Gatlin has been a consistent force for Stoughton the past few seasons. He wrapped up his high school career by going for 90 Carries, 517 Yards, 7 TDs, 13 Receptions, 217 Yards, 2 TDs, 93 Tackles, 7 TFLs, and 1 Sack as a two way impact player.

That dominance rolled over to the wrestling season. Gatlin would wrestle at the 285 lbs, heavyweight Class. Over the season he piled up a 48-2 record while making a run to a State Championship Runner- Up finish.

The NDSU commit has the size, strength, and physical mentality to develop into a contributor at the next level. He won’t shy away from contact and the thing about wrestlers is they usually have a great sense of how to use positioning, leverage, and strong hands to give themselves the advantage.

Stats: 19 Tackles, 1 TFL

Gatlin ended his high school career with a gutsy performance, putting down 19 tackles for the Stoughton defense. Gatlin dominates with his power and old-school thumper play style. He does really well taking on blocks and using his well developed strength to press them away to open up separation and quickly disengaging to make the tackle. The big, physical athlete also has a few clips showing he can move out in space, chase down the ball after shedding blocks, and get depth in coverage and make tackles on receivers. The uncommitted senior is well worth a deep dive. Start with the Week 9 tape below.

Stats: 4 Carries, 21 Yards, 1 TD

One of the athletes on the Stoughton side that I was excited to see in person was senior Gatlin Empey Gatlin Empey 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB/RB Stoughton | 2026 State WI . The senior looks the part of a college prospect. 6’1″ 225 lbs that was filled out with muscle. The RB/LB thrives when he can utilize his power. His short TD run featured that power as he ripped through the middle of the defense for the score. That same physicality makes the senior a potential impact player at LB too where he can be a force vs the inside run game. Get eyes on the uncommitted senior.

Gatlin is an intriguing prospect that is on the rise. The 6’1″ 225 lbs off-ball LB has no shortage of physicality. He is a stout tackler that ends all forward progression on contact. The strength is there to take on blocks and shed them without losing ground or getting driven out of a gap. Empey is also very assignment sound, always filling his gap against the run. Gatlin also flashed the range to be able to get out into the flats to cover short routes and could open up that range even more if we see him continue to make improvements athletically. If being a downhill, physical LB wasn’t enough, Gatlin also took snaps at RB where he dared defenders to meet him 1 on 1 in the hole and bring him down. The physicality definitely carries over to the offensive side of the ball. Keep an eye on this kid.