34 Wisconsin Midseason Rising Stars: Underclassman
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The term “rising star” can mean a lot of things in the context of high school football recruiting. Whether it’s a kid no one has heard about who has themselves a productive game or season that people weren’t expecting, a…
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Continue ReadingThe term “rising star” can mean a lot of things in the context of high school football recruiting. Whether it’s a kid no one has heard about who has themselves a productive game or season that people weren’t expecting, a younger player stepping into a starting role, or a prospect on nobodies radar who you see at a camp who you think is set to have a big season, there are a lot of situations where a kid can be defined under that moniker. If you didn’t already know, PrepRedzone specializes in finding overlooked recruits and places a big emphasis on finding underclassman who have big potential as college prospects. Because we make sure to find freshman and sophomore talent before they hit the varsity level, there aren’t a lot of kids who break out onto the scene that we haven’t already heard of, so in this particular case we’re going to use “rising star” to define an underclassman recruit who has solidified themselves as a big-time varsity contributor and a surefire college prospect after showing a lot of potential as a freshman, as well as some prospects fresh to the scene! Additionally, I have found a couple freshman prospects in the 2025 class that I think our subscribers need to be aware of, and have broken down the game of these 26+ soon-to-be superstars below. Thanks for reading!
Potential Division 1 2024 Prospects
Derek Jensen (Arrowhead) OT. 6’6, 285 lbs. @DerekJensen2024
The biggest Wisconsin stock riser this season comes out of Wisconsin’s big school power Arrowhead and their sophomore sensation Derek Jensen – who has earned offers from Illinois, Iowa State, and Virginia since August 24th and also visited the Badgers on the 5th of September – cementing himself as the #1 prospect in the state for the class of 2024. Jensen plays like a lineman much older and much smaller, as he can pull and combo block up to the second level, and is strong at the point of attack as he shows some devastating down blocks and drive blocks in every game tape he’s posted. He also shows good technique and footwork in pass-protection, so the ceiling looks very high for the young buck from Hartland. I know the University of Wisconsin will sometimes wait to offer on instate kids, but I don’t know what more you’d have to see from Jensen, and with him already getting on campus for a gameday experience I would expect an offer to come sooner rather than later.
Drew Wagner (Kettle Moraine) WR/CB. 5’9, 155 lbs. @drew23wagner
Sadly, Drew’s older brother Matt – a senior at KM – got hurt prior to this season starting, but the younger Wagner has stepped up in a big way in his absence and has recorded 28 receptions for 590 yards and 8 TDs so far in his sophomore campaign. There’s a lot to like on tape here, as Wagner has the speed to eat up DBs cushions before they can react, and he’s taken advantage of this skills and recorded some splash plays through the air so far this season. He also has a little bit of wiggle in his hips and can break off his routes well, and that same footwork helps him after the catch, as he can time his cuts out to make defenders miss. He also has no problem making catches in traffic, and I think the future is very bright for the sophomore wideout. What a midseason tape so far!
Langdon Nordgaard Langdon Nordgaard 6'4" | 195 lbs | WR West De Pere | 2024 State WI (West De Pere) WR. 6’3, 185 lbs. @LangNordgaard
Already the recipient of a shoutout from our National Scouting Director Jake Lemming for a sick one-handed grab the sophomore made a couple of weeks ago, Nordgaard is having himself a heckuva start to his season and has put some good reps on film through four games so far. With solid speed for his size that can pull away from DBs once they get in-phase, Nordgaard really uses his size to his advantage and can efficiently high-point the football and use his big body to outposition DBs and not allow them to make a play on the football. He’s been a dangerous redzone threat so far this year and can adjust to the football well, and if he keeps getting bigger, faster, and stronger I think there’s a lot of potential in the 2024 prospect. Video:
West De Pere Sophomore wide receiver Langdon Nordgaard (@LangNordgaard) says, “Who needs two hands when you got one?” Big time grab by the 2024 prospect. pic.twitter.com/ZNaPuMwrel
— Jake Lemming (@HSFBscout) September 14, 2021
Joseph Koch (Menomonee Falls) RB/DB. 5’11, 170 lbs. @Joseph_koch24
Has rushed for 248 yards and 3 TDs and added 70 receiving yards so far this season. The sophomore is carving out a role in the Menomonee Falls backfield and has a stronger lower body than you’d expect for most underclassman of his size, which helps drive through arm tackles in the hole and weaker tackle attempts in the open field. He does a good job of setting up defenders with his cuts and can plant his foot in the ground and really generate force, leaving opponents in the dust and unable to anticipate where he is going to cut to. Also capable of catching the ball out of the backfield and contributing with screens, Koch has no problem sorting through traffic thanks to terrific vision and that already mentioned lower body strength. Coming from a program that has produced a ton of D1 talent I think the signs are pointing in the right direction for young Mr. Koch. Keep it up, sir!
Terrance Shelton (Franklin) RB. 6’, 185 lbs. @TSheltonJr
In his first four games of the 2021 season Shelton has put up 440 all-purpose yards at 6.4 yards a clip and added 9 TDs as well. A prospect who I first got my eyes on last season when the Sabers took on Oak Creek, Shelton Jr. is the #1 RB in the state for his class and has had no problem stepping into a larger role on varsity in 2021. He’s a duel-threat RB who is a very competent receiver out of the backfield who defenses need to be aware of at all times, and he’s done a fair bit of damage on screens out of the backfield so far this season. With a lean frame that can continue to add weight and muscle, Shelton has a shiftier running style that can slip through lower-body tackles and run by angles, and is overall a good blend of speed and strength at the RB position. He almost glides through the turf as a ball carrier and unassumingly cuts by or runs through/around defenses and next thing you know, he’s made a big gain. His body and skill-set are only going to continue to grow, so I think FBS schools really need to keep an eye on this kid.
Wesley Coates (Edgewood) DL. 6’3, 235 lbs. @wescoates58
The Madison native has good size for an underclassman defensive lineman and is held in high regards by his head coach Jesse Norris – who is a heckuva football coach that has seen a lot of talent while coaching the game. Coats can line up as a 3T or even head-up or outside the tackle, and can close the distance quickly when in pursuit of the ball. I like how he gets off the ball, and he can chop his feet, stay patient, and break down and make a tackle in space when unblocked. He still gets pushed around a little out there, but is still stronger than most of the OL he goes against and is able to blow by opponents without losing balance or get thrown off his path to the QB. He also shows a little bit of twitch and he’ll shoot his hands effectively, so overall there’s a lot of potential and things to like from only his first half season of varsity football.
Jonathan Ksobiech (Kettle Moraine) LB/S. 6’1, 195 lbs. @jksobiech1
Has recorded 25 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, and 5 sacks through midseason of his sophomore year. Made a great run down sack from the backside against Mukwonago and continues his backfield disruption throughout his tape and flies around the field like his hair is on fire. He closes distance quickly when he triggers on the football and is a force as a pass-rusher as well as in the run game, and he can even cover slot WRs and TEs and make plays in the open field. He’s laid some big hits so far this season and I am pumped to see how the rest of his tape looks.
Steven Scott III (Menomonee Falls) DL. 6’5, 265 lbs. @SscottIII
Massive size with huge thighs and a ton of natural strength and power who makes for a really tough 1-on-1 blocking assignment. He keeps a strong base that prevents him from being driven around, and he also does a good job of attacking pullers and reading and identifying run plays without over pursuing or putting his body in a position where he can’t make the play. His size alone makes him a D1 prospect, and if he keeps developing and improving I think Division 1 schools are going to start taking notice.
More Standouts
Finnley Doriot Finnley Doriot 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Kaukauna | 2024 State WI (Kaukauna) QB. 6’1, 165 lbs. @FinnleyDoriot
The second-year gunslinger has firmly stepped into his role as Kaukauna’s QB1, and has looked good doing it as his arm and poise in the pocket look like an upperclassman as opposed to a QB taking the reigns for the first time. With a smooth release, what looks like a strong arm for his age, and good touch on his deep balls he’s made some nice plays downfield for his offense so far this year. He also has the accuracy and comfort to consistently hit the more routine throws, and he keeps his feet active in the pocket and eyes downfield. There’s a lot of good things going for him on tape and he’s going to be one of the best QBs in the state for his graduating class soon.
Cade Palkowski Cade Palkowski 5'11" | 180 lbs | QB Oak Creek | 2024 WI (Oak Creek) QB. 5’11, 180 lbs. @c_palkowski1
One of my favorite finds from last season came out of Oak Creek and there then-freshman lefty gunslinger Cade Palowski. The standout baseball player has definitely added weight since his freshman season and it also looks like his arm got stronger. He throws a beautiful ball that can provide touch and zip depending on what the receiver needs. He’s also slippery in the open field and is an exciting duel-threat signal-caller who is competing for QB1 in the 2024 class of Wisconsin.
Karter Butt Karter Butt 5'10" | 215 lbs | RB Edgar | 2024 State WI (Edgar) RB. 5’10, 200 lbs. @ButtKarter
If you haven’t seen them already, I’ve been posting a weekly PrepRedzone feature focusing on the Midwest’s best individual performances week-to-week, and young Karter Butt Karter Butt 5'10" | 215 lbs | RB Edgar | 2024 State WI has consistently been catching my eye with some eye-popping numbers that have resulted in midseason totals of 44 tackles, 5 TFLs, a sack, a forced fumble, and 95 rushes for 740 yards and 11 TDs at a 123ish YPG average. With balance and burst, he’s an exciting ball-carrier to watch and has popped off some electric runs so far in 2021. He’s pulled out a spin move a few times in his big runs, and showcased some unique balance that helps continue trucking forward even when he’s wrapped up and it looks like the play is dead. His contact balance and lower body strength help him power through tackles and drag defenders for extra yardage, so if he can keep working on his top end speed I think he’s going to be one of the hardest backs to tackle in the whole state by the time 2024 rolls around. Check out some of his crazy runs so far in 2021: sophomore midseason
Damarcus Chappell Damarcus Chappell 6'2" | 220 lbs | DL Nicolet | 2024 State WI (Nicolet) DE. 2024. 6’2, 215 lbs. @dama1cus
Uses his hands very well and utilized throw-bys and shucks when he feels lineman leaning on him, and has a quick first step who can get upfield quickly and disrupt run and pass plays for opponents. He’s also strong enough to take on blocks by OL or RBs while keeping an eye on the football and is a smooth runner who looks athletic while getting after the ball. Also a violent tackler, and if he can keep on lifting and adding weight and strength he’s going to be seriously dominant as an upperclassman.
Chase Matthias Chase Matthias 6'0" | 215 lbs | ATH Two Rivers | 2024 State WI (Two Rivers) RB. 5’11, 200 lbs.
Has put up some monster stats through six games so far as he has rushed 140 times for 1,320 yards and 14 TDs. Unfortunately, he does not have any film available so I’m not sure what he’s working with, so to speak.
Logan Gross Logan Gross 6'3" | 270 lbs | OL Sun Prairie | 2024 State WI (Sun Prairie) OL. 2024. 6’3, 260 lbs. @loganrgross
Varsity OT for a D1 heavyweight in Sun Prairie. Gross already sports good size and will continue growing into his body, which should worry opposing DL for the next few years. Has sufficient strength with his initial punch to freeze DL, and he’s tough to disengage from and will look to finish if he gets his hands firmly on your chest plate and will fight to keep leverage until the whistle blows. Also has some solid experience in pass-pro and can handle speed or power rushes, but will need to continue to work on his footwork and getting stronger. However, the future looks bright for him to play some scholarship football.
Kade Frisby (Wilmot Union) WR/DB. 2024. 6’4, 180 lbs. @FrisbyKade
Through four games of varsity football he has posted 15 receptions for 185 yards and a TD. With a long, lean frame, Krisby has a great body type to add good weight going forward, and potentially a lot of it. Has made some impressive catches this season with diving endzone catches and snags on the sideline, and displays an ability to drop his hips to break off his route, as well as high-point the football. He’s made catches on a big variety of routes so far this year and looks polished and fluid for a kid of his age. Keep an eye on him!
Caymen Fishing (Somerset) HB. 6’2, 210 lbs. @CaymenFishing
Has big play and big blocking ability as a HB and had a big game last weekend vs. Viroqua where he sent a kid flying on a swipe back as a wing and also took an out route 60+ yards to the house. He’s aggressive and smooth on both sides of the ball and does a great job of attacking blockers and meeting the football at or behind the LOS thanks to quick reads and an affinity for contact. He’s fun to watch and brings good size to the table, so I think it’s safe to say he’s a scholarship prospect at this point in time. Keep working, Caymen!
Peyton Snyder Peyton Snyder 5'10" | 200 lbs | ATH Mondovi | 2024 State WI (Mondovi) RB. 2024. 5’10, 200 lbs. @peyton_snyder23
Already an experienced varsity contributor, Snyder is thick, stocky RB with a hard-nosed attitude and some exciting contact balance who can see the field well. He’s also a powerful LB and is going to have a ton of game experience by the time his prep career concludes. I’ll be more than excited to keep watching him run through people for a couple more years.
Max Stuhmacher (Nicolet) OL. 2024. 6’3, 300 lbs. @maxstuhlmacher
Has made some solid gains from his freshman to sophomore years and is moving better and looking pretty dominant through midseason. He looks hard to disengage from and is far from passive in pass-pro, plus has good strength that you’d typically see in an upperclassman, which he uses to toss kids around like they’re a sack of potatoes. I’m overall a big fan of Max as a person and a player and he’s got scholarship football in his future if he keeps working hard.
More Names to Know
Ethan Mathe Ethan Mathe 5'7" | 185 lbs | RB Winneconne | 2024 State WI (Winneconne) RB/WR. 5’7, 165 lbs. @ethanbm11_ethan
Has rushed 91 times for 587 yards and 6 TDs through 5 games and runs like the bat out of hell and shows a mean stiff-arm and some solid contact balance and top end speed who can really hurt you if he gets the edge of the defense. He’s fun to watch run the football with a good tool belt of ways to break tackles, and will only get more exciting with a couple additional winters of hard work in the weight room.
Carter Christy Carter Christy 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln | 2024 State WI (Lincoln) LB. 5’11, 185 lbs. @CarterChristy42
Younger brother of Minnesota State University-Moorhead signee Keagan Christy Keagan Christy 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Wisconsin Rapids | 2022 State WI , younger brother Carter takes on and avoids blocks well and is a slippery combination of speed and strength who diagnoses plays well and get through or around blockers to limit RB gains.
Tyler Williams Tyler Williams 5'11" | 175 lbs | ATH Waukesha South | 2024 State WI (Waukesha South) WR. 5’10, 160 lbs. @Tyler_Will24
Has some nasty jukes in the open field and will snatch your ankles if you don’t squeeze the distance and get hip to hip with him. Has some good production as a sophomore wideout.
Alexander Wraalstad Alexander Wraalstad 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Oconomowoc | 2024 State WI (Oconomowoc) RB. 2024. 5’10, 175 lbs. @AWraalstad
Good North-South runner with the size to put on more weight and retain his speed.
Gavin Lettenberger Gavin Lettenberger 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Manitowoc Lincoln | 2024 State WI (Manitowoc Lincoln) 6’1, 205 lbs. @GavinLetts_10
Positionally versatile with solid size for a freshman who can line up as a RB, WR, or LB and is a tough runner with the ball in his hands who can run straight through ya if you ain’t ready.
JV Stock Risers
Jace Stolte (Sun Prairie) WR/OLB. 6’3, 180 lbs. @JaceStolte
JV tape looks solid as he can long-stride past DBs and make catches in traffic, and as an OLB he can pursue and blitz off the edge and use his length to his advantage when engaging blockers.
Nino Baier (Menomonee Falls) OL/DL. 6’4, 300 lbs. @NinoBaier
Squatted 405 x3 this spring and has put that work in the weight room to good use as he fires off the ball and some pop at the point of contact. Can play both ways and overpowers his opponents with size and strength.
Jackson Berg (Altoona) DB. 2024. 5’10, 160 lbs. @JacksonJoshuaB1
Has posted 18 tackles through four games of his sophomore year. Has mixed in on some varsity and shows a willingness to stick his head in there and make a tackle. Good special teams contributor as a sophomore.
2025s to Know
Wade Lindahl (Lourdes Academy) QB. 2025. 5’11, 159
Starting QB for Lourdes Academy as a freshman.
Jackson Kitzmiller (Edgewood) DL/OL. 2025. 5’9, 225 lbs.
Andrew Mirek Andrew Mirek 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Oconomowoc | 2025 State WI (Oconomowoc) QB. 2025. 5’9, 155 lbs.
Charlie Hoitink Charlie Hoitink 6'4" | 305 lbs | OL Slinger | 2025 WI (Slinger) OL. 2025. 6’4, 280 lbs.
Griffin Rousseau (Stoughton) OL. 6’6, 280 lbs.
Kaden Bates (Oak Creek) RB. 2025.
Getting varsity reps as a freshman.