The big guns of Francis Howell

Will Crawford

February 25, 2021 @ 01:34 PM

The big guys say, tight-ends, defensive lineman, offensive lineman, or even linebackers never get the love that they deserve. But one school has big guns that will be getting some recognition coming this fall. Francis Howell High School in Weldon Spring, Mo has the big guys up front. They are coming off a 9-2 season, falling just one game short of the Class 6 championship game. The Vikings are losing Will Doherty who led the team with 102 total tackles and [player_tooltip player_id="95982" first="Jack" last="Meyer"] (Mizzou recruit) who recorded a record-breaking 13 sacks. But Howell and head coach Brent Chojnacki have that next guy up mentality, so here are three guys for the Vikings who will fill those big shoes. Wyatt Robbins Sophomore Along with Doherty, Robbins was a force to reckon with. Robbins was second on the Vikings with 94 total team tackles. He also added two sacks, a fumble recovery, and an Int. Being the second leading tackler for a team that was one game away from a state championship does not come lightly. Robbins body stature makes him look like he is ready to hit somebody. Robbins flies around to the ball and somehow is always in the play. With the loss of Doherty due to graduation, the Vikings don’t have to look very far for their potential new leading tackler. [player_tooltip player_id="37661" first="Brett" last="Norfleet"] Sophomore Norfleet is a guy that undoubtedly will be playing on Saturdays if he chooses the football rout over baseball. The 6’7 225lbs tight-end is ranked #6 in Missouri Prep Redzone rankings. He is also the first guy you notice when you see Howell. When it comes to his route running, he can run routes like a wide receiver. The soon to be junior is soft with his hands, and snatchs the ball out of the air quickly. To add, he has one of the best competitive drive’s seen on a football field. Norfleet as a sophomore is already getting looked at and offers from power-5 schools. University of Washington, Florida State, Arizona State, and more. Norfleet has the chance to become if not, one of the top tight ends in the United States. Jude James Freshman James was only a freshman for the Vikings in 2020 but saw a significant amount of time. James standing at 6’2. With being over six foot tall, James moves similar to Norfleet. He runs quick, is athletic, and can run any route that you his coaches ask him too. You didn’t hear the fame, or much recognition go to James due to Meyer, Doherty, and Robbins, but teams knew who he was by half-time. James is powerfully built and plays with a physicality that is second to none. James rushes to the ball and will put his body on the line to make sure his opponent does not gain another yard. On the offensive side, he will be seeing a lot of touches from QB Booker Simmons. With most of the attention going to the Gurley brothers, or Norfleet, James is bound to be open, and will make defenses pay for it.