I'm very weary of these lists based on how they are put together. The Top 6 match what I have with the only one missing being Elijah Reynolds of Red Lodge to round out my Top 7. But that highlights the problem with these lists. They are only going to "rank" players that either go to the larger regional camps or attend larger schools in the state (AA and A). However, its the offseason and where I or 247 rank them doesn't really mean a whole hell of a lot.
- As its been fairly well known over the summer, Dylan Rollins is considered the best prospect in the state.
- As for Kellen Detrick at #2, I absolutely think its arguable. Springy athlete at 6'3", 215 lbs., fiery competitor, big hitter, and one of the best power forwards in the state in basketball.
- Its hard to find two players who have the elite athleticism and on-field production of Kenneth Eiden IV and Jace Klucewich. There are size limitation narratives for each when its comes to being a FBS Power 5 player (notice I said narratives). But that only helps the two in-state FCS schools (and it has for decades).
- Neil Daily is that long, athletic prospect offensive and defensive coaches fight over because he can be molded on either side of the ball. However, I'm not sure he's better than Elijah Reynolds at this point in time (watch the tape and draw your own conclusions).
- Junior Bergen doesn't get the hype Klucewich does but Junior is very productive on both sides of the ball (WR/DB) just like Jace.
- The Lang's may be identical twins but Padraig Lang is a little more talented than his brother Brady in my opinion. I would put Padraig as a partial kid and Brady as a PWO.
- I really like Tel Arthur's tape at MLB for Frenchtown. The kid goes all out and he fits the mold. Definitely deserving of a partial. At worst, he can be a really good H-back/fullback on offense at the FCS level.
- TJ Rausch, Eli Aby, and Luke Fedyk are all deserving of partial offers.
- I'm assuming they mean John (not Jordan) Brown of Bozeman who plays offensive guard (not DE). Anyway, I consider John to be the second best offensive lineman in the state who needs one more good year of tape to get that partial offer secured.
- As for Dayton Bay, I consider him a PWO based off what I've watched. And there is nothing wrong with that as a bunch of really good high school QBs in Montana over the past decade have only gotten PWOs out of high school. Dayton is good but not quite in that partial scholarship area in my opinion.
My thoughts on other kids who actually should be considered for this list:
- The defensive tackle trio of Mayson Phipps (Glasgow), Camren Spencer (Bozeman), and JaQuawhann Booth (Billings Central) have really been hurt by a lack of football camps this summer. They produce on tape and each can fit into any defense along the interior of a defensive line. If a season happens, wouldn't be surprised if two of these three get partial offers by season's end this fall.
- Jace Fitzgerald was out of the season after 4.5 games last year but the kid is a stud. He'll be about 6'2", 200 lbs. next year as a hybrid S/LB on Dillon's defense and there is tape of him chasing down Klucewich on jet sweeps with ease. Jace belongs on this list.
- Jack Waddell produces and makes a ton of plays at WR and CB but his size (150 lbs.) will likely keep him as a question mark as a FCS recruit. However, I would put him as a solid consolation prize if you don't get Klucewich or Bergen on your team. He's a fringe partial/PWO kid with his size being the primary factor.
- Soren Syvrud was the best player on Missoula Sentinel's defense in 2019 at OLB. He's a twitchy athlete at 5'11", 190 lbs. who could grow into a FCS LB if given time. I would roll the dice on him and he also belongs on this list.
- Kade Cutler of Flint Creek has been a known commodity since he and Jaxon Lee won the 8-man championship back in 2018. Kade had an even better junior year.
- Paul Brott is a late bloomer who is slated to have a great senior season as he's finally starting to grow into his frame. I can understand why he isn't on the 247 list because there aren't really any accolades or production to speak of. But like Connor Ryan last year (also a Billings West product), all it takes is a great senior year to cement your status among the best.
- Jake Olsen of Butte just received a full tuition (partial scholarship) from UM over the weekend. Like Brott, Olsen had no All-State accolades his junior year but is slated to have a great senior season mostly because of his size (6'7", 225 lbs). He'll play either TE or OT and along the defensive line for the Bulldogs.