Video: Top 100 Under the Radar football players Sawyer Pate, Ronald Hoff, Ray Leutele and Tyler Roberson lead list.
Former Rolling Meadows (Ill.) star quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo is less than two weeks away from being one of the starting quarterbacks in Super Bowl LIV.
The only offers he had coming out of high school in the Class of 2010 were from Eastern Illinois, Illinois State and Montana State,
according to 247sports.
That didn't stop him from being a second round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft and going 23-5 as a starting quarterback through his first six seasons.
The Class of 2020 features players who have the same chance to achieve their dream of playing on Sundays despite not having offers from big-time programs.
This is the second year MaxPreps has highlighted the
Top 100 under-the-radar players and this year's list includes players who are not signed to a college, rated as a 3-star recruit or lower, or don't have any offers from Power 5 schools or upper echelon college football programs.
Quarterbacks
Waited his turn playing behind
Taulia Tagovailoa and shined during his senior season. Led Thompson to its first state title since 1982 and threw for 239 yards and two scores in the 7A championship while adding two more rushing touchdowns in the 40-14 win over Central (Phenix City, Ala.). He ended 2019 with 3,139 yards passing and 41 touchdowns against only three interceptions. He completed nearly 75 percent of his passes and rushed for five scores while leading the Warriors to a Top 25 finish.
With offers from Dixie State, Harvard, Yale and Weber State, he was one of the most productive quarterbacks on the West Coast. Threw for over 3,600 yards and 43 touchdowns while eclipsing the 1,000 yard mark on the ground with 11 more scores. Led the Chargers to a state title in Utah's largest classification during his senior year and a No. 17 ranking. Hagen never lost a game as the starting quarterback and led Corner Canyon to a 5A and 6A state title in 2018 and 2019.
Led the Rams to a 13-0 record and 6A-I state title throwing for 3,350 yards and 42 touchdowns against two interceptions. In his lone season at Owasso, Dugger played bigger in the big games. He threw for nearly 900 yards and nine touchdowns in three playoff games.
The three-sport star had a big senior season throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns while leading the Farmers to a 12-1 record. He was named the
NJ.com Offensive Player of the Year in 2019.
Threw for over 3,400 yards and 37 touchdowns while completing nearly 75 percent of his passes for the 6A state champs. In the championship game, he completed 31-of-36 passes for 396 yards and three touchdowns in a 49-28 win over defending state champs Lake Oswego.
Easily one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. Has the size and speed to be a big-time player at the next level. Can make every throw with accuracy.
Was named the co-offensive MVP of the San Gabriel Valley League after an impressive senior year. He has one of the cleanest strokes among all quarterbacks and is one of the best at extending plays with his legs.
The 2020 Winona State commit is following in the same footsteps as another former great to come out of South Dakota — Carson Wentz. Dannenbring has the size and tools to perform at a high level for an FBS school.
Showed out against the best competition in Ohio, leading the Panthers to a runner-up finish in Division 1. Luebbe is dangerous with both his arm and legs and is also an impact player on the basketball team.
The three-sport star led the Lakers to the Class 4 quarterfinals and a 12-1 record during his senior campaign. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 55 touchdowns while completing nearly 70 percent of his passes. He rushed for nearly 400 yards and seven more scores.
The 2020 Evangel University commit is high school football's all-time leader in completion percentage. During his three years as the starting quarterback he completed 74.6 percent of his passes. He threw for nearly 2,800 yards and 32 touchdowns while leading Joplin to a state runner-up finish in Class 6.
Pulaski Academy is known annually for having one of the most prolific offenses and during Bratcher's two years as the starting quarterback they averaged 53.4 points per game. He threw for 5,196 yards and 51 touchdowns while rushing for 826 yards and eight more scores in his senior campaign.
Helped Dutch Fork to three state titles before transferring to Katy. Hoff was one of the top players in Texas during his senior campaign. He helped a strong rushing attack and led the Tigers to a 12-1 record rushing for over 1,500 yards against the Lone Star State's best competition.
The Washington Catholic Athletic Conference is one of the most competitive in the country and he showed out every single week for the WCAC champions. He rushed for 192 yards and four scores in the Falcons 44-14 semifinal win over the reigning WCAC champs Gonzaga. The following week he set up a game-winning field goal against St. John's (Washington, D.C.) in the championship.
Rushed for over 1,800 yards and 22 touchdowns playing against Georgia's best. He averaged 8.7 yards per carry during his senior season and eclipsed the century mark in 10 of 13 games.
Helped the Cardinals to a Top 25 finish and 13-1 record in 2019. Trobel was a first-team selection on Ohio's Division 1 all state squad. He rushed for over 1,500 yards during his senior year.
Will go down as one of the best players in state history. Tenner is Wisconsin's all-time leading rusher with 6,932 yards and ran for 2,315 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior.
In his only year as the starting running back for the Inland Empire power, he rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 28 touchdowns.
One of the most productive players on the West Coast, he rushed for over 2,500 yards and 34 touchdowns while averaging over 10 yards per carry. Added another 260 yards receiving and four touchdowns to go with over 40 yards per kick return and a score.
Was a first-team selection on the 6A all state squad. Rushed for nearly 2,500 yards and accounted for 35 total touchdowns while leading the Crusaders to the 6A semifinals.
Finished his high school career as the state's all-time leading rusher. He broke current USC Trojan
Vavae Malepeai's record on his 18th birthday against Leilehua (Wahiawa) during the third week of the season. Ended his senior year with over 1,800 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns.
Led Kentucky in rushing with 3,001 yards and 33 touchdowns. Was one of nine players to rush for over 3,000 yards in 2019. Wherever he plays at the next level is getting one of the biggest steals of the Class of 2020.
Finished his high school career rushing for over 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2019. One of the most underrated players in Texas.
Wide Receivers
A big-time threat for a run heavy offense who had over 3,000 total yards during his high school career. His only offers so far are from East Texas Baptist University and McMurry University.
Finished in the Top 15 nationally with 1,716 yards receiving. Accounted for 24 total touchdowns and 2,480 all-purpose yards. Had over 100 yards receiving in nine of 13 games while leading the Scorpions to a 4A runner-up finish.
Narbonne is loaded and one of its best players was East. He has tremendous hands and is an excellent route runner with good speed.
The leading receiver for the Non-Public Group 4 champs is an explosive playmaker no matter where he lines up. Made plays in the slot, on the outside, in the backfield and on special teams.
A first-team selection on the Indiana All-State 6A squad at wide receiver. Has the size and speed to be a big-time player at the next level.
Was
Ryan Zanelli's favorite target on offense. Hauled in 73 receptions for 1,464 yards and 17 touchdowns for one of the top teams in Southern California. Helped lead the Highlanders to the CIF Southern Section Division 3 semifinals.
Kristopher Koontz, La Habra
Photo by Rich Lawce
A coach's dream type of player. Did anything Matt Logan asked of him and made an impact for the Inland Empire power the last two years.
Led Arizona's largest classification in receiving with 1,459 yards and 18 touchdowns. Averaged nearly 20 yards per reception and could easily make an impact for a Power 5 school at the next level. Has offers from New Mexico State, Penn, South Dakota State, Northern Colorado, Southern Utah and Northern Arizona.
Balled out during his senior year earning first team all state honors after hauling in 69 receptions for 1,318 yards and 16 touchdowns for the 2AA state champs. Also made an impact on defense.
The 2020 Southern Illinois commit joins his quarterback on the list. He was Tash's favorite target finishing the year with 106 receptions for 1,631 yards and 21 touchdowns.
One of the most talented receivers in Texas hauled in 79 receptions for 1,399 yards and 22 touchdowns. He was a first-team selection on the 2019 Texas Associated Press Sports Editors Class 6A squad.
Led a talented St. Louis offense with 1,174 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns. He combined for 21 receptions and 187 yards and a touchdown against national powers Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.).
The 2020 East Tennessee State commit was selected to the 7A first team all state squad after a monster senior campaign.
Offensive Line
The leader in the trenches for one of Texas' best offenses. Was a 6A all state first-team selection and is one of the most versatile offensive lineman in the country.
The 2020 San Diego commit played a huge role for the No. 1 team in high school football during his senior season. Made an impact on the offensive line for the last three years, especially the past two seasons.
Paved the way for one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Was a 5A all state first-team selection and played a major role for the Bearcats' 5A Division 2 state championship.
Named to the first team on the 6A all state squad after a monster senior season. Helped the Rebels to an 11-2 record and has landed offers from the University of Texas Permian Basin, West Texas A&M and Northwestern Oklahoma State.
A 7A all state first-team selection. Was the leader for a 10-3 Bucs team and showed those qualities when 2020 Oregon signee Robby Ashford went down with a foot injury and missed the majority of the season.
An impact player on both sides of the ball, Bishop helped the Panthers to the 5A semifinals before losing 14-7 to eventual state champs Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village). Was a 5A all state first-team selection.
One of three Huskies selected, Rojas played a monster role in the trenches for one of the Golden State's most prolific offenses. Can play any position on the line and is legit in both pass and run blocking.
Helped pave the way for one of the best rushing attacks in the state. The Patriots had two guys rush over 1,000 yards and three rushed for more than 600 yards. He was named to the all-state team the last two years.
Has some of the best tape among offensive lineman in Texas. Might be undersized but makes up for it with great footwork and tremendous strength. Joins Cisneros and Cox on the 6A all state first team.
Was a 6A all state first-team selection on the offensive and defensive lines. Easily one of the top players in Oregon during his senior season.
Helped the Bulldogs to an undefeated season and 3A championship during his senior year. Never lost a game during his high school career and was an impact player on both sides of the ball.
The leader on the offensive line, he played a key role in the Crusaders winning their fourth consecutive state title in Hawaii's largest classification.
Got a chance to line up against the best talent in the country during the 2020 Polynesian Bowl and also faced big-time talent every day in practice lining up against the Gaels defensive line. Has an offer from Western Colorado and is one of the most underrated offensive lineman in the west.
Played a key role to Male's 28 wins over the last two years — the most in school history. They won the state title during Gossett's junior season and finished this year as 6A runner-up. He was selected to the all state team in both seasons.
Showed he belonged against the best talent in the country while competing at the 2020 Polynesian Bowl. Has an offer from Missouri Southern State University and could land a few late offers before National Signing Day on Feb. 5.
Defensive Line
Easily one of the most underrated players in the country. Roberson is a big-time defensive end who played a huge role for the 6A state champ racking up 79 tackles, 15.5 sacks and forced two fumbles.
Made a huge impact for the Texas power, finishing his senior season with 83 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and nine sacks.
Was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 6A and helped the Panthers to 26 consecutive wins and back-to-back state championships to close out his high school career.
Selected
on the first team defensive line all state squad for the second
consecutive year. One of the best defensive players on the West Coast
from the Class of 2020.
Named to the 7A all state first team by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Richardson is a monster in the trenches and always demands a double team. One of the most well-rounded defensive lineman in the state.
One of the top defensive players in Washington during his senior season. Was a first team selection on the all state squad and can play either outside linebacker or defensive end at a high level.
An absolute nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Finished his senior season with 13 sacks and 27 tackles for loss.
Versatile playmaker on defense, Cross can make big plays lining up on the line of scrimmage or at outside linebacker.
The second of three Thompson players played a pivotal role on defense for the 7A state champs. Great at pressuring the quarterback and stuffing the run.
Selected as one of the Top 26 players for the 2019 CHSCA all-state football team. Compiled eight sacks and 16 tackles for loss during his senior season.
Has one of the best motors in the country. Racked up 110 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles during his senior season.
Named the defensive lineman of the year on the 2019 DIFCA Delaware All-State team. The Eagles finished the year as the No. 1 team in the state after going 12-0 and winning the state title. Mitchell-Marville played a major role for the Division 1 state champs.
The lone player from Alaska featured got a chance to show his skills against some of the best talent in the country at the 2020 Polynesian Bowl. Some Pac-12 schools have shown interest but none have offered. Expect a late offer to come before National Signing Day from some FCS or FBS schools.
Made a huge impact in the trenches for the 5A state champs and No. 9 team in the final Top 25 rankings.
Linebackers
Was one of the most important players for the No. 2 ranked team in the country. Led the Monarchs in tackles (72), tackles for loss (18.5) and interceptions (3).
The underrated linebacker was the second leading tackler for the No. 1 team in high school football. The Braves played against the best competition in the country and Lockhart was an impact player each week.
Harold Miles, Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.), 6-0, 230 Balled out against the national competition and helped the Falcons to the WCAC championship. One of the best all-around linebackers in the country, he finished his senior campaign with 110 tackles, seven sacks and five interceptions.
Helped the Texas power to a spot at No. 15 in the final Top 25 rankings. Instincts are off the charts and makes an impact on the line of scrimmage and in coverage.
Was the quarterback on defense for one of the top teams in the nation. Finished the season with 68 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Had a huge season, totaling 120 tackles and 5.5 sacks for the 7A runner-up.
Finished senior season with 96 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. His tape shows he was born to play football — flies around on defense and makes big-time plays.
Led the 6A-II state champs in tackles (117), tackles for loss (17.5) and sacks (10.5). He finished the last two seasons with 258 tackles and played a major role in the Spartans going 26-0 and winning back-to-back state crowns.
A few Pac-12 schools have offered preferred walk-on spot to one of the most versatile defensive players in California. Can play linebacker and safety at a high level and played multiple positions for one of the top teams in the country.
The leading tackler for the Division 1 state champs was a huge piece for one of the country's top defenses. The Raiders won their first state title since 2014 and finished ranked No. 19 in the Top 25.
One of the most physical linebackers in the Golden State. His instincts are off the charts and finished 2019 with 167 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions.
Was an all-state defensive selection who racked up 108 tackles, nine tackles for loss and two interceptions in 2019. Carney earned a preferred walk-on spot for Washington State in late October.
First-team selection at linebacker on the all-state Division 1 squad. Flies around on defense and is one of the most underrated Ohio recruits.
Has multiple offers from Division II schools and was selected to the Division 2 all-state first team after playing a monster role for the state champs.
One of three Monarchs to make the list, Neeley was the quarterback of the defense for one of the best teams in country during his high school career.
Impact player on both the defensive line and linebacker. Put up huge numbers for the 6A state champs racking up 151 tackles and 16 sacks.
Defensive Backs
One of the most slept-on defensive backs in the Class of 2020. Helped lead Liberty to school's first state championship.
Could
very well be the steal of the Class of 2020. Was a shutdown corner
for the 6A runner-up, finishing senior season with 10
interceptions and scored five defensive touchdowns.
The younger brother of the late Sean Taylor was one of the best players in Florida. He had nine interceptions returned five for scores in 2019. Taylor is also an impact player on the hardwood.
Big-time ball hawk in the secondary, he had eight interceptions for the 7A state champs. Also notched 53 tackles and two forced fumbles in 2019 showing his versatile game.
His 16 interceptions this season were tied for the most in the nation. He also racked up 80 tackles for an 11-2 Cougars squad.
Tied for the national lead with 16 interceptions, Sapp had a four-interception game this season and was also an impact player on offense and special teams. Accounted for 1,288 all-purpose yards in 2019.
Has four offers from Division 2 schools and he joins teammate Bowers in the secondary on the Top 100 list. Had 10 interceptions during his senior season and racked up 47 tackles for the 4A state champs.
One of the hardest hitting safeties in the country, Cannon led the team with 77 tackles and five interceptions.
A first team selection on the Texas all-state 6A squad. Had 87 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles and six pass break ups in 2019.
The 2020 Incarnate Word commit is one of the most well-rounded defensive backs in Texas. Finished his senior year with 111 tackles and six interceptions.
Recorded 11 interceptions and was an all state first-team selection at defensive back.
Named the defensive MVP of the 2020 Polynesian Bowl after recording two interceptions for Team Makau, and also named the Division 1 defensive player of the year in Hawaii by
ScoringLive.
Versatile defensive back who plays both the corner and safety position at a high level.
Athlete
Broke the single-season state record rushing with 3,517 yards in 2019, and tied with Daleville's (Ala.) Jalen White for the most rushing yards in the nation. Helped the Maroon Tide to a 14-1 mark — the best record in school history — as they finished as 5A runners-up.
Kyle Eaves, Lake Travis (Austin, Texas), 5-10, 160 Had 93 receptions for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns for one of the best teams in Texas.
Broke the single-season school record rushing for 1,684 yards and 26 touchdowns. Helped New Rochelle to an undefeated year and Class AA championship. Parson played big when the lights shined brightest and any FBS program that offers him will get one of the best playmakers from the Class of 2020.
Was one of the best two-way players in Arizona. Led the team with over 1,000 yards receiving and seven interceptions. Has the size and playmaking ability to be an impact player on either side of the ball at the next level.
A first-team selection on the 4A all-state team at linebacker. Big-time playmaker on all three phases and also a standout baseball player.
Plays both sides of the ball at high level. Made a huge impact for the quick turn around for the Dons in 2019. Was the best player on the field during most nights and will be one of the biggest steals from the Class of 2020.
Played a huge role for the back-to-back 6A state champs. Made an impact in the secondary, at linebacker, wide receiver, and on special teams during his senior year.
Kendrick Scarbrough, East St. Louis
Photo by Chris Johns
