Week 2 was busy, with Top 10 matchups across the state and even MORE new players coming to light with big performances. To highlight some eye-catching performances, I bring you five prospects who really impressed, including a senior out of 8-man, two exciting juniors, and a pair of freshmen new to my radar!
Check out my evaluation of these five Week 2 standouts:
Xavien Lopez-Long, 2028 – DB/ATH – Columbus – 5’10” 180 lbs – (@xxavienn27)
Columbus junior Xavien Lopez-Long is coming off impressive performances in consecutive weeks, this time showing out in all three phases of the game. When the dust settled, Xavien had recorded 90 rushing yards, 36 receiving yards, 228 return yards, a rushing touchdown, a punt return for a touchdown, and a kickoff return for a touchdown in a 48-14 win over Norfolk. Xavien has long been on my radar because of his upside as a DB, but he’s really developed his entire game this offseason. At DB, I am very impressed with Xavien’s physicality and athleticism, which helps him play receivers in several ways. He has a strong, sturdy frame at 5’10”, 180 pounds, which allows him to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and challenge them at the catch point. Xavien has the instincts and IQ to read the QB/play when dropping back into zone, while also having the quick twitch and closing speed to break sharply on the ball and disrupt the catch. Quick, clean footwork when backpedaling and fluid hips to change directions and stay in the receiver’s pocket. Xavien has really opened up on the offensive and special teams side of the ball, where he works very well with the ball in his hands. Offensively, Xavien is a versatile player listed as an RB, but he has also shown he can be an asset in the passing game both out of the backfield and as a receiver. On special teams, Xavien’s vision and speed allow him to find creases in the protection and explode through them with great burst. Great balance to avoid going down on initial contact. Someone you need to add to your boards ASAP!!
Jackson Bolding, 2028 – RB – Skutt Catholic – 5’10” 180 lbs – (@jacksonbolding)
The Skutt Catholic Sky Hawks bounced back in a big way with RB Jackson Bolding leading the charge in their 47-0 win over Seward. Jackson had a breakout game that resulted in 13 carries for 154 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. Watching Jackson’s tape, I kept going back and forth on whether I’d classify him as a glider or a physical runner; ultimately, he’s a combination of both. He does an excellent job being patient behind his blockers and following his creases to the open field, while smoothly weaving through traffic with great vision and field awareness. Very balanced runner who can fight through contact. Bolding has a great top gear, as he can quickly accelerate to separate from defenses once he finds the open field. Jackson also showed he can hold up well against a stacked box, displaying great power in his base to power through tackle attempts and consistency in keeping his pads low through his reps. Great agility and change of direction to sharply hit cutback lanes or make defenders whiff in space. Jackson looks primed to be the next great Skutt RB to come through the pipeline!
Rogan Hoesing, 2027 – DL – Wausa – 6’3″ 225 lbs – (@RoganHoesing)
Dipping into the 8-man ranks as we check out Wausa DL/OL Rogan Hoesing, who is playing a big role in the Vikings’ hot start. Rogan plays on both sides of the ball, but projects best as a defensive lineman, where he is fresh off recording eight tackles and a TFL against Bloomfield. Watching Rogan’s tape, I like the tenacity he brings to the field, displaying a non-stop motor that drives him to the ball from snap to whistle. Rogan has shown he can win his matchups with a speedy get-off and lateral quickness, or by converting that speed into power to explode through his opponent’s chest. He has solid length, which lets him extend to long-arm blockers while creating separation, or he can use his violent hands to disengage and keep pursuing the ball. Rogan’s strength is an underrated part of his game, letting him anchor down against blockers and stonewall them at the LOS, especially on the edge, where he forces RBs to redirect back inside or closes on them before they can make a move. Good tackler with consistent technique and power to bring down backs in the open field.
Isaac Dean, 2030 – OL/DL – Bridgeport – 6’4″ 235 lbs – (@isaacdean41)
Bridgeport is 2-0 so far in their transition to 11-man football, with several players emerging as standouts for the Bulldogs, including freshman OL/DL Isaac Dean. Right off the bat, Isaac looks the part with a 6’4″ and 235-pound frame that will definitely continue to grow in the upcoming seasons. When you watch the tape, it’s clear that Isaac is more than ready for the physicality of the high school varsity level, as he brings quite the mean streak when trying to finish his blocks in the dirt. He shoots out of his stance very well and packs a powerful jab that can shock defenders at the point of attack. Isaac flashes good hand placement when he shoots his hands and uses it to gain leverage as he moves them inside. He has a strong base that helps him drive defenders off the ball and keep his ground in pass protection. One thing that really stood out was that Isaac’s motor never runs out, as he was constantly looking for more work downfield after he’d run one defender out of the play. Lots of upside to like here!
Lennox Adams, 2030 – WR/DB – Lincoln North Star – 5’9″ 145 lbs – (@LennoxAdam95985)
Talk about making a big first impression! Lincoln North Star’s Lennox Adams had a huge breakout performance for the Gators in Week 2 as he hauled in five receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown, while also reeling in an interception on defense. Despite only being a freshman in his second game, Lennox already flashes a skill set more advanced than most players his age. He is very quick getting off the ball and does a great job getting on his DB’s toes before exploding out of his break at the top of the route. Adams’ huge touchdown came from him selling the vertical very well before making a sharp break with little wasted steps and coming back to the ball for the catch. Once he has the ball in his hands, Lennox showed that he can make a big play out of very little space with legit track speed to outrun angles and break away in the open field. An excellent hands receiver who trusts his hands through the catch process, even when facing contact or having to adjust to the ball in the air. Good hops to go up and grab the ball at the high point. The same traits that make Lennox a good receiver also make him a standout on defense, displaying great footwork, fluid hips, and ball skills to match up well against most receivers. Exciting 2030 prospect to keep an eye on early!
