McEachern Football’s Top Returners For The 2021 Season

Through the years, McEachern’s high school football program has built itself into one of the most notable teams in the state, and has witnessed plenty of it’s high school football alumni go on to play at the Power 5 level of play, and the NFL. Needless to say, the Indians are nothing short of a powerhouse, and will most likely be returning to prominence in 2021, as they will also have a full off-season under their belt to prepare for any competition in which they will face. For the Indians, it is a regular occurrence for them to make a deep playoff run, even when they may fall a bit short. Last season, especially due to COVID, their 4-8 record, and first round exit was a bit of an anomaly. In 2021, their future success will most likely prove this to be true. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33881" first="Bryce" last="Archie"]- </strong><em>QB</em> This upcoming season, Archie will be returning as the team’s starting QB, and will likely see a jump in his production and success. While he is already committed to Coastal Carolina, we still believe the sky is the limit for his talent, and can maximize his time at the high school level to prepare him for next season. Archie shows that he has decent ball placement, and that he can get the ball out of his hands quickly. While his mechanics can be a bit inconsistent, he shows that it does not hinder his production. Perhaps one of his biggest strengths is his ability to scan the field and go through some of his progressions, especially in the shallow passing game. This will likely transition well into the next level and help him to have success immediately. With this, it can also be seen that he has a bit of a backyard playing style when he is on the move, and when he cuts the ball loose outside of the pocket. This can be a bit dangerous, but if he can work on the way he squares his shoulders when doing so, it can help him take his game to the next level. We would also like to see him continue to use his mobility to his advantage next season, as this will likely help his team win games, and keep the defense unbalanced. <strong>Sutton Smith- </strong><em>WR </em> While we would like to watch Smith run at top speed in person to better gauge how his speed would translate at the next level, there is no denying that he has game changing ability, as he is able to make plenty of plays after the catch, which usually end up as touchdowns. Smith is also very smooth as a route runner, with good feet, and he does a good job of catching the ball with strong hands, even in contested situations. With this, he also has great body control, and his overall burst, and explosive ability is what helps him to gain good yards on the ground for his team. As he makes his way through the levels of the field, his vision of incoming defenders is also very impressive, as he is able to pair this with his strength that he uses in his stiff arm, and powerful running style. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="94023" first="Seven" last="Cloud"]- </strong><em>DT</em> Cloud, who is committed to the Georgia Bulldogs, is no stranger to taking on a big burden as a defensive linemen. Not only does he have a wide, strong, and physical frame, but he allows this to translate to his play very well as he is able to plug gaps, and stop ball carriers right in their tracks. What makes Cloud so dominant is his athleticism, and the way he is able to get off of blocks, use his hands, initiate arm extension, and to evade them with his feet as well. With a lack of words, he is extremely dominant, and his ability to have a high motor, and to find himself in perfect position to make tackles for a loss of yards is huge for his defense. Next season, expect him to improve on his overall technique, and to be more fluid in some of his movement skills. <strong>Justus Joseph- </strong><em>CB</em> Joseph, who is an underrated piece of the Indians defense, usually shows consistency in his ability to make plays in zone coverage. This is due to the fact that he flips his hips well, and is able to use his speed to gain ground, and put himself in position to make plays on the ball. In regards to his movement skills, Joseph does a good job of using his feet, and his bend helps him to explode out of his breaks, and to be in the correct spot at all times. Joseph is also very physical and is not afraid to step up and make tackles, especially in the running game. With this being said, he is an all around DB and his developmental talent can take him to whatever heights he can imagine.