Norcross Football’s Top Returners For The 2021 Season

Norcross High School, being one of the most notable programs in the state is poised to return to success next season, and will most likely be a playoff contender again. Coming off of their 13-1 season, they have plenty of starters returning, and will be hoping to make it past the semi final round in the playoffs, in which they fell short last season. Perhaps the only thing that made their playoff loss better is the fact that it was to Grayson High School, who was the eventual state champion for the 7A level of play. Regardless, this upcoming season will be exciting to witness due to the return of the team’s young stars, and talent, and the fact that they are a likely team to make a championship run. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="101788" first="Zakye" last="Barker"]- </strong><em>LB</em> Barker, who will be a senior this upcoming season, is no stranger to physical contact, and does a good job of showing this on a consistent basis. Not only does Barker make good tackles in pursuit, but he steps up well in the box, and rolls his hips through contact. When making tackles, he does a good job of driving his feet, wrapping up, and finishing through to the ground. Barker is also lethal due to his short area quickness, and ability to read the game well, and understand running plays, and offensive tendancies. This allows him to be in proper position at all times, and is a big reason for a majority of his success. We also like Barkers developmental frame, and understand that any added weight, and speed will take his game to the next level. Next season, look for him to slowly pick up more offers. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="133987" first="Latavius" last="Johnson"]- </strong><em>RB</em> Johnson, who will be transferring in from Tucker, is poised to make a big impact for his new team in the running game this upcoming season. Not only will he be playing alongside a strong offense, but his ability to use his shifty running style and twitch will take the offense to the next level. Even though he has a bit of a slight frame, he runs through contact well by keeping his legs moving, and using good leverage. With the football in his hands, Johnson also displays good body control, balance, and footwork. His short area quickness is often times what helps him to pick up good yards, and will definitely be a big factor for Norcross’ offense. If the offense takes off in the running game next season due to the ability he brings to the table, don’t say we didn’t tell you so! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34057" first="Lawson" last="Luckie"]- </strong><em>TE </em> Last season proved to be very productive for Luckie, as he was able to pick up a few Power 5 offers by the end of the year. This comes as no surprise due to the developing use of the TE position in the modern game of football. To start, not only does Luckie box out defenders well on contested passes, but he also has great hands, and high points the ball very well. While we question his overall separation ability at times, he shows flashes of being able to do it well, as he is decent out of his breaks. To take his game to the next level, he will certainly need to work on his route running ability, and his consistency in the way he blocks. While he does a great job with this at times, the slightest bit of inconsistency can hurt him at the next level of play. <strong>Bryghton Peters- </strong><em>CB</em> Bryghton Peters is certainly a talented player, and is on the rise for his team, with his best days at the CB position ahead of him. When in coverage, he has quick feet, and is able to position himself to break up passes. He does a good job of bending, and moving fluidly as well, but we also feel that he can get off balance at times, which hinders him in certain situations, especially as he attempts to rip off of blocks. Peters’ ability to play instinctive football is also a very good trait to have at his position, and we love the fact that he is not afraid to make tackles in the running game. Going into the 2021 season, we would like to see him add speed to his game, and to be able to get out of his breaks more smoothly, and with less wasted movement.