2021 Monticello Senior Preview

One team that has the potential to do some big things in 2021 is the Monticello Billies. The Monticello football team improved tremendously from the 2019 season to the 2020 season. Monticello fans are expecting the Billies to take another step forward during the 2021 season. We are going to take a look at some of the 2021 seniors to watch for as the 2021 season approaches. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="106935" first="Stran" last="Smith"]-Quarterback</strong> The Billies have one of the most intriguing recruits in the state of Arkansas at the quarterback position in the form of [player_tooltip player_id="106935" first="Stran" last="Smith"]. Smith is one of those quarterbacks that can give defensive coordinators plenty of headaches. Whether it be throwing the ball or running the football, Smith does both effectively. In 2020, Smith passed 1,209 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only threw seven interceptions. Last season, Smith showed that he is not afraid to use his legs to extend plays and pick up key first downs. He rushed for 315 yards and two touchdowns. Smith is going to be a player to watch as the offseason continues and seven-on-seven heat play heats up. He has the potential to being playing on Saturday’s next season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="121908" first="Doerian" last="Allen"]-Wide Receiver</strong> Allen is a reliable target for Smith. Allen has a second gear and can make opposing defensive backs look silly at times when they attempt to cover him. Allen hauled in 28 receptions for 550 yards and eight touchdowns last season. The Monticello coaching staff did a fantastic job of using Allen as a running back as well. He tacked on 266 yards rushing and punched the ball into the end zone two times. Allen is a consistent all-purpose threat for the Billies and he has the potential to have a big season for Monticello in 2021. <strong>KJ Wells-Defensive Line</strong> Monticello has talent returning on the defensive side of the ball as well for the 2021 season. At 6-2 and 250 pounds, Wells has the size to cause plenty of problems for the opposing offensive line. Last season, Wells did an excellent job of shutting down the opponent’s rushing attack and he live in the opposing offense’s backfield. In 2020, Wells racked up 37 tackles, four sacks, and five tackles for loss. Wells has the potential to have an excellent 2021 season and he should continue to force opposing offensive coordinators to account for him. <strong>Ryan Franklin-Defensive Back</strong> In 2020, Franklin did an impressive job of playing the cornerback position. Last season, Franklin had 36 tackles, one interception, two tackles for loss, and five pass break ups. He does a good job of wrapping up the wide receiver and bringing him to the ground. An underrated, part of Franklin’s game is that he does an impressive job of being able to fend off blocks and still get in on the play. Franklin does a good job of playing the ball in the air and if he cannot pick the pass off, he does a good job of causing a pass break up. He is a player to watch this season. Franklin has the potential to really explode this season from a playmaking perspective and is a player to keep track of going into the 2021 season.