SMAC football preview: Patuxent High School Standouts

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Overview:</strong></span> Patuxent boasts an excellent senior class coming into this spring season, here are a few that stood out to me! <div> <div class="nH"> <div class="nH"> <div class="nH bkL"> <div class="no"> <div class="nH bkK nn"> <div class="nH"> <div class="nH"> <div class="nH ar4 z"> <div class="aeI"> <div class="AO"> <div id=":3" class="Tm aeJ"> <div id=":1" class="aeF"> <div class="nH"> <div class="nH" role="main"> <div class="nH g"> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>DL: Justus Sewell, 6'3", 230, 2021, Sr.</strong></span> Justus is a defensive lineman that boasts tremendous <img class=" wp-image-112939 alignright" style="font-size: 1rem;" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/IMG_1140-199x300.jpg" alt="" width="297" height="448" /><span style="font-size: 1rem;">speed and energy. He has demonstrated the ability to use his 4.6 40 speed after shedding blocks to run down opposing ball carriers half his size. He pairs this speed with his high motor, to make incredible chase-down tackles that prevent potential explosive plays or touchdowns. Justus also does a great job of exploding through his designated gap to quickly penetrate the line of scrimmage where he then uses his speed to quickly run down the ball carrier for a TFL. In the passing game, Justus has demonstrated the abi</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">lity to use his explode off of the line and deliver physical power blows to the offensive lineman, knocking them off balance, allowing him to get on their edge, and effectively shrink the pocket or come up with the sack. His speed also allows him to be a high-impact member of a special teams unit. He's demonstrated the ability to fly down the field like a wrecking ball on kick-off teams and develop the type of plays that energize your entire sideline. The speed and effort Justus brings are vital to the success of any defense or special teams unit. I believe he will have a breakout season this spring and solidify himself as a high-level prospect.</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>DB: Trent Rocarek, 6'1", 180, 2021, Sr.</strong></span> Trent is a very athletic free-safety with speed, a nose for the ball, and an excellent understanding of how to navigate the field. In<span style="font-size: 1rem;"> the run game, Trent does a good job of getting downhill and physically filling the holes created in the defense, effectively deterring explosive plays. As a pass defender, he does a great job of using his eyes to read the quarterback and find the most dangerous route to break on. When the ball is thrown short Trent does a great job of quickly breaking on the route and making the open field tackle, negating any yards after the catch. Even though Trent does a good job at other free-safety elements, he really thrives in the middle of the field. From that position, he does a great job of predicting where the quarterback will go with the ball and getting on the receiver's hip, putting him in a great position to deflect the pass or come up with the interception using his reliable hands. Once the ball is in his hand, he's also a big-play threat. This is evident on special teams, where he is the primary returner for his team. He does a great job of navigating his blocks and routinely setting up his offense with excellent field position when given the opportunity. I believe his ability to help his team win both the turnover and field position battles makes him a valuable asset and a great college prospect.</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>ATH: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/athlete/12024977" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.hudl.com/athlete/12024977&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1614306145379000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH54XImmN7YHnq2dYzfNZWtc4CcJA">Adam Commodore</a>, 5'9", 185, 2021, Sr.</strong></span> Adam is an athlete who can contribute to a team in various ways, finding success in both the positions of Quarterback and Corner for Patuxent High School. Adam routinely shows off his speed and athleticism as a true option Quarterback. Adam displays excellent decision-making when operating the option play and will make the defense pay when not defended correctly. As a runner, he's shown the strength to shed would-be arm-tacklers to gain extra yards-after-contact and the speed to create explosive plays and even touchdowns. Even though Adam is a playmaker for the offense, I believe he truly shines on the ball's defensive side as a corner. He's a physical defensive back with good reaction time and intuition, often leading to quick tackles, pass deflections, and even interceptions. My favorite part of Adam's game as a defensive back is his willingness to defend the run. He's displayed excellent tackling skills and physicality, often deterring runners from getting behind the defense. He's even shown the ability to be a box defender by playing the nickel-back position, where he quickly fills holes created by the line offensive line, almost like a linebacker. I believe Adam's ability to be a swiss army knife on defense and an interesting piece for a creative offensive coordinator makes him an exciting college prospect to watch in the near future. </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="vY nq"></div> <div> <div></div> </div>