play play sin coverage. On offense, Ean is a reliable target with soft hands. He is a very hard runner who has gained a lot of his 303 yards after the catch. He is going to be a senior to watch among a talented 2024 class.
Another two sport senior to check out is the Northwestern ATH Jase Nelson Jase Nelson 6’3″ | 170 lbs | ATH Northwestern | 2023 State WI . Jase has led his team to a 15-1 record. He is putting up 17.2 PPG, and 8.3 rebounds per game. He is also spreading the ball out with his 6.9 assists per game. Nelson has been able to make an impact in all parts of the game, and it has Northwestern poised for a postseason run.
On the gridiron, Jase helped Northwestern get to a 10-1 record. He was the leading receiver on the team with 25 receptions, 389 yards, and 4 TDs. He also added 39 tackles, and 3 TFLs on defense. I’m surprised we haven’t seen him get picked up, yet. He has good size for either sport, and has been productive in both. Give him a look. Solid last minute potential add.
Highlights
A senior with significant talent, and production, in both sports is the Hortonville DL/hooper August Maurer August Maurer 6’3″ | 210 lbs | DL Hortonville | 2023 State WI . Hortonville is 13-6 in basketball this winter. August leads the way with his 19.4 points per game, 6.1 rebounds per game, and 2.8 assists per game. Hortonville is currently .5 games out of third place in the FVA.
On the field, August is a dominant DL. He launches out of his stance when pass rushing around the edge. Maurer repeatedly demonstrates the body control and agility to be able to slide laterally and change direction mid-rush. Lastly, August takes on blocks and fights across linemen trying to seal him off against the run. He is one of the top uncommitted seniors overall.