Westlake Football’s Top Returners For The 2021 Season

Last season, Westlake’s football team surprised a ton of people with the success that they had. Not only did the team finish up with an 11-2 record, but they made a deep playoff push as well. Unfortunately, this push came to an end when they met Lee County, and lost 35-14. Regardless of this loss, the young talent on the Westlake roster boasts of promise, in which it deserves more attention than it has received to this point. This young talent will look to continue to flourish, while also replacing the likes of [player_tooltip player_id="33663" first="Nathaniel" last="Wiggins"], [player_tooltip player_id="33670" first="Dacari" last="Collins"], [player_tooltip player_id="33723" first="Demarko" last="Williams"], and much more. Not only does the team have a ton of speed on it’s roster, but it has talented players on both sides of the ball that will be returning. Due to this, we expect the Lions to return to the playoffs next season, and will have just as much of a chance as anyone to make a run at a State Championship. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34007" first="Avieon" last="Terrell"]-</strong> <em>CB</em> What’s understood does not always need to be explained, but in Terrell’s case, his ability is always worth noting. Not only has he exploded on to the scene for the Lions as a young prospect, but his movement skills, length, and overall ability to play the DB position at a technically sound level is what ultimately sets him apart. His quick feet and ability to change direction on a dime makes him an elite prospect, and his burst and explosive ability only make him more sought after. Terrell also has ball skills, and the speed that you look for in a DB. Ultimately, this helps him to stay in the receivers hip pocket very well, and it also allows him to be effective in both man and zone coverage. With this, he also plays with great spacial awareness, and proves to have a good feel for the game. Expect him to gain even more national attention this upcoming season. <strong>RJ Johnson-</strong> <em>QB</em> While Johnson is a bit of a raw QB prospect at times, he has a ton of tools that make him a great high school QB. Not only does he sit in the pocket well with his big body and frame when delivering strikes down the field, but he also has great ball placement on various throws of difficulty. He proves to make deeper and intermediate passes well, and can also fit the ball in tight windows at times as well. As a passer, Johnson makes good, and quick decisions which ultimately helps the offense in various ways. With this, while his footwork and throwing mechanics can be a bit inconsistent at times, we still view Johnson as a very underrated player in the state of Georgia. Johnson also has good touch on his passes, and decent velocity behind his throws, making him a very successful QB. Next season, look for Johnson to add on to the list of the few offers that he already has. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33867" first="Horace" last="Lockett"]- DT</strong> Lockett, an explosive defensive line prospect, has the size and build to be an elite player at his position at the next level, and he also shows that he has plenty of traits that will continue to make him great. Not only does he have the strength to rip off of blocks, but he has the lower body strength and power to push the pocket, and put pressure on the QB. With this, Lockett is also great in pursuit and is a fluid mover, which is proven time and time again as he makes tackles and plays down the field and on the sidelines. While we do want to see him continue to add on to his speed, his current speed is solid for his age. Moving forward, he will continue to be a big time prospect, and we want to continue to see him finish blocks, and be able to use his hands well each play.