2023 Athletes That Will Amaze: Part 2

Athletes are the dynamic playmakers that wow fans, fire up teammates and frustrate opponents. Indiana has so many outstanding prospects that fall into this distinct category. These players are show stealers who can turn any play in to a highlight. Today, we break down the remaining five student-athletes who are currently ranked in our Prep Redzone Indiana Class of 2023 state rankings. These prospects can take any college football program to the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="107238" first="Connor" last="Cervantes"], 6’0, 170 pounds, Griffith [player_tooltip player_id="107238" first="Connor" last="Cervantes"] possesses the high football intelligence that any coach at the next level should covet. On the defensive side of the ball, Cervantes is a hard-hitting safety who covers so much of the field. He has great ball skills. Cervantes tracks the ball well and he can eliminate the threat of a big pass play or even come up with an interception. Offensively, Cervantes is an excellent receiver. He runs his routes well and he finds ways to come up with the football. Cervantes proves himself to be difficult receiver to cover. After the catch is made, his mindset immediately turns to picking up yardage. Cervantes provides the big-play potential that can lift any offense. [player_tooltip player_id="107279" first="Deejay" last="Mcferson"], 5’11, 190 pounds, Speedway [player_tooltip player_id="107279" first="Deejay" last="Mcferson"] is a do-everything kind of player for Speedway. Mcferson plays on both sides of the ball. On offense, he lines up at running back and puts on a show. Mcferson has great speed but his vision is sensational. He can get outside or put his foot in the ground and get up-field. Mcferson also showcases a special ability to put defenders on his highlight reel. He makes potential tacklers miss with ease and turns what should be a limited gain into an explosive play. Mcferson has the playmaking potential that would make him a good fit with any high major college program. [player_tooltip player_id="107237" first="Peyton" last="Cross"], 6’0, 195 pounds, Sheridan [player_tooltip player_id="107237" first="Peyton" last="Cross"] has what it takes to be an offensive centerpiece. If you are looking for a player who can consistently get chunk yardage, Cross is your guy. [player_tooltip player_id="107237" first="Peyton" last="Cross"] is a backfield ace. He can line up as a running back or put his hand in the ground and line up in the fullback role. He is a great north-south runner. Cross wastes no time getting to the point of attack and picking up yards. Cross has excellent speed. Once he gets through the line-of-scrimmage, Cross kicks it into another gear and he can leave defenders in the dust. [player_tooltip player_id="107237" first="Peyton" last="Cross"] is also very difficult to get on the ground. It normally takes more than one defender to tackle him. [player_tooltip player_id="107239" first="Carson" last="Dunn"], 5’10, 185 pounds, Fishers [player_tooltip player_id="107239" first="Carson" last="Dunn"] is another playmaker who lines up primarily in the offensive backfield. He focuses more on running back, however, he fits the requirements for what running backs are being asked to do in the modern era. Dunn is a good one-cut runner, but he can also bounce a run outside. Dunn also possesses the crucial receiving abilities that are now expected out of running backs. He is a solid route runner, he has good hands and he can also make contested catches - something that is not always expected out running backs. [player_tooltip player_id="107239" first="Carson" last="Dunn"] is a consistently reliable playmaker. [player_tooltip player_id="107223" first="Anthony" last="Kennedy"], 6’1, 155 pounds, Avon [player_tooltip player_id="107223" first="Anthony" last="Kennedy"] is an all-around offensive threat. Kennedy will normally line up at wide receiver. When he does so, he makes a major difference. Kennedy is a solid route-runner. He shows a great understanding of defenses. Kennedy knows where he needs to be, where he should cut his route off and just how to get open. Kennedy also does a great job adjusting to the throw. If the throw is underthrown or overthrown, he can still find the ball and make the play. Kennedy can also be an effective quarterback in certain packages. He has a good arm, making him more than a running threat. In that situation, Kennedy can make a play with his legs or with his arm. Kennedy can also be a threat on kickoff returns. His pure athletic ability could allow him to be successful regardless of where he is lined up on the field. These five student-athletes are absolute game changers. These five have the ability to create explosive plays any time they get the ball. They all can lift any program and take it to the next level. College coaches need to keep tabs on what these outstanding prospects do in the fall. These incredible players are ready to shine in their Junior seasons this fall.