Prep Redzone WI Stock Up Showcase Standouts: RB’s & LB’s
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On Sunday, December 5th, we ventured out to Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and the campus of Elkhorn High School for the third stop on the Stock up Showcase Tour. The event featured about one hundred and fifty prospects, plenty of which were…
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Continue ReadingOn Sunday, December 5th, we ventured out to Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and the campus of Elkhorn High School for the third stop on the Stock up Showcase Tour. The event featured about one hundred and fifty prospects, plenty of which were hidden gems. The event was split into two sessions, the first of which featured running backs, linebackers, offensive, and defensive linemen. Below, we analyzed the top running back and linebacker performers from session one!
RB’s
Najeh Mitchell Najeh Mitchell 5'9" | 175 lbs | ATH West De Pere | 2023 State WI , West De Pere, 2023
A talented running back that clocked a 4.60 40 yard dash time on his first attempt. Mitchell showed outstanding burst, phenomenal body control, and elite change of direction during 1 on 1’s. He was a mismatch against linebackers out of the backfield and made defenders look silly in the “make you miss” competition period.
Ethan Mathe Ethan Mathe 5'7" | 185 lbs | RB Winneconne | 2024 State WI , Winneconne, 2024
Not the biggest back, but man, is he shifty. Mathe was able to easily stick his toe in the ground and accelerate out of his cuts during individual. His routes were clean during 1 on 1’s, and he displayed natural hands when working all three levels of the field.
Keany Parks Keany Parks 6'2" | 180 lbs | ATH Kenosha Bradford | 2023 State WI , Kenosha Bradford, 2023
Parks has serious potential at both wide receiver and running back. He stood out in every facet of the camp, whether it be individual, pass protection, or 1 on 1’s. He used his speed to simply run by opposing linebackers and loose hips to stop on a dime & make defenders look silly during the competition period.
Terrance Shelton, Franklin, 2024
What stood out to me most about Mr. Shelton was his footwork and wiggle. Despite a slippery surface, Shelton was able to maintain balance and run a complete route tree during 1 on 1’s. He was consistent all session long and seemed to win the majority of the reps he took part in.
Corey Smith Corey Smith 6'0" | 180 lbs | RB Catholic Memorial | 2024 State WI , Catholic Memorial, 2024
Smith ran a 4.54 & 4.56 50 yard dash, but honestly, I think he may be even faster than that. This kid was a nightmare to guard during 1 on 1’s & ran some crisp double moves. He proved to be extremely explosive with the ball in his hands and ran routes better than most wide receivers.
LB’s
Drew Braam Drew Braam 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Oak Creek | 2024 State WI , Oak Creek, 2024
A well-rounded inside linebacker that plays fundamentally sound football. Braam’s technique was spot on all night, as he was able to get hands-on backs out of the backfield & run with them vertically downfield. He’s got a solid frame and just plays smooth & relaxed.
Jax Hertel Jax Hertel 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Big Foot | 2023 State WI , Bigfoot, 2023
Jax played quite well as a running back as a junior but projects as an outside linebacker at the next level. On Sunday, he showed good play strength along with swift change of direction. He was poised & under control during the competition period and didn’t lunge at backs looking to make him miss in the open field.
Blake Matthys Blake Matthys 6'1" | 215 lbs | ATH Brodhead | 2024 State WI , Brodhead, 2024
Just a sophomore, but the burst and instincts you want in a linebacker are there. He showed strong hands going against backs in pass pro & constantly rolled his hips on contact.
Owen Vogelsberg Owen Vogelsberg 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Potosi | 2022 WI , Potosi, 2022
Owen took great angles to the football all afternoon and ensured he was not going to get cut back on. He transitioned well in space and was a natural reading routes in 1 on 1’s. The hip fluidity you want for an inside linebacker is there, as is the patience to play man coverage against backs out of the backfield.
Taylor Schaefer Taylor Schaefer 6'3" | 230 lbs | LB Southern Door | 2023 State WI , Southern Door, 2023
When you see Taylor in person, strictly based on his size, he looks like a division one football player. Make no mistake, though; he’s not just a good-looking frame. This is an aggressive, downhill linebacker prospect who can close ground quickly. He was a natural playing man during 1 on 1’s and showed no issues guarding backs on vertical concepts.
Other Standouts
RB: Jaiden, Padilla, Taft, 2025
RB: Wynn Stang Wynn Stang 6'1" | 195 lbs | RB Mukwonago | 2023 State WI , Mukwonago, 2023
LB: Ben Alvarez Ben Alvarez 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB Yorkville | 2024 State IL , Yorkville, 2024
LB: LaMarcus Vinson Jr., Rufus King, 2025
LB: Garrett Foldy Garrett Foldy 5'10" | 195 lbs | ATH Union Grove | 2022 State WI , Union Grove, 2022