In-Depth Look: Thirteen of Virginia’s Top 2024’s
The state of Virginia consistently churns out high-caliber talent that goes on to the FBS level. The 2024 class is no exception and is filled with prospects who have already shined at the varsity level. We dug in and analyzed…
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Continue ReadingThe state of Virginia consistently churns out high-caliber talent that goes on to the FBS level. The 2024 class is no exception and is filled with prospects who have already shined at the varsity level. We dug in and analyzed thirteen of the top 2024 prospects from around the state.
RB: Daeshawn Nixon, 5’10, 190, Indian River
This is a powerful back who looks to finish runs by lowering his shoulder. Nixon shows a strong lower half that defenders consistently bounce off of. He’s tough to bring down between the tackles and can stick his foot in the ground and bounce a run at any moment. His vision and balance could make him an elite back in the 2024 class.
WR: Keylen Adams, 6’2, 185, Green Run
A magician after the catch that can flat out fly. Adams does a good job changing route tempos to lull DB’s to sleep before bursting and running right by them. He immediately stacks a defender once he beats them and shows the ability to track just about any deep ball. Adams shines against press coverage and shows footwork beyond his years.
QB: Ethan Minter, 6′, 185, Thomas Dale
A strong-armed, left-handed quarterback prospect who is outstanding off-platform. Minter is dynamic on called quarterback runs and has an extra gear behind him to outrun the defense. He’s a talented vertical ball thrower who will put the ball right in the breadbasket. Minter can extend when the pocket collapses and is a gifted passer when on the move.
DB: Tyler Baker, 5’11, 180, Green Run
A twitchy safety prospect with great burst and closing speed. Baker is not afraid to roll up and play in the box & has shown an extremely high motor. He finishes through his man and will speed his feet on contact. He made plenty of plays behind the line of scrimmage and has shown he can be an outstanding blitzer off the edge.
WR: Jamauri Knox, 5’9, 160, Oscar Smith
A shifty slot who can make you miss after the catch. Despite his size, Knox is a physical presence as a blocker and is willing to take on anyone at any time. He’s deadly in the quick game and can stop & start on a dime to make you pay. Look for him to take a big jump in year two on varsity.
ATH: Eric Smith, 5’9, 155, Manchester
A dynamic playmaker who can make something happen at wide receiver, cornerback, or as a return man. At corner, Smith is a smooth operator out of a shuffle and does a good job reading quarterbacks. He’s shown good ball skills and the ability to fight off blocks on the perimeter. As a wide receiver, he’s a serious deep threat equipped with quick hands.
WR: Chanz Wiggins, 6’3, 185, King George
A long strider with deceptive build-up speed. Wiggins can climb the ladder and will go get the football at its highest point. He shows strong hands in traffic and the ability to contort his body into awkward positions to make tough catches. He’s a smooth route runner who can work every part of the tree.
DB: Da’Vontae Floyd, 5’11, 170, Maury
Floyd has potential on either side of the football, but I think he’s at his best at corner. He’s a physical tackler, patient in press coverage, and shows great anticipation. He can turn on the breaks, sink his hips and quickly get out to break to his man. Floyd shows great recovery speed and can climb the ladder in jump ball situations.
DB: Jaden Ratliff, 6′, 170, Norcom
A tough safety prospect with great route recognition. Ratliff closes ground quickly when diagnosing the run and will literally run through any ball carrier in his path. He does a good job of coming to balance in space and has shown the vertical leaping ability to go up and punch the ball out in 50/50 ball situations.
ATH: Kesean Henderson, 6′, 180, Hopewell
The younger brother of the nation’s #1 running back, TreVeyon Henderson is already making a name for himself. At running back, Kesean is extremely slippery and showed the speed to outrun angles. His balance and body control are pretty ridiculous, as he often spins and throws defenders off of him. At linebacker, he’s a fierce pass rusher who will deliver punishing blows once he makes initial contact.
DB: Asaad Brown, 6′, 175, Portsmouth Christian
A physical cornerback prospect that overwhelms wide receivers when in press coverage. Brown has a nasty off-hand jam and can literally drive receivers out of bounds with it. His breaks stay within the framework of his body, and he will gladly come up to make tackles in run support.
WR: Tasean Young-Stieff, 6′, 160, Green Run
On tape, Tasean shows good shake with the ball in his hands and the ability to work all three levels of the field. He’s versatile enough to line up in the backfield and can create chunk plays once he gets to the outside. He’s a high effort blocker who will go the extra mile to spring a run. He’s explosive on top of it all and has shown that he can turn a simple five-yard catch into a long gainer.
DB: Milton Ferguson, 5’11, 160, Green Run
On tape, Ferguson looked comfortable on an island in off coverage and showed loose hips. He has experience in press coverage and has the quick feet to excel in it. He reads three-step well and does a good job of leaning into the receiver on downfield releases. This young man plays technically sound with great eye discipline and has fluid movement skills.