Top Uncommitted ATH in the Dakotas (2022)
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This last story of this series covers the ATH position, which is a group of athletes who played too well on each facet of the game, we couldn’t designate them to one position. Some had to play various positions throughout…
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Continue ReadingThis last story of this series covers the ATH position, which is a group of athletes who played too well on each facet of the game, we couldn’t designate them to one position. Some had to play various positions throughout the season, some throughout their careers, bottom line; they want to play football! Here they are below!
Landon Ruesink Landon Ruesink ATH Dell Rapids | 2022 State – Dell Rapids
Ruesink was one of those ‘do it all’ kids for the Quarriers. His film shows him playing close to every skill position on the field. Offensively, he was the guy you wanted to have the ball when you needed a play. He mostly split out wide or in the slot which made him a scary player out there. Either a screen or a deep pass, he could create a big play each way. He ran solid routes, had great hands and crazy jumping ability, which also made it look like he would float in the air. Defensively, he would be your shutdown DB, ballhawking Safety, run-supporting LB, even snuck up and blitzed from the DE position. He lock on to receivers, sometimes would even run their routes for them and catch the pass as well. He was also a hard hitting form tackler, whether the RB was running the ball or a WR was going up for a pass he would lay a shoulder into them.
Rush Landry Rush Landry 6'5" | 210 lbs | ATH SF O'Gorman | 2022 State – Sioux Falls O’Gorman
First thing that stands out for Landry, his size, a really nice frame for his WR/DE position. Watching him on tape, offensively looked to be the rock on the offense when they needed a first down. He would find the sticks and set himself up and give the QB a target where he would come down with it. He did a great job using his frame to keep the defenders away from the ball so he would make the play. He had a smooth running form, so he wouldn’t look fast, but he would outrun a lot of defenders. Defensively, He did a great job holding a contain first position, but still gaining ground to make plays in the backfield. He was quick off the ball, so it was hard for the OL to get a hand on him. He used his hands well shedding blocks. He was strong enough to run through linemen, then finishing through with the tackle.
Denver Piechowski Denver Piechowski ATH Fargo Davies | 2022 State – Fargo Davies
Piechowski really shined on the defensive side of the ball. From the DE position, his quick first step and high motor made life real difficult for the offense. He would come off the edge and keep his outside shoulder free while getting the Offensive Tackle off-balance then using his speed to get around him. His speed was a real nightmare for the QB, not giving him any time to set and throw, most everything had to be on the run. Above all, when he got to the ball, who ever had it was hitting the ground hard. He really laid a big shoulder tackle into the QB on sacks. Offensively, he gave a good target in the play-action game. He sold a good blocking fake and released well to give a good target. He had a good set of hands, and good break away speed after the catch. His strength carried over well so he wouldn’t go down easy when they tried to tackle him.
Jack Kratz Jack Kratz 6'2" | 185 lbs | ATH Vermillion | 2022 State – Vermillion
Kratz caught my eye as a Junior when he played WR/DB. His Senior Year, he was asked to be the QB in a new offense, while still playing Safety and he stepped up huge. You can tell he has great instincts that he trusts, because once he gets his read, he knows exactly where to go and makes a play. He is fast and agile which made him the right choice at QB for their option offense this year. He rode the RB well and got the right reads and found the gaps to run through when he decided to pull and run with it. His physicality was huge on both sides of the ball, running through tacklers when running the ball, and running through blockers and aggressively tackled the ballcarrier. Defensively, his instincts looked good again, reading the QB on pass plays and making plays on the ball. Also filling the alley and making tackles around the Line of Scrimmage when he read run.\
Jaxon Weber Jaxon Weber ATH Tea Area | 2022 State – Tea Area
Weber played as one of the explosive athletes for the Titans. Being split out in the slot, or put in the backfield, the kid made plays and gave the team a spark. He had good agility and that big burst for him to blaze past the defense for a big play. He ran great routes with his speed and reeled in a lot of passes with his hands and jumping ability. He also played with physicality that worked on both sides of the ball. When he went in for a hit, he made a statement with each one. Defensively, he punished a ballcarrier that would come out on the perimeter, or a receiver going up for the pass. He also had great vision and accelerated quickly which made him a dangerous threat in the run game and on special teams. He could swing momentum whenever he touched the ball.