Up-and-Coming – ’24s to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2024 group of prospects is looking solid with several up-and-coming players starting to come into their own. Some 2024 players have already established themselves on the recruiting circuit while others are just getting started. Check out these juniors that are sure to be on a lot of school's recruiting lists soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='250611' first='Davieian' last='Williams'] | DB/ATH | Lincoln | 6'1" 175 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14692418/Davieian-Williams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DavieianW" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Links 2023 class features one of the top athletic duos in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='180278' first='Beni' last='Ngoyi'] and [player_tooltip player_id='226993' first='Adonis' last='Hutchinson']. I think they'll have a younger iteration in 2024 with [player_tooltip player_id='407833' first='Donald' last='DeFrand Jr'] (Colorado offer) and [player_tooltip player_id='250611' first='Davieian' last='Williams']. Davieian is still under the radar in football recruiting but has made a name for himself in track. Davieian's track speed and athleticism translate well to the football field where he is developing into a solid corner, receiver, and dangerous return man. Williams uses his length very well, especially in coverage where he isn't afraid to shoot a quick jab in press or use his hands to break up passes. Competing with great talent has also sharpened his skills as a receiver. Davieian is a fluid route runner with shifty footwork and explosiveness in his release. Don't be surprised if this Links prospect starts drawing D1 attention soon!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14692418/635b127b32dd92148cd0eaed' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6386c888693ad"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='250312' first='Bennett' last='Stock'] | OL | Gretna | 5'11" 240 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14877768/Bennett-Stock" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/stock_benny" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more unheralded players on a stacked Gretna team, junior center [player_tooltip player_id='250312' first='Bennett' last='Stock'] has been a key blocker on the offensive line for two seasons now. Bennett has shown that he can be a nasty blocker that can use his leverage and strength to overpower defenders. He is quick to shoot from his hips and keeps his legs pumping under him to drive opponents backward. I also like Stock's hand placement, keeping them tight and inside, ready to punch at any moment. Finally, Bennett's football IQ is another one of his attributes that makes him a prospect to keep on your radar. He will go into his senior year with tons of varsity experience and lots of polish to his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14877768/638592bc4ba81c0aac3dcfa6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6386c88869400"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='250696' first='Zac' last='McLeay'] | DB | Creighton Prep | 6'0" 180 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14916475/Zac-McLeay" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/zac_mcleay">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Creighton Prep's [player_tooltip player_id='250696' first='Zac' last='McLeay'] had himself a breakout year en route to helping Prep reach the state semi-finals. In his junior year, McLeay recorded 69 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, and 3 fumble recoveries. Zac is a versatile free safety that can drop into coverage or step into the box in run support. He has shown a good football IQ and instincts when breaking down the play and reacting to it. McLeay has great closing speed and lateral quickness to cover sideline to sideline. He is physical at the point of the catch and has shown solid ball skills in coverage. Zac was a huge stock riser this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14916475/63666576e97a560214087bfd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6386c88869439"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='250625' first='Justyce' last='Hostetler'] | LB/RB | Grand Island | 5'10" 200 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14538949/Justyce-Hostetler" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/justycehos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Islander's LB [player_tooltip player_id='250625' first='Justyce' last='Hostetler'] became a member of the 100 tackle club in his junior season, with 104. On top of Hostetler's 104 tackles, he also added six tackles for loss and four sacks. The young 'backer plays like his hair is on fire from start to finish. Lined up in an inside linebacker role, Justyce explodes through his gaps when he reads run and can work his way through blocks to make plays in the backfield. He has also shown the ability to pressure/sack the QB when he's asked to blitz. This guy is going to be a force in year 4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14538949/638633c9a018ca0434e8a88f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6386c88869471"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='250610' first='Colin' last='Pike'] | RB | Skutt Catholic | 5'11" 175 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14961712/Colin-Pike" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ColinPike15" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Sky Hawks 2024 class is going to make some noise next year. One of the players already making big plays is RB [player_tooltip player_id='250610' first='Colin' last='Pike']. Colin shares the backfield with another 2024 back, but he certainly makes the most of his carries. Pike toted the rock 72 times for 444 rushing yards and averaged 6.2 yards a carry. He is a balanced runner who uses his shifty feet to swerve through traffic. Colin does a great job changing direction while maintaining his speed. Pike is also developing nicely as an outside linebacker. He had 44 tackles, five tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and an interception returned for a touchdown on the defensive side of the ball. Pike can line up wide, almost in the slot, one play, and then come flying around the corner the next. The Sky Hawks were a fairly young team this year but could make a big step next year with Colin and this crop of prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14961712/637416ac041dea0de4909ff4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6386c888694a6"} /--> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->