Pre-Season Preview: Stanislaus County College Prospects Pt. I
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The Central Valley is always loaded with some of the best tier talent across the entire state. They year in and year out have guys that can play at the FBS-D-III level and the 2022-2023 class is no different. This…
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Continue ReadingThe Central Valley is always loaded with some of the best tier talent across the entire state. They year in and year out have guys that can play at the FBS-D-III level and the 2022-2023 class is no different. This will be a multi-part series in which we will breakdown the film of some of the Central Valley’s top college prospects. Part I will start below..
Jaelen Nichols Jaelen Nichols 5'11" | 195 lbs | ATH Central Catholic | 2023 State CA , Central Catholic HS
One of the most talented 2023 players across all of Northern California, Nichols is a premiere athlete with big time potential that can play multiple positions at the next level. On tape, he plays anywhere from slot, running back and outside linebacker and is explosive with the ball in his hands while initiating contact and running through arm tackles. He has a nice burst after the catch while displaying good contact balance, third level speed and finishes off runs with good toughness. He has good size and is well put together, especially for his age and should turn into a FBS caliber prospect. He will be one to watch as he moves through high school and continues as a top athlete in the Central Valley.
OL/DL Merek Boone, Big Valley Christian HS
Boone is a rising Senior that should be once again a top offensive/defensive lineman across the county. He is a tough and physical kid that is still developing, but has the potential to kick inside and play guard at the next level. He shows good strength at the point of attack and consistent leg drive through his blocks. He has a big frame with the ability to transform his weight, but moves pretty well for his size/mass. As the season draws closer, he should see some D-III interest come his way in the coming months.
DL Jericho Machado, Central Catholic HS
Machado is a plug in the middle and one of the best run stoppers in the Valley. A true 0-2 tech player, he is strong and athletic enough to two-gap when needed and has nice first step twitch at the point of attack. He sheds blocks quickly while understanding blocker momentum and creates immediate knock-back in the short area. He has good flexibility in his hips and ankles, but is still raw and learning to develop at the position but plays with a high motor and good toughness.
QB Cole Gilbert, Turlock HS
Gilbert is one of the top 2023 signal callers in the Central Valley and will only continue to improve in the coming years. He is a terrific overall athlete with nice pocket mobility and can throw on the run and across his body effectively. He is smooth through his progressions and is not afraid to check down balls and take what is given while also able to take off and scramble when needed. He scans the field well and does a good job at moving third level defenders’ eyes and delivering balls on time with accuracy. As he continues to work on his arm strength over the next two seasons, college interest should start coming his way.