Newest Addition at Every Position: ’24 Rankings Update
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The Class of 2024 Rankings Update saw the rankings go from 166 ranked players to 241 ranked players. Each position group saw an influx of talent that led to plenty of movement in the rankings. To highlight those additions, I…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2024 Rankings Update saw the rankings go from 166 ranked players to 241 ranked players. Each position group saw an influx of talent that led to plenty of movement in the rankings. To highlight those additions, I want to go through each position group and ID the top newcomer. We will take a look at the tape to see what they have to offers as we prepare to kickoff the season next week. Let’s check out our top newcomers!
LJ made his debut in the rankings at QB5. He is one of the top overall dual threat signal callers of the group, and that is where the strength of his game lies. The 6’2″ 170 lbs QB shows consistent burst and acceleration when he decides to tuck it and run or when the play call is for him to do so. He finds seams quickly, and has the pull away speed to break off big plays in the open field. As a passer, LJ can get the ball to most spots on the field, but relies on his accuracy over strength. I’m excited to see how he has developed this offseason, and how he leads his offense this fall as Indian Trail HS looks to improve on their 2021 record.
Highlights
The 6′ 205 lbs RB debuts at RB5 just outside of the Top 50 overall players. Gabe burst onto the scene parlaying a strong sophomore season with a great camp season including a strong Prep Redzone WI Showcase outing. The film is fun to watch. Gabe runs behind his pads, and his ability to run through contact is stamped all over his highlight reel. He also has 4.8 40 speed, but seems to play faster on the field where he is able to break contain and win down the sideline. Klatt is a well balanced back that is going to put up numbers for a Beaver Dam team that looks to make a playoff push. Looking forward to this season’s tape.
Highlights
Debuting at WR6 is the 6’2″ 180 lbs athlete out of Milwaukee Marquette. The incoming junior was primarily targeted in the slot where he could use his body and length to box out defenders from getting to the ball, and then muscle his way for yards after the catch. That physicality after the catch also came through in his willingness to make blocks in the run game. Thaddaeus was so effective that he would line up in the h back spot and block DEs/OLBs. Look for Hoffman to be relied on more heavily in the pass game this fall. He and his QB should form one of the more productive duos in the state.
Our highest debuting TE comes in at TE3 with Ethan Ehlinger Ethan Ehlinger 6’5″ | 210 lbs | TE Stevens Point | 2024 State WI . The 6’5″ 200 lbs TE lines up inline where he can attack the middle of the field and up the seam against LBs and safeties giving him the mismatch. He will also split out wide, but he looks most comfortable inline. The big man demonstrates good body control in his routes, and uses his body well at the catch point. Look for him to continue to fill out his frame making him an even bigger mismatch, and more impactful int he run game. Worth noting that the big man is also a solid edge rusher as well.
The 6’3″ 280 lbs OL debuts at OL13. This is shaping into a special OL class, so earning a Top15 spot in a debut is impressive. Fond du Lac has a bulldozer at the LT position. Cameron’s run blocking is his best trait. He easily launches out of his stance, gains the leverage advantage, and drives defenders off the ball or down the line with his heavy hands and strong base. His finish jumps of the tape too. You won’t see many plays where it doesn’t end with him putting a kid in the dirt. Look for Cameron to lead a talented OL unit in Fond du Lac.
The potential that comes with the 6’7″ 210 lbs DL out of Baraboo is off the charts. Ross debuts at DL4. High praise for a deep group that has multiple players with FBS offers already. His obviously elite length pairs with the body control to bend or dip under/around OL. Ross’ speed and massive strides allow him to close quickly in the backfield. I expect to see the strength continue to improve as he fills out his frame, but he already is able to hold his own on the edge against the run. He is also raw in terms of pass rush moves. So as that continues to develop Liegel will only become more and more difficult to block. When technique and talent meet completely then we are in for a huge breakout and rise for the beast of a DL.
If you have followed my articles this offseason then Landon isn’t a new name to you, and you know I am a big fan of his talent and potential. The 6’3″ 220 lbs OLB debuts at LB5 in the Class of 2024. Expecting him to continue to climb is one of the safer bets you could make too. Landon is a three down LB who can set the edge against the run, and then rush the QB or drop into coverage with similar success and ability. His ability to read the QB and then slide himself into position to make a play looks easy for him, and when he comes off the edge it is with a strong burst. The rangy LB is going to be apart of one of the state’s Top LB corps this fall. Look for them to be a key to Bay Port’s success.
Highlights
Our highest debuting DB comes in at DB2 with the Lodi defensive back. The 6’2″ 185 lbs safety also earned a Top 75 overall ranking in the update. I’m most impressed with Mason’s quick reading and processing skills. His play in zone coverage thrives thanks to that ability. He sees and feels receivers entering his zones and smoothly picks them up in coverage. I like how aggressive he attacks the ball at the catch point. He doesn’t just look to deliver a hit. Mason is also a willing and able downhill run stuffer. The climb is going to continue for the Lodi defender. Keep an eye on this kid.
Coming in at ATH4 is the highest debuting ATH. The Westosha Central WR/S is a big play producer at WR. He attacks the ball in the air and plays bigger than his 6′ 190 lbs frame might suggest. His hands are impressive. They allow him to have a large catch radius. He can go up high or bring it in off his shoe strings. Collin also has the speed to get deep on the defense. On defense, that speed gives him the range to put himself in position to make plays. His power to run though tackles also translates into solid power in his own tackles form the safety position. I can see Collin playing either side at the next level, and needs to be watched this fall. Big year in the making.