Biggest Risers of the 2024 Rankings Update
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The 2024 Rankings have been updated, and with it comes the evidence of the offseason work, and play from the 2021 season. With nearly 100 new athletes added to the rankings it isn’t easy for athletes to move up the…
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Continue ReadingThe 2024 Rankings have been updated, and with it comes the evidence of the offseason work, and play from the 2021 season. With nearly 100 new athletes added to the rankings it isn’t easy for athletes to move up the rankings. Despite that, these nine athletes proved that they could stand up against a lot of competition with their talent. In this article, I want to take a look at those nine athletes and what led to their rise in the rankings. These are nine names to watch closely this fall as they will have a big impact on the 2022 season for their team.
Rise: #25 up to #5rnThe 6’5″ 270 lbs OL was a two way impact player for Mukwonago. In 2021, he showed off his prototypical frame, strength, and body control as he controlled the trenches both ways. During the camp season, Nathan really let his LT skill set shine. He proved that he was able to move his massive frame with ease, had heavy hands on his initial punch, and could drop his anchor and stop bull rushers in their tracks. His great camp performances earned him an offer from Central Michigan. big year coming for the junior, and along with it plenty more next level opportunities. The Top 3 OL is going to make a push to finish the season even higher.
Rise: 18 up to 7rnIf I had to pick a breakout candidate for the 2022 season I believe it will be Sam. That might be surprising since Sam played varsity last fall, but he was just scratching the surface at that time. The 6’2” 230 lbs DL possesses elite length with a 6’7″ wingspan. That length is huge for a player who has to get leverage and separation to be able to defeat blocks. Sam also possesses elite pursuit to fly out of his stance at the snap giving him the upper hand over most, if not all, OL. He is also freakishly strong with max squats of six plates. That type of lift has me excited to see just how improved his explosiveness and bull rush will be this fall. The rising junior earned one offer from Western Michigan this summer. Kimberly’s defense looks loaded for a run this fall. You will find Sam leading the way in the trenches.
Highlights
Rise: 22 up to 10rnMatthew has been a rising player since his dominant performance at the Prep Redzone WI Prospect Tour this past May. That camp performance catapulted him into a dominant camp season as a whole. A camp season that culminated with him winning Defensive MVP at the Illinois State camp. That earned him his first offer from the school. Matthew has elite size at 6’4″ 215 lbs with 4.5 speed, and the body control to be able to play in coverage. He also has the strength set the edge against the run. Matthew looks like a future three down LB at the D1 level. He is going to star this fall in his two way, LB/WR roles. He will be in position to push himself even further into the Top 10 by season’s end.
Rise: 37 up to 25rnThe 6’3” 265 lbs DL jumps off the tape from his DT position. The big man carries his weight really well, and he moves even better with it. He has eye catching burst off the line that has gotten him through gaps before OL can as much as lay a hand on him. That burst carries right over into his play speed and closing speed. His pass rush ability is going to earn him a lot of next level attention. Cedarburg has developed a lot o trench talent, and Hudson looks like the next dominant force to come out of there. His traits have earned him a spot as one of the state’s top junior DL.
Rise: 43 up to 29rnSince our last update Brock has been putting on the size needed to get that next level attention. Now sitting at 6’3″ 255 lbs Brock has made his way into the Top 10 of the OL position for the Class of 2024. Even at 235 lbs last fall, Brock impressed with his wide, powerful base that allowed him to drive defensive linemen off the ball. Add 20 lbs to that and we should be in for some impressive trench play. As long as the body control is equally or more impressive than it was in 2021 Brock will continue climbing the ranks after this season. I’m excited to watch his film right away when the season starts. Big year ahead for Brock and Oak Creek.
Highlights
Rise: 72 up to 31rnAlton is set to breakout this fall once he earns a full time varsity position. He has elite size at 6’7″ 270 lbs and some RT and LT experience. It looks like he has been doing a solid job of maintaining his mobility and body control while growing that elite size. Next up for him is to prove that he has developed his whole game with a strong fall season. If he can do that you can expect the next level interest to be coming in heavily. With a strong season you can expect another good jump in the rankings as well. Keep an eye on the big man.
Highlights
Rise: Watch List up to 48rnJackson is another prospect who began his climb up the rankings with a strong showing at the prep Redzone WI Prospect Tour this past May. Jackson has great size at 6’4″ 260 lbs, and an athletic background that should perk up the ears of next level coaches. Jackson is an accomplished wrestler to go along with his football play. That background shows up on the gridiron. You can see his use of leverage at the Showcase and in game film. Jackson also is able to comfortably play low to the ground and bend. Look for him to make himself known on a weekly basis this fall.
Highlights
Rise: 155 up to 66rnThe 6’2″ 200 lbs LB is apart of an intriguing trio of ’24 Franklin HS LBs that coaches need to have their eyes on. The biggest mover is Teagan who cracked the Top 10 of the position group overall in the Class of 2024. The off ball LB has sideline to sideline range, and quick reading and recognition skills. Fox has repeatedly proven that he can get in the right place at the right time thanks to those traits. Franklin will need him to step up this fall, so I’m excited to see how he and his teammates perform.
Highlights
Rise: 131 up to 88rnOwen spent 2021 impressing on JV, and setting the stage for a move to the Friday night lights. His 6’2″ 190 lbs frame is a solid spot for his TE and LB roles. On the edge, Owen has shown a high motor and relentless pursuit effort to make plays. On offense, he has shown soft hands, and the ability to get open in the slot. I’m looking forward to seeing his development and use at the varsity level. Keep an eye on him these next couple of seasons. Freedom has put out several impressive prospects. Owen can be next up.