Acadiana Wreckin’ Rams Top Players

The defending 5A state champs, Acadiana High School suffered their first loss since the 2018 season last week on the road against Catholic of Baton Rouge (27-21). After the defeat, Acadiana dropped in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association high school football polls from 1^st to 4^th in 5A. Acadiana will look to get back on track in its final regular season game on Friday at Lafayette. The Wreckin’ Rams still have plenty of talent on their roster to compete for another 5A state championship. Acadiana will count on these five players to lead them back to another 5A state championship birth.   Tyvin Zeno, 5’8”, 180, RB, Senior Tyvin Zeno was the third running back for the Wreckin’ Rams last season, and he still had over 1,000 rushing yards. Coming into this season as the primary running back in Acadiana’s veer offense, Zeno has not disappointed. Although he does not have the size of a typical power running back, he is definitely more of a bruiser than a back that likes to beat defenders on the edge with speed. Zeno is a very hard runner who does have the speed to breakout some big runs once finding a hole in the second level. Acadiana’s offense has very little opportunity for their running backs and really any skill position to showcase their route running ability and hands, so it is tough to judge whether Zeno is a fit for an every down back at the next level. However, with his tough running style and athletic playmaking ability, I think Zeno has a chance to be a productive back in college.   Joshua McDaniel, 6’2”, 235, TE, Senior Joshua McDaniel is one of the best blocking tight ends in the state. In Acadiana’s run heavy offense, the offense utilizes him as one of the key lead blockers to consistently open holes for their run game. McDaniel comes off the ball fast, low, and with a lot of strength. Whether he is double teaming a defender with the tackle or going one on with an edge defender, McDaniel is constantly seen laying over his defender after driving him to the ground. In a small sample size, he has shown the ability to be a threat in the passing game as well. He is not a polished route runner or very fast, but he reacts well to the ball, uses his big body to block out defenders, and has reliable hands. Although I think he can be a solid fit at tight end for college teams, I could also see teams wanting to put weight on him and convert him to an offensive tackle. He is a tough player that many coaches would love to have on their team.   [player_tooltip player_id="63579" first="Cameron" last="George"], 6’2”, 245, DE, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="63579" first="Cameron" last="George"] is a big time playmaker for the Wreckin’ Rams defense. He plays most of his snaps at defensive end, but he gets moved inside to tackle at times as well. Acadiana mainly uses a 4 man front but because he is very disruptive at both positions, I think he can be used as a defensive end in either a 3 or 4 man front in college. He is very capable at pressuring the passer and getting sacks, but the strength of his game is his run defense. He has shown the ability to crash inside, set the outside edge, or simply bull rush the tackle and make plays on opposing running backs. George, currently a ULL commit, has to be one of the state leaders in tackles for loss this season. I expect him to be just as disruptive at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id="63623" first="Ian" last="Montz"], 6’2”, 185, FS, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="63623" first="Ian" last="Montz"] is a ball hawking free safety. In his junior season he had four interceptions and already has multiple interceptions this year. A true deep free safety, Montz has the speed to cover much ground in the secondary. Although not a big hitter in the run game, he has shown the ability to come up and make plays when needed. Montz is also a very skilled punt returner. He is good at setting up his blocks then using his athletic ability to make big returns. Montz is simply a playmaker both on defense and in special teams which I believe should get him some college attention.   Laterrance Welch, 6’1”, 175, CB, Junior Laterrance Welch had a big season at corner for Acadiana his sophomore year and has developed into one of the best corners in Louisiana this season. Welch is solid in man coverage. He is very effective in jamming receivers and does a great job in following his receiver wherever he goes across the field. Welch uses his hands very well in deflecting passes and rarely lets a jump ball get to the receiver. He is also a good hitter and defends the run well on the edge. With his size, experience, and athletic ability, I think Welch will get a lot of attention from big time college coaches next season.