5 Seniors that Deserve D1 Attention
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As the season is nearing an end, there are a handful of big play seniors that are proving themselves every week, yet are still not receiving enough D1 attention. Everyone understands that size is a key D1 attribute for prospects,…
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Continue ReadingAs the season is nearing an end, there are a handful of big play seniors that are proving themselves every week, yet are still not receiving enough D1 attention. Everyone understands that size is a key D1 attribute for prospects, but at some point the production value and overall athleticism has to overrule the “size” concept. From FCS to FBS, these guys have proved the talent is there, and they continue to do so on a weekly basis. Take a look at 5 seniors that are well deserving of D1 offers:
Jacob Cisneros Jacob Cisneros 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Boulder Creek | 2021 State AZ , RB, Boulder Creek HS, 5’10″ 196lbs
Cisneros is an all-purpose back that can hurt a defense anywhere he lines up. As a ball carrier, Cisneros accelerates through the hole while maintaining a solid low pad level. His ability to break and shake off tackles is impressive, as he frequently bounces off linebackers then stretches to the numbers for big plays. He possesses good second level speed and can make defenders miss in open space. He adds both speed and physicality to his game with excellent vision making him an every down type back. As a receiver, Cisneros can split out wide, in the slot, or run routes out of the backfield and produce effectively. He is a mismatch against a manned up linebacker and has shown to route up manned up safeties as well. As a kick returner, Cisneros shows no hesitation with an impressive burst to hit top speed quickly in the open field. Cisneros as of now holds over 2,100 all purpose yards, and is 2nd in the state in total TD’s with 31. Cisneros continues to prove his versatility and his production is off the charts, as he is well talented enough and deserving of multiple D1 offers.
Maxwell Minor Maxwell Minor 6'4" | 185 lbs | WR Chaparral | 2021 State AZ , WR, Chaparral HS, 6’4″ 195lbs
Minor has exceptional length with athleticism and coordination, making him a prototypical outside receiver. Minor shows a good initial bursts off the LOS and attacks appropriate paths (inside or outside) to get a good release to set up his routes very well, ultimately generating big separation. Minor displays very strong hands with a large catch radius, which has made him one of the best in the state in winning in contested balls. Minor tracks the ball well and is your ideal deep threat receiver to stretch the field. He has shown physicality when he needs to, as he has overall done a good job of staying on blocks. An injury last year cut his 2019 season short, and COVID complications throughout the Chaparral program limited the beginning of his season this year as well, yet Minor has produced every time he gets an opportunity. He has developed dramatically from his junior to senior season, and holds massive potential going forward.
Jacob Moore Jacob Moore 6'3" | 285 lbs | OL Boulder Creek | 2021 State AZ , OL/DL, Boulder Creek HS, 6’3″ 295lbs
Moore is an absolute bully on the O-line. He continuously drives opponents to the second level, showing exceptional power and strength. Moore is also a state champion wrestler, which has provided him with excellent coordination and violent hands that he translates to the field very well. His nasty play is everything you could want in an O/D-lineman. Primarily lined up as an RT this season, Moore has open gaps for his play makers and protected his QB exceptionally well. Moore shows good leverage and a solid ability to redirect underneath. He does an outstanding job of getting to the second level which has been a major part in the success of the Boulder Creek offense. He has solid athleticism to reach quicker edge rushers does a great job with his hand placement. He shows position versatility throughout the O-line and D-line, and will only continue to get better as he has a high ceiling. He needs to be on multiple D1 coaches radar ASAP, as he is hard nosed, solid all around football player.
Eric Lira Eric Lira 5'11" | 180 lbs | WR Mesquite | 2021 State AZ , WR/DB, Mesquite HS, 5’11″ 175lbs
Lira has proved himself this season as a legit D1 talent. Lira shows impressive speed and can take the top off defenses. He does a good job of setting up his routes and running up the DB’s toes to break into his routes. He shows good explosiveness out of his breaks and accelerates into his route leaving the DB’s trailing. He is able to generate consistent separation and frequently catches the ball in open space. Lira is a big play threat, as he utilized in every dimension in the Mesquite pass game. He has shown to be a quick, shifty ball carrier when used in the screen game, and is a one-cut kid who can absolutely fly in the open field. He possesses good hands and solid body control as he can adjust and haul in tough catches. Lira’s speed and athleticism gives him a major upside with solid potential, as could be a perfect fit for numerous FCS schools.
Shane Pitts Shane Pitts 5'10" | 190 lbs | DB Liberty | 2021 State AZ , DB, Liberty HS, 5’10″ 190lbs
Don’t let Pitts’s size steer you away. He plays with a high motor and shows an excellent striking ability, as he has punished D1 commits throughout the season. Pitts shows excellent reaction and instincts and attacks the ball well. He has displayed good closing speed on ball carriers while showing a good POA. He reads routes and concepts very well, and plays receivers well in the back half of the field. He does an excellent job of getting out of his breaks and breaks on the ball exceptionally quick to lay big hits on receivers or force a PBU. He reads the QB well overall, as he has shown to jump quick routes for INT’s. He can fit in numerous defensive schemes as he is a balanced safety. Pitts sheds blocks well and blows up the run, and has shown to be an effective in blitz packages to get into the backfield. He has played against the state’s top prospects and continues to prove himself. He toughness, physicality, and football IQ make him an ideal fit in numerous defensive schemes.