A top performer from PrepRedzones Stock-Up Showcase in December, Sylvester put together some impressive film from last fall and it’s easy to see how his stock continues to rise. On Sylvester’s tape, he puts in WORK between the tackles. He does a great job of exploding through the line of scrimmage and he rapidly picks up speed once he hits that second level. He’s got quick feet and can tiptoe through tight holes on the LOS and when he pumps his legs through contact he proves incredibly difficult to bring down. Keep an eye out for Sylvester in 2025, he’s easily on breakout watch.

A little 218 and Duluth-area representation high up on the 2027 Big Board, 6’1, 185 lb. RB/SB Joe Sylvester had a great freshman campaign with the Greyhounds and has carried the momentum into the spring, where he has qualified for the MN state track tournament in the triple jump. Sylvester has a great shot of continuing to rise up the rankings, despite an impressive #7 overall debut, as he tallied 10 TDs and over 1,000 varsity all-purpose yards in 2023 and is hungry for more. A dynamic weapon out of the backfield who was dangerous and productive as both a rusher and pass catcher as a freshman, Sylvester shows soft hands and some ball skills that helped him perform especially well on RB dumps and wheel routes as a wingback or from the backfield. There’s noticeable tackle-breaking ability – namely burst, quickness, footwork, and balance through contact, which is helped by his budding strength in his upper and lower body, and I really like his vision as well. Sylvester utilizes an effective jump cut when necessary, and most importantly, he displays game-breaking speed that can finish big runs once he gets the edge or gets to the third level of a defense. Had some physically overpowering and defeating reps against upperclassmen-heavy defenses in 2023, a great sign as he heads on a path of more physical maturation, growth, and development. Going to be a huge year for Sylvester in 2024.