Louisiana Playoffs: 10 uncommitted seniors likely to open eyes

A few seniors finish their high school careers every winter in one last blaze of playoff glory. The number of games each week decreases. The number of eyes on each game increases. Players "leave it all on the field," so to speak. Fans wonder aloud how the athlete they’re watching hasn’t garnered more — or, often, any — college attention. And a program or two finally makes their move before watching a conference rival do so instead. This year’s unusual circumstances and limited in-person evaluation have only further set that stage. Here are 10 uncommitted 2021 prospects with no Power Five offers and, in some cases, no offers at all, who could finally open some eyes and find homes for the next level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="63685" first="Caleb" last="Arceneaux"] — 5-11, 205 LB — Acadiana</strong> The reigning Class 5A champions enter the playoffs allowing an average of 11.2 points per game in seven games, including 8.7 points per game  in their six victories, despite little game-planning opportunity against opponents such as perennial powers John Curtis and Catholic (Baton Rouge) added as last-minute replacements for COVID-19 cancellations. That defense is a big part of why the Wreckin’ Rams enter this year’s tournament as the bracket’s No. 1 seed and one of the top contenders for another title. Louisiana (Lafayette) commit [player_tooltip player_id="63579" first="Cameron" last="George"] up front is the biggest name on the recruiting radar of the bunch, but the unit is loaded with talented, disciplined athletes who work well together as a unit.. Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="63747" first="Derreck" last="Bercier"] Jr. (5-10, 210), safety [player_tooltip player_id="63623" first="Ian" last="Montz"] (6-2, 175) and cornerback Kendrick Richard (6-1, 175) would be worthy candidates on this list, but Arceneaux gets the nods. The linebacker makes plays all over the field every week. Whether run defense, pass pressure, coverage or special teams, Arceneaux is everywhere. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="63694" first="Ralph" last="Walker III"] — 5-11, 175 DB — Zachary</strong> The Broncos’ cornerback played his junior season at 5-foot-7 before finally hitting a nearly four-inch growth spurt during the winter and early spring. In a normal offseason, the cousin of former St. Augustine and LSU star and current NFL running back Leonard Fournette would have shown that physical development off for months of 7-on-7 tournaments, spring football practice and college and apparel camps and combines. Instead, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down every traditional opportunity to build his recruiting stock. And opponents’ respect and hesitance to throw his way this season hasn’t provided many opportunities to make more splashy highlight-reel plays. Walker has kept receivers covered tightly and allowed only a few shorter completions. But more college coaches seeing more of that performance in increasingly high-profile games during another likely long postseason run for Zachary will represent Walker’s biggest platforms to spark some increasing recruiting momentum. <strong>C.J. Kittling — 6-1, 170 DB — Alexandria</strong> The No. 6 Trojans return to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs for the third straight postseason and appear to have as good a chance as ever to finally get over the hump and back to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2011. And Kittling, the top defensive playmaker on a high-powered squad, would be key in that mission. The senior play all over the secondary, but particularly on the back end where he can play in space and use his good instincts and closing speed to disrupt opponents’ passing and rushing attacks. Alexandria’s draw sets up a likely Slidell-Haughton-Zachary path that would be among the heaviest passing trios a team could’ve face in this season’s tournament, so Kittling would have opportunities to be tested and to potentially add to the highlight reel. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="63739" first="Jordan" last="Williams"] — 5-11, 190 LB — Ruston</strong> The No. 13 Bearcats (5-2) returned the bulk of their starters from a 2019 quarterfinal team that fell eight points shy of 2015, 2017 and 2018 Class 5A champion Zachary and has felt like a team potentially poised for a dream run since star running back [player_tooltip player_id="63570" first="Ke’Travion" last="Hargrove"] returned from his knee injury. Ruston is battle-tested, including non-district games this season against perennial contenders Neville, Acadiana and Catholic (Baton Rouge). And [player_tooltip player_id="63739" first="Jordan" last="Williams"] is among the biggest playmakers on defense. The linebacker lacks ideal size, but plays with discipline and patience to navigate the box, fits his gaps and run to the ball for strong, sure tackles and often turnovers, which he has a knack for creating or capitalizing on. And he looks good diagnosing and containing screens and comfortable in coverage. If the Bearcats can make the kind of run of which they appear capable, Williams will likely play a big role in the process and end up with a slew of additions to the highlight reel as a result. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="63630" first="Christian" last="Mannino"] — 6-2, 290 DL — Catholic (Baton Rouge)</strong> The senior defensive tackle has played his way into multiple "Top Performers" lists this season during Catholic’s impressive schedule and may need to do so again for his team to reach a fourth-straight state championship game. The Bears open postseason play Friday with a rematch of the 2019 title game right off the bat as a result of the limited, 10-team Division-I bracket. With another rainy week on the forecast, potential sloppy field conditions would amplify the battle in the trenches. And, with Mannino in the middle, the Bears wouldn’t be all that upset with those circumstances. His strength and motor up front has been on display in other big matchups with top-tier opponents such as reigning champions St. Thomas More, Edna Karr and Acadiana. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="63714" first="Alred" last="Luke"] Jr. — 5-7, 155 ATH — Warren Easton</strong> The Eagles took some time early this season to find their identity and stride after a 2019 state runner-up effort, the graduation of stars Sedrick Van Pran and A’Shaad Clayton and the unusual offseason. But the No. 6 seed in the Class 4A bracket has won five straight by an average margin of 27.2 points and is gaining momentum and confidence at the right time entering the postseason. "Dash" is one of the top playmakers and leaders for this year’s team and one of the most exciting athletes in the New Orleans area. As his nickname would suggest, he is known for his quickness and speed, but has shown the ability to go up and out-battle opponents for tough, contested balls and plays physically on either side when called upon. <strong>Rae’Land Johnson — 5-7, 183 RB — Donaldsonville</strong> Donaldsonville opened eyes earlier this month with a 50-28 stunning of reigning Class 3A champion St. James for the first time since 2012 in the rivals’ annual series. And their senior running back was squarely in the middle of the occasion with 224 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including the 64-yard scamper early that sparked the rout. The performance showed the No. 8 Tigers will be able to compete with anyone in a wide-open Class 3A bracket that could provide several marquee matchups. Johnson rushed 167 times for 831 yards — 5.0 yards per carry, with a long of 25 yards — and six touchdowns as a junior in 2019 and has proven himself even more explosive this season with 846 yards and eight scores on 95 carries in just six games — 8.9 yards per carry, with a long of 70 yards. And, despite lacking traditionally prototypical size, his strength and balance allow him to run for considerable yards after contact. <strong>DeShon Singleton — 6-4, 195 ATH — St. Helena</strong> The No. 4 Hawks are confident in their ability to make a deep run in Class 2A, and won’t see any recent state championship contenders until No. 1 Many or local rival No. 9 Amite in the semifinals. This year’s team might not have the same depth as the program’s 2017 runner-up group, but best friends Singleton and tight end prospect [player_tooltip player_id="63620" first="Jency" last="Riley Jr."] are two of the top athletes in the entire classification. Singleton’s biggest role now comes at quarterback, where he has enough athleticism to make plays with his legs and enough passing ability to get the ball to Riley downfield. But fans and college coaches will get an opportunity to see him at his more natural and likelier long-term position on the other side of the ball in the secondary, where he can show his coverage, ball skills and willingness to come downhill and hit. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="63664" first="Gage" last="Larvadain"] — 5-9, 155 ATH — Riverside Academy</strong> The Rebels’ lightning-in-a-bottle quarterback and jack of all trades might be the best senior football player in the state, according to a couple Louisiana high school coaches. And he certainly makes the short list within the Division IV playoff bracket, along with LSU commitment [player_tooltip player_id="63557" first="Matthew" last="Langlois"], Louisiana (Lafayette) commitment [player_tooltip player_id="63595" first="Hunter" last="Herring"] and two-sport senior [player_tooltip player_id="63567" first="Keon" last="Coleman"]. Riverside’s draw avoids the favorites, reigning champion Ouachita Christian and top-seeded Calvary Baptist, until the semifinals and state championship game, respectively. And if the Rebels can put together a bit of a playoff run, Larvadain’s electricity with the football in his hands would likely play a major role and become increasingly difficult to ignore. The biggest question mark might be where he is in recovery from some late-season nicks and bruises. But if Larvadain’s feeling good, Riverside could be a dark horse to watch surprise some higher seeds. <strong>Ron Craten — 5-10, 220 RB/LB — Oak Grove</strong> Former coach Vic Dalrymple used to jokingly boast about Oak Grove being the proud home to both a McDonald’s and a Sonic when talking about the small rural community in the northeast tip of Louisiana, just 10-15 miles from the Arkansas and Mississippi borders. The Tigers’ long-standing tradition and success occurs almost entirely well outside the spotlight. But runs to state championship games, which have become more consistent of late, provides a rare platform to close the season. The physical, hard-nosed Craten made as much of that opportunity as anyone last season as a junior with 159 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries to earn MVP honors in his team’s title victory. And top-seeded Oak Grove is positioned well for another potential run to the same stage.