Game Balls: Week 9

After watching the film and going through the stats, we would like to recognize standouts by awarding them “Game Balls” for their performance.  Here is a group of players that earned the PrepRedzone IN Game Balls for week 9… <ul> <li>QB Jace Russell, North Vigo</li> </ul> Jace was an absolute mad man during their 28-14 win over Brebeuf Jesuit.  Not only did he throw the ball well, he did some major damage with his feet as well.  Russell was 14 of 23 for 131 yards and 4 TD’s passing.  On the ground he took 26 carries for 183 yards, which was his 4th game rushing over 100 yards on the season.  The stats are impressive, but the film is what gets you excited about this performance.  Russell played fast and looked to have total command of the game. He is very athletic, does his best work when on the move, and kept the defense on their heels the entire night.  Quarterbacks like Jace are a hard to scheme against, and a real pain in the butt for defensive coordinators...  Even if the DC has the perfect call, and all receivers are covered, Jace will pull the ball down and hit you for a big gain.  Although he lacks the prototypical size for a college QB, this is a prospect that can win games and be very successful at the next level.  Overall I was really impressed with everything about this performance. <ul> <li>RB Gavin Crooke, Cardinal Ritter</li> </ul> Crooke was hot out of the gates with a perfectly executed 34 yard screen pass for a TD in the 1st quarter.  On the night he took 10 carries for 125 yards / 1TD, and also chipped in on the passing game with the aforementioned 34 yard catch for a touchdown.  This is the first time I have watched Crooke on film, and I am really impressed with him as a prospect.  Listed at 5’10" 190, he has a solid build, runs hard, has next level cutting ability, and great body control.  Crooke projects as an all purpose back that can play 3 downs at the next level.  He is a hard runner, a receiving threat out of the backfield, and also does a nice job in pass protection.  As he continues to develop physically and as a football player, he is sure to catch plenty of college coaches eyes this off-season. <ul> <li>QB/ATH Riley Palmeter</li> </ul> Riley Palmeter can flat out ball!  His stats will bring you to his name, but the film will show you how talented this kid is. During Edinburgh’s 52-14 win over Crimson Knights, Palmeter did just about everything one can do, outside of serving the water to his teammates.  He was 17-23 for 275 yards and 4 TD’s through the air.  Carried the ball 8 times for 48 yards and a TD.  Then, just for some extra flair, he intercepted a ball and returned it for an 85 yard TD while playing defense.  Palmeter is an eye opening prospect because of his size and skill-set.  There aren't many young prospects that have the arm talent he possesses, while also having the ability to play multiple positions at a high level in college.  I will keep evaluating, but I am definitely excited about his upside. <ul> <li>QB [player_tooltip player_id="38948" first="Henry" last="Hesson"], Avon</li> </ul> [player_tooltip player_id="38948" first="Henry" last="Hesson"]’s performance was about as efficient as you will see from a QB at any level of football.  Going 17-18 passing for 371 yards / 4 TD's, the Sr QB could do no wrong.  When a QB throws that many balls with that few incompletions, it is typically due to check-downs and screen passes.  That was far from the case when you turn on the film from this game.  You see QB that was stretching the field both vertically and horizontally with his passes, and a player that looked like he had found the coveted "zone" that athletes strive for.  I was blown away while watching his footwork, ability to scramble with his eyes down field, and overall development as a passer over the past year.  His highlight from the week is so good that it could be confused for a QB coach teaching tape.  Hesson is currently listed as having 4 FBS/FCS offers, but with his play that number should certainly go up.  Any team that is waiting to take a commitment, or wanted to see Sr film before offering, should have more than enough to pull the trigger on him now.  Not only has Hesson taken that next step in his development, he possesses the one QB trait that can often not be taught... ACCURACY.