Walton Football’s Top Returners For The 2021 Season
Going into next season, Walton’s football program will certainly be waiting for its first opportunity to show off it’s young talent. Walton, just like plenty of other programs throughout the state, will be losing plenty of its starting talent due…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingGoing into next season, Walton’s football program will certainly be waiting for its first opportunity to show off it’s young talent. Walton, just like plenty of other programs throughout the state, will be losing plenty of its starting talent due to the fact that they’re graduating, and moving on to college programs. Last season, that same talent helped carry Walton to the second round of the playoffs. Unfortunately, this would be the furthest that Walton would see themselves going, as their journey came to an end against Colquitt County. Next season, the Raiders will still hope to be able to build on to this success, and to allow its future talent to take the reigns. Below, we have listed a few of their young prospects who you should keep an eye on in the coming years.
Jeremy Hecklinski- QB
Hecklinski, who is a 2024 prospect has already given Walton fans a ton to be excited about. Not only does he have the height and vision to be a good starting QB this upcoming season, but he also has the arm strength needed to compete at the Varsity level of play. This is evident when he makes completions on deeper passes, intermediate sidelines passes, and passes across his body. While he has good arm strength, he also has good placement when making completions as well. One thing we would like to see more of though is his control over the touch on some of his passes. If he is able to work on this aspect of his game, he can elevate his QB play. Regardless, he has a ton of tools to work with, and the fact that he squares his shoulders decently well when on the move, also shows maturity in his development. Moving forward, if he can work on his overall touch, footwork, and pocket presence, he can improve drastically. While he has been a great QB so far, he cannot always play loose in the pocket, because this will catch up to him when the speed of the game increases.
Philip Eichelzer- OL
While Eichelzer is only a 2023 prospect, there is a ton to unpack about his talent and ability to play the offensive line effectively. To start, he has the ability to be effective as both a Center, and a Guard, which will ultimately prove to be very beneficial to his team. His big wide body makes it hard for defenders to move around him, while also being able to provide good protection for the passer, and being able to open good holes for the RB’s. He proves to be athletic enough to pull, but we would still like to see him use his feet a bit more quickly in being able to adjust to some of the defensive linemen. With this, Eichelzer also does a decent job of engaging defenders on contact, and does an okay job with his hands. Moving forward, if he can work on rolling his hips more fluidly, while also playing from a good stance and balance, we feel he can make a huge leap in his development.
Ashton Woods- LB
When evaluating Woods tape, it is clear that he already has the length, and size to begin to get time at his age. Not only does he use this to his advantage, but he also shows plenty of other traits that can be very beneficial to his overall ability and talent. To start, he is not afraid of contact, and he proves to play at a decent game speed. Due to this, he is able to make good stops, whether this is in pursuit, or in the backfield. Woods also shows that he has a good awareness for the game, and that he can take good angles. While it may also be true that Woods is a bit stiff, and has raw footwork, and a slim lower body, these are definitely things he can work on in the off-season. Entering into next year, we would like to see him work on his flexibility, drop steps, and his lateral movement skills.
Charlie Hubbard- OL
Hubbard, who already has a giant frame and great size for his age, will certainly become a solid player for the Raider’s offensive line. Not only does he do a great job of engaging defenders, but he fires off of the ball as well. While he may not be the smoothest, and most fluid offensive linemen, his size picks up a ton of slack for him. As he develops, his footwork, and leverage will be huge to focus on. This will help him to be able to transfer the power from his stance, to the defenders in which he is engaging. With this, if Hubbard can continue to work on his athleticism, his quickness off of the line will certainly improve, and will help their running game a great deal.