Five Seniors to Watch: 4A

There are several talented Seniors that play in class 4A.  These players were key contributors to the success of their team as Juniors in 2020.  Here are five Seniors who are looking to improve upon their impressive Junior season last year. <strong>RB, [player_tooltip player_id="88868" first="Jovanni" last="Blackie"], 5’10, 190, Paola</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="88868" first="Jovanni" last="Blackie"] is the 7th ranked RB and the 52nd ranked player overall in the class of 2022.  His play during the 2020 season was a big reason why the Paola Panthers had a very successful season going 8-1.  He shows very good vision as he quickly finds the open hole, uses his very good play strength to break tackles from DB and LB with ease and accelerates to top speed quickly once he enters the secondary as he is able to run for big gains consistently.  He displays very good competitive toughness as his play improves in the red zone as he is a threat to score with the ball in his hands.  In addition to showing great prowess as a rusher, he excels as a kick returner as well using his good elusiveness and play speed to pick up big yards. <strong>OL, [player_tooltip player_id="35570" first="Tony" last="Caballero"], 6’3, 280, Bonner Springs</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="35570" first="Tony" last="Caballero"] is the 10th ranked OL and the 84th ranked player overall in the class of 2022.  He plays as a RT.  When run blocking, he fires out low, quickly shoots his hands and placing them on the chest of the 5T while delivering a powerful punch while executing a reach block, uses his very good play strength and leverage to drive his man off the ball and displays excellent physical toughness as he finishes the block to the ground with ease for a pancake.  He is very athletic as he combo blocks the 3T with the OG before moving to the secondary to block the athletic Mike sealing him off to create a huge lane for the RB on outside zone plays. In pass pro, he sets up vertically, bends at the knee, keeps his feet moving and uses his quickness to prevent himself from getting beat inside or uses his play strength and leverage to anchor when bullrushed. <strong>QB, [player_tooltip player_id="35574" first="Bradley" last="Neill"], 6’0, 140, Buhler</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="35574" first="Bradley" last="Neill"] is the 12th ranked QB and the 92nd ranked player overall in the class of 2022.  He stands tall in the pocket, reads the defense very well, is able to scan the entire field while making multiple reads and is able to make all the throws with very good arm strength and accuracy and a quick release.  He shows the ability to place the ball on the correct shoulder of the receiver maximizing yards after the catch.  Although he is primarily a pocket passer, he also possesses the athletic ability on QB design runs and bootlegs to pick up a first down with ease. <strong><span style="font-size: 1rem;">OL, [player_tooltip player_id="98393" first="Braxton" last="Bailey"], 6’3, 285, McPherson </span></strong> [player_tooltip player_id="98393" first="Braxton" last="Bailey"] is the 19th ranked OL and 133rd ranked player overall in the class of 2022.  He plays as a RG and RT.  When run blocking, he fires out low, displays very good quickness to get his hat across the face of the 5T or on a down block on a 2i, wins battles with his hands inside while displaying very good play strength to drive the DL off the ball with ease.  Uses his very good physical toughness to finish the block to the ground.  In pass pro, he takes a 45 degree set, keeps his feet moving constantly, delivers a powerful punch to the frame of the 7T negating his progress while keeping a long distance between himself and the QB. <strong>DL, [player_tooltip player_id="35555" first="Taviahn" last="Mack"], 6’1, 285, Arkansas City</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="35555" first="Taviahn" last="Mack"] is the 24th ranked DL and the 183rd ranked player in the class of 2022 overall.  He plays as a NT and a DT.  He lines up in a 0T as well as a 3T.  He is quick off the ball and uses his play strength to stack OL at the point of contact and is able to defeat doubleteam blocks with ease due to his excellent physical toughness, upper body strength and hand use.  In 1 on 1 situations, he shows the quickness and agility to beat the C inside while executing a swat and swim move as he penetrates the line of scrimmage into the backfield.  He keeps his eyes on the ball carrier constantly and shows good form tackling ability as he brings down the RB with force.