Social Media Stars of the Week: May 17-21
As always, we are constantly looking for new tape to watch! Due to spring ball ending for a lot of guys, we have gotten a bunch of spring game submissions that we have been grinding through. We appreciate everybody who…
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Continue ReadingAs always, we are constantly looking for new tape to watch! Due to spring ball ending for a lot of guys, we have gotten a bunch of spring game submissions that we have been grinding through. We appreciate everybody who continues to send their tape in! Let’s check out a few guys who stood out this week in the Twitter DMs.
Evan Smith | 2022 ATH | Ocean Springs
Evan Smith is a guy who truly does it all for Ocean Springs. The versatile playmaker lines up at WR on offense, and then all over the place on defense. Smith projects better as a defensive player, but it is hard not to admire his skill set on offense too. As a defender, Smith plays a box safety/LB hybrid role that moves him all over the formation. He is fast and physical at the point of attack. Smith is an aggressive tackler who will go for the big hit whenever it is available. This guy has so much fire to his game that every play he’s in is exciting to watch. Really good player with a ton of potential. Smith lists an offer from Davidson.
Johnathan Lampkin | 2022 WR | Starkville
Lampkin was a guy that didn’t play a whole lot as a junior, but looks to have made some strides this spring at Starkville. Lampkin is a tall and long receiver in more of a possession role this upcoming season. In his spring game, he showed off his skill set. Lampkin has a solid release at the line of scrimmage to give him some room with press coverage in his face. He runs routes well and knows how to set his body up for an easy catch. What stood out most about him was his willingness as a blocker. Most receivers shy away from blocking in the run and screen game, but Lampkin took it as his job. Look for this guy to have a productive senior season.
DJ Franklin | 2022 LB | Cleveland Central
DJ Franklin played well last season as a rotational linebacker at Cleveland Central. Franklin was specifically brought in for his athleticism in the open field. On passing downs, Franklin was able to play coverage at the linebacker spot just as well as a safety could. He was also used to spy quarterbacks and make sure that they didn’t take off running downfield. Franklin has good speed from sideline to sideline, but also plays tough and physical. He isn’t afraid of contact and has a good nose for the football. Like the upside that he brings to the table. Excited to watch him play this year, hopefully in a full time capacity.
Jaquavien Shoto | 2022 ATH | Pearl
Although he’s listed at 5’5″, there may not be a player in the state of Mississippi who plays bigger than Jaquavien Shoto. Shoto is an extremely versatile and athletic player capable of playing both sides of the ball. His home is most likely on offense, but Shoto plays nickel back as well. On offense, Shoto is used as a dynamic slot receiver and deep threat. He has great twitch and change of direction, making him capable of cutting on dimes. Shoto has good hands and can catch anything coming his way. This is an explosive playmaker that any team would be lucky to take a chance on. He currently lists no offers, but watch for that to change by the end of the year.
Nicholas Taylor | 2023 WR | Cleveland Central
As a sophomore, Nicholas Taylor’s season was cut short due to COVID-19. Taylor was primarily used as a special teams player last season with some play in the slot as well. When he did get the ball in his hands, Taylor showed that he had good lower body twitch and the ability to make people miss in space when he needed to. Not a ton of film here, so hoping he can have a big summer leading into the 2021 season.