Tri-Cities’ Top Returners For The 2021 Season

Even though Tri-Cities' football program is not as popular as plenty of other teams within their region, we still feel that they have enough talent to shake things up in their level of play, if they happen to piece things together correctly. Last season, the Bulldogs finished with an overall 4-5 record, while also finishing 2-5 in their region. They saw themselves lose each of their last 5 games, and this came against teams such as Creekside, Jonesboro, Banneker, Woodward Academy, and Drew. Their worst loss of the season was against Creekside, as they fell 39-14. Next season, while the Bulldogs have plenty to work on, they certainly have just as much of a shot as anyone else if they play to their strengths, and find ways to groom their young talent. Below, we have listed a few of their top players in which you may begin to see take on more responsibility next season. <strong>Montravious Willoughby-</strong> <em>LB</em> Willoughby has plenty of upside, and this can be seen by the way he does a good job of sniffing out the run and making tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He not only extends his arms well, but he also uses his hands to work past blockers, and make key tackles. Willoughby also does a solid job of wrapping up on individuals, as well as rolling his hips on contact, resulting in a pop on contact, regardless of if he has to run up on defenders, or make plays in pursuit. To improve in his game, we would like to see him work on his overall bend, and fluidity, as well as his speed, and the way he gets out of his breaks with his feet. If he can manage to improve in each of these areas, he can certainly see a leap in his production. <strong>Tyler Scott-</strong> <em>OL</em> Scott, who is a bit of a younger prospect on the OL, is already coming into his own. He already uses his size, length, and strength to wall off defenders in both pass protection, and run blocking. Even though he is a bit stiff, and can be caught standing straight up at times, the way he engages defenders for his age is not bad, and we like the way that he uses his hands, and finds ways to position them to assist him in gaining positive leverage. We also want to see him roll his hips better and to be able to become more flexible, allowing him to move around more easily, especially when he is put in a position to pull, and move athletically. As we approach the 2021 season, expect him to further grow into his frame and ability, and to become a staple of the Bulldog's offensive line. <strong>Jayden House-</strong> <em>DE</em> While House was only a sophomore last year, he already showed flashes of talent, and an ability that can further develop him into a game changer for the Bulldogs defense in the coming years. He already has the frame and length that coaches want out of a DE, and he also uses this to be able to make tackles from various angles. He extends his arms well, and uses his hands, but will need to pick up on some more advanced pass rush moves as to help him beat more advanced offensive linemen. House also does a good job of finishing tackles and taking decent angles, but we would like to see him deliver more of a blow on contact. Next season, look for him to continue to develop in stature and strength, making it easier to make a more immediate impact on contact. <strong>Justin Riggins-</strong> <em>OL</em> As a 2022 prospect, Riggins stands at 6'5, 290, and has undoubtedly been one of the key pieces to the team's success on the offensive line. His length and frame makes it hard for defenders to move past him, and his ability to finish blocks only further solidifies holes that he opens up in the running game. Off of the ball, Riggins is a bit raw and slow, but his reach helps to slow defenders down, making it hard for them to catch up to ball carriers. His feet can be a bit slow and heavy too, which holds him back at times, but the way he is able to show flashes of a strong base is big time for what his future development could hold. Next season will be pivotal for Riggins to show if he can further develop in his ability as an offensive linemen, and if this could translate to a lower divisional football future if given the chance.