Rankings Update (May): 2023 Newcomers

This time around on our rankings, there were a few players who will be making an appearance for the first time. During the last update, they required move evaluation, and consideration in comparison to other players on the list. As time has gone by, their film has begun to speak for itself, and it only further solidifies why they are worth a spot on the list. Feel free to take a look at a few of the players we have listed below who have seen a recent addition to our “May Update.” <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34083" first="Kaleb" last="Cost"]-  </strong><em>CB / RB (Sandy Creek)</em> Cost makes his way on the list this time due to his versatility, and ability to play both sides of the football. At the CB position, he plays instinctive football, and his movement skills are a bit developmental, but show flashes of ability. Not only does he move fluidly at times, but he shows that he can make plays all around the field if need be. He also does a good job of changing direction, and using his physicality if needed. Cost also moves his feet well and does not do a bad job of positioning himself either. This allows him to run well with receivers, and it allows him to make plays on the ball if given the chance. While on the offensive side of the football, Cost allows for these very same movement skills to help him gash defenses when the ball is in his hands. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34078" first="Marquis" last="Hood"]- </strong><em>DE / RB (Decatur)</em> Hood, who is a longer, and heavier DE, does a good job of getting off of the ball quickly, and he makes great plays in the backfield. Hood also plays with an explosive ability, which derives from his lower body build, and his stance. When making tackles, he wraps up on ball carriers very well, and his aggressive playing style allows him to finish tackles through to the ground. Hood also made our list this time around due to the fact that he plays RB as well, and he allows this same playing style to translate to the pad level that he runs at, which also helps him to break tackles, and run through contact. If he can continue to be dominant on both sides of the ball in 2021, look for him to make a jump in our list. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34062" first="Caleb" last="LaVallee"]- </strong><em>LB (Whitfield)</em> LaVallee, who is ranked 76th overall on our list, plays very fast, and does a good job of swarming to the football. In some instances, he completely dominates those who attempt to block him, and he overpowers them as he uses his hands to rip through blocks, and proceed to the tackle. LaVallee also does a good job of rolling his hips on contact, and he delivers a pop, which brings players to the ground almost instantly. He also makes tackles in pursuit, and takes decent angles as well. While he is quick on his feet, his lateral movement skills can be a bit inconsistent at times, which is why he did not make the list the first time around. Regardless, his upside is too good to deny, and the potential for him to develop in these areas in 2021 are very likely. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34081" first="Dylan" last="Mann"]- DL </strong><em>(McEachern)</em> As a DT, Mann made the list this time around due to his future potential with the Indians. While his most recent film is from September, he has also put out some productive camp tape as well. All in all, due to his overall size, length, and frame, he has the upside of being one of the more dominant DT’s in the state. Off of the football, Mann is very quick and explosive, and also gets to the ball carrier quickly. With this, he can also plug holes when needed, and has no problem transferring his power on contact as well. Next season, if Mann sees time on the field as many expect him to, look for him to be a standout for McEachern.