Underclassman Offensive standouts in the OK conference pt.1
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Midway through the season, the Ottawa-Kent conference has showcased some great underclassman talent. There are lots to list, and this is only part 1 of this series. These guys are really impressive talents, and all should be must-watch come senior…
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Continue ReadingMidway through the season, the Ottawa-Kent conference has showcased some great underclassman talent. There are lots to list, and this is only part 1 of this series. These guys are really impressive talents, and all should be must-watch come senior year. Here’s 7 underclassman worth watching.
Players to Watch
(’24) GR Christian QB Alek Wickstrom Alek Wickstrom 5'11" | 155 lbs | QB West Catholic | 2024 State MI – A 5’10, 150lb mobile pocket-passer quarterback, Wickstrom came in and impressed against rival East Grand Rapids. I’m impressed by his play-action reads and accuracy, and his footwork is above average for a sophomore.
(’24) East Kentwood QB Casey Joppie – A 6’1, 185lb pro-style quarterback, Joppie could be the real deal as soon as next season. Even this season, he’s looked good starting on varsity as a sophomore. I’m incredibly impressed by his reads and accuracy on many of his throws. I would like to see him improve on footwork, as well as ball velocity, and deep throw accuracy. Joppie is undoubtedly a player to keep your eye on.
(’25) West Ottawa RB Kayden Forbes – Starting on Varsity as a Freshman is no joke, and for Kayden Forbes, he’s got great potential. Standing at 5’7, 150lbs, he’s a smaller back with already a great build. He has a nice burst once he gets the ball, and he’s not afraid of contact. Over the coming years, I’d love to see him improve on his speed, as well as his elusiveness. His game would greatly benefit from some go-to open-field moves.
(’24) Forest Hills Eastern G Braeden Mulcahy – A great pulling Guard, Mulcahy is bound to be amazing at his position by next season. As I said, he excels in pulling, whether that’s to the inside or outside. He’s got great quickness and good power for a sophomore. I would like to see Mulcahy get bigger and stronger for next season.
(’24) Fruitport G Richard Wiggins IV – This guy really impressed me when I saw Fruitport take on Cadillac. I mean, Wiggins was extremely impressive as I didn’t see him lose a single block. He’s an excellent Guard, standing 5’8, 225lbs. He can move seniors with his power, and he can pull very well. Good footwork and leverage. Even when he gets driven back by a bull rush, he finds a way to win. His only weakness is his height, which technically could still change. I’m excited to see Wiggins face off against elite talent in the coming years.
(’24) Forest Hills Central ATH JT Hartman – Primarily a running back, Hartman has a decent workload on an incredible FHC team. He shows good burst and vision, and I’d like to see him do more in the open field, and perhaps in the passing game. It’s no surprise that he absolutely lit up the field on JV last season.
(’24) Grand Haven LS Nolan Peckham – It’s not every day you see a featured Long Snapper, but Peckham is way too impressive to not mention. Peckham lives and breathes long snapping, and he’s dang good at it. At 5’11, 275lbs, he’s got the skills and the body for the next level. Peckham is obviously very passionate about long snapping, and can’t wait to see if he continues it into college, which he surely deserves.