A dizzying array of talent flashed across the fields in regionals, but some star players such as Rutgers commit AJ Surace, Virginia native Khristian Martin, Maryland-born Christian Petruzzello and Arkansasproduct Courtney Crutchfield excelled, clinching their spot in the updated 2024 Top247 national rankings. Their impressive arms, size, accuracy and complete football profiles have colleges eager to offer commitments for next year’s cycle.
AJ Surace Shines at Elite 11 Regional
The Elite 11 regional in State College, Pa. showed off a plethora of talented quarterbacks from well beyond the region. Of all the prospects, Rutgers commit AJ Surace of Lawrenceville (N.J.) Notre Dame stood out with his impressive accuracy, arm strength, quick delivery and ability to drive the ball down the field. He displayed consistent excellence on drills on the move, showing square shoulders and putting the ball in the right spot time and again. His tight spirals cut through the wind, and his increased upper body strength from the fall was evident in his strong arm. It’s clear that Surace is primed for a successful collegiate career.
Impressive Newcomers to the 2024 Top247 Rankings
The updated 2024 Top247 rankings by 247Sports’ national scouting team featured 25 newcomers, eight of whom were highlighted for their impressive abilities. Khristian Martin from Highland Springs (Va.) High showcased an arm strength that was remarkable, despite not striding into throws often. His offer list includes Indiana, Maryland, Texas A&M, Virginia and Virginia Tech, demonstrating his potential. Meanwhile, Frederick (Md.) Linganore’s Christian Petruzzello flashed time and again because of his size (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) and the way he threw the ball. He proved to be a consistent and accurate passer, making him one to watch in this 2024 recruiting cycle.
Courtney Crutchfield: A Multi-Sport Athlete and Top247 Recruit
Courtney Crutchfield is a multi-sport athlete who has been tabbed as the highest-ranked newcomer in the recently released Top247 rankings. At 6-foot-2 and 175-pounds, he boasts an impressive athletic profile that shines both on and off the football field. His combination of size and athleticism make him a standout player regardless of the sport or side of the ball he’s playing on. With a background in track and field and basketball, Crutchfield displays incredible agility and ability to play above the rim. His aptitude for making plays in the vertical passing game and his proficiency as a run-after-catch threat make him one of the most sought-after players in the nation. An Arkansas native, Crutchfield proudly committed to the Razorbacks.
Phenomenal Speed and Agility
NiTareon Tuggle is a wide receiver from Georgia who has committed to the Bulldogs and is ranked No. 75 overall. He has phenomenal speed and agility, having qualified for the Nike Indoor National meet in both the 55- and 60-meter hurdles. His junior tape shows that he is a dynamic player with the ability to make plays in any situation. Reminiscent of former Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, Tuggle is an intimidating force on the gridiron who can bring opponents down with ease. With a proud heritage that traces back to reggae legend Bob Marley, Tuggle is a name to watch out for.
He has the potential to be one of the best wide receivers in college football and is an inspiring example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
Marquise Lightfoot and Koy Beasley: Top Defensive Prospects
Marquise Lightfoot is a top flight defensive talent who has been on the radar for some time. His athleticism and skill make him an ideal 3-4 outside backer, with similar game and physical stature to that of Josh Sweat of the Philadelphia Eagles. His impressive performance at the Under Armour Camp in Kansas City has attracted attention from top schools such as Miami, USC and Ohio State.
Koy Beasley is a standout defensive back for Cincinnati LaSalle, whose extensive offensive reps, ball skills and instinctive playmaking ability point to a long-term pro projection. He has tested extremely well in a combine setting, including sub-11 second 100m dashes and a 21.51 second 200m run. His varied on-field profile and multi-sport context have led to speculation of his potential future in the NFL, and Beasley has scheduled a late June commitment announcement with plans to visit Pitt, Purdue, and Wisconsin.
Kamron Mikell: Elite Athlete with Verified Credentials
Statesboro, Georgia native Kamron Mikell is an elite athlete with verified credentials who is making a name for himself quickly. At 6-foot-2 and 180-pounds, he dominates both the 100 and 200 meter events in the highly competitive Peach State. On the field, Mikell’s speed and two-way playmaking ability have caused him to stand out from the crowd at Statesboro High School, earning him a spot in the Top247.
With his senior year on the horizon, Mikell’s potential for greatness is limitless. It is without a doubt that any college program to acquire him will be getting an extraordinary athlete with immense potential.
Football and Track Prowess
Jameer Grimsley of Valrico (Fla.) Bloomingdale and Tampa (Fla.) Catholic is a highly sought-after prospect with an impressive combination of length, reach, and ball skills. He recently won a regional title in the 200-meter dash and competed at the state level, showcasing his athleticism beyond the football field.
At his spring game last week, Grimsley was outstanding, displaying no signs of fatigue, winning 50-50 balls and showing remarkable movement on the field. Upcoming visits to Michigan, Alabama and Penn State will give him the opportunity to further demonstrate his football and track prowess.
Jameer Grimsley of Valrico (Fla.) Bloomingdale and Tampa (Fla.) Catholic is a highly sought-after prospect with an impressive combination of length, reach, and ball skills. In addition to his football prowess, Grimsley recently won a regional title in the 200-meter dash and competed at the state level. His performance at his spring game last week was outstanding as he displayed no signs of fatigue, winning 50-50 balls and displaying remarkable movement on the field. Upcoming visits to Michigan, Alabama and Penn State promise to showcase Grimsley’s talents even further.
Jonathan Paylor: Dynamic Force on the Field
With his elite speed and agility, Jonathan Paylor is a dynamic force on the field. His ability to plant and change direction while maintaining top speed gives defenders fits. He can accelerate quickly and has soft hands that make him an instant playmaker. His impressive talent has earned him the recognition of being No. 199 overall.
It is clear that the recently highlighted student athletes all have immense potential and prospects for a successful collegiate career. AJ Surace demonstrated an impressive arm strength, accuracy and drive down the field,while Christian Petruzzello showcased consistent and accurate passing technique–elements which caught the eye of coaches nationwide. Khristian Martin displayed remarkable arm strength as he has received offers from some of college football’s most prominent programs. Lastly, Courtney Crutchfield’s combination of athleticism and size make him a unique Jack-of-all Trades-style player, catching the attention of scouts everywhere and eventually resulting in his commitment to Arkansas. Commanding national attention, it is without a doubt that these talented athletes will each have bright futures ahead of them in their Division I endeavors.
