Marist Football’s Top Returners For The 2021 Season
Last year, Marist made the most of what most high school football programs almost considered a throw away season. They not only finished the season undefeated, but they displayed consistent dominance, and walked away as 4A Georgia High School Football…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingLast year, Marist made the most of what most high school football programs almost considered a throw away season. They not only finished the season undefeated, but they displayed consistent dominance, and walked away as 4A Georgia High School Football champions. Going into this 2021 the War Eagles will hope to repeat the same success that they had last year, and they will also look to their young stars for the growth, leadership, and development that can help them get to the top of the mountain one more. Below, we have listed a few of their returning players that we feel can ultimately develop into some of their top returners.
O’Keefe McKinney- DT
Not only does McKinney have a decent developmental build and frame, but he also does a good job of getting after the QB for a kid his size. His explosive ability off of the ball, and use of his hands and strength ultimately makes it harder for offensive linemen to defend him. Due to this, he either collapses the pocket, or uses his speed to get around blockers to get to the ball carrier or QB. His footwork is decent, and he also shows to be consistent in his ability to be effective in pursuit. All in all, we think McKinney can turn into a solid player for the War Eagles, and we would like to see him grow into his body a bit more, and to be able to fully use his speed and agility to elevate his overall level of play. Next year could be a big time season for McKinney if he continues to work on, and perfect his craft.
Michael Schoenberg- CB
Schoenberg played a ton of snaps at the JV level of play last year, but can expect to see some time at the Varsity level this year due to the fact that the team will be losing a ton of starters. Regardless, when evaluating the tape of Schoenberg, it is apparent that he has a good bit of burst and shiftiness to his bodily movement. Along with this, his quick feet, and ability to react naturally to the play at hand allows him to play instinctive football when ball carriers are nearby, or when they ball is in the air. With this, while he does not have the best overall bend, he moves fluid enough to get in and out of his breaks effectively. Specifically, despite his smaller height and frame, he manages to play up to par with taller receivers and allows for his cross-over run and discipline in mechanics to allow him to be in place to make plays as needed. Next season, look for him to develop and gain opportunities to make a difference for his team.
Walker Richens- RB
One can notice right away when evaluating Richens’ height, size, and frame, that he is a young player. Richens, who is listed as a 2024 prospect, has predominantly seen time on JV as well, but has the potential to become a good player for the War Eagles in the coming years. Not only does he have decent burst and speed, but he also has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, and to get up the field quickly. This is great for any RB, but especially great for a back his size and age. Due to this, he has been able to pick up good yards, and even create big time gains for the War Eagles. Along with this Richens also does a good job of gaining the hard yards, and does so by plowing over defenders. Next season, expect Richens to slowly get integrated into the team’s offense, and also look for them to utilize him in the passing game to create match up problems for the opposing defense.
DJ Mazzone- QB
One of the most attractive things about Mazzone’s game is his ability to move athletically outside of the pocket, and to be able to make off balance throws at times when needed. Despite this, there is a ton that Mazzone still needs to work on due to the fact that he is only a freshman in high school. To start, one may notice that Mazzone has a decent, but long release. To improve his timing, we would like to see him clean up the rotation of his shoulders as he throws, as to improve the timing of his release. Regardless, Mazzone also shows that he has a decent touch on the ball and that he can place the ball nicely into receiver’s hands. Moving forward, we would like to see him throw with more velocity, especially on intermediate routes. At times, it appears that he floats the ball, and if he can work on this, it will likely improve his game a great deal. Along with this, Mazzone also plays with a bit of a hoppy, and loose base in the pocket. To clean this up, practicing playing at a stronger base, and squaring his shoulders more can drastically improve his overall delivery of the ball. Next season will be crucial for Mazzone, as he will likely improve in some of these areas. If he can make the jump, expect him to be one of the top players for the War Eagles in the coming years.