Midwest Spotlight: Five Most Impressive Achievements

The high school season has been underway for a few weeks now and Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Greg Smit has seen many of the Midwest’s top prospects in action. Here are the five most impressive standouts he’s seen so far this season.

MORE: Florida State hit by major decommitments after 0-2 start

CLASS OF 2025 RANKING SCHEME: Rivals250 | Team | Position | Stands

CLASS OF 2026 RANKING SCHEME: Rivals250 | Team | Position | Stands

TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player Ranking | Team Ranking | Search transfer | Transfer follower

Rivals.com

The Pitt commit was everywhere during the game I saw in person. He made 17 tackles during the game. Normally when you see that many tackles from a defensive back it means he was defending a lot of passes. That was not the case here. Dotson did a great job helping with run support and showed his physicality.

He has received a number of new offers early in the season. Dotson will be a prime flip target for many programs, as his flip comes from his early season games.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH PITTSBURGH FANS AT PANTHER-LAIR.COM

The tall and athletic defensive lineman really stood out when I saw him a few weeks ago in Detroit. He’s a nervous athlete who gets off the edge and has a great first step off the line. He’s more of a speed rusher than a power rusher at this point. But pass rushers like him are hard to find.

His recruitment has been quieter than it should be lately. But a few programs like UCLA, Penn State And Purdue to grab his attention as he enters his final season.

Nick Lucero/Rivals.com

The 2026 offensive lineman recently received an offer from Alabama. It’s easy to see why teams around the country like him. He plays tackle for his team now, but I can easily see him dropping inside to guard and being more effective. One of the reasons for that is because he’s taken a lot out of his tackle position and was very good at it. He’d be even better in a phone booth type of blocking position from guard.

His recruitment is still wide open, but Notre Dame, State of Michigan and Alabama seem to get the most attention.

St. Clair gets a bit of a curve because of the heavy, rainy conditions during the game I saw. That doesn’t mean he had a bad performance. St. Clair had three total touchdowns in the game, including a nice rushing touchdown that showed off his athleticism.

The State of Ohio commit and No. 1 player in the Rivals250 is most dangerous when he’s in the pocket. He reads defenses well and throws a beautiful football with a smooth throwing motion. St. Clair shows a nice ability to put the ball between the coverages and has a great deep ball.

All the tools are in place for the best player in the Rivals250 of 2025.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OHIO STATE FANS AT DOTTINGTHEEYES.COM

The moment you see Underwood step onto the court, you’ll understand why everyone raves about his size and talent. He’s a true 6’3, 210 pounds, and is physically imposing at the position.

On the field he does a good job of clearing the ball quickly and accurately in the RPO game, which will help him in LSU‘s offense. But where Underwood is truly dangerous is when he goes on designed runs or scrambles. His athleticism is a game changer. It will be fun to watch him develop in the SEC.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH LSU FANS AT DEATHVALLEYINSIDER.COM

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on Rivals.comthe leader in college football and basketball recruiting coverage. Be the first to know and follow your teams by signing up here.