2021 Team Breakdown: Oxford (AL)

The Oxford Yellow Jackets football program is one with plenty of pride &amp; tradition, including a  recent 14-13 victory over Spanish Fort in the 2019 State Championship game. Their 2020 season was a positive one as well, as they finished with an 11-2 record and a birth in the Class 6A quarterfinals. They look to capitalize on that success in 2021. They return a bevy of senior talent, led by safety [player_tooltip player_id="127823" first="Miguel" last="Mitchell"]. They will have to find a replacement for do it all quarterback Trey Higgins, who’s off to play baseball at Mississippi State this spring. We analyzed their 2021 roster and looked at the top names to watch entering this fall! <hr /> <em><strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id="127823" first="Miguel" last="Mitchell"], 6’3", 200, Sr</strong></em> A physical safety prospect with great range &amp; impressive anticipation. Mitchell has a knack for making plays on the football, whether it be via interception, forced fumbles, or fumble recoveries. He’s comfortable rolled up in the slot, has a stable off-hand jam &amp; can run with the speedy wide receivers. Based on his pure god-given size, I wouldn’t be shocked if he grew into a sam linebacker at the next level. <em>Committed to Vanderbilt </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10215384/5fa2fbaf19a59d0354d72191" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>A &nbsp; <em><strong>LB: Shaynadd Whitfield, 5’11", 205, Sr</strong></em> A dynamic pass-rusher equipped with outstanding burst coming off the edge. What he may lack in height, Whitfield more than makes up for in suddenness and bend. He’s a high motor stand-up end that plays with a relentless mentality from whistle to whistle. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11948929/5fbbfb37da50b1081884cd57" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>LB: Jordan Dobbins, 6", 205, Sr</strong></em> A tough 3-4 outside linebacker that is strong at the point of attack and can create knock-back on single blocks. Dobbins is twitched up and uses tremendous straight-line speed to overwhelm opposing tackles. He’s firm in zone coverage and is a natural at reading the quarterback &amp; breaking on the football. Jordan is a fiend for contact whose always looking for work and will speed his feet on opposing ball carriers. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10208748/5febfd9cb3d27c0a1cc94542" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>RB: Nick Merriweather, 5’10", 195, Sr</strong></em> A stout runner through initial contact who will barrel through arm tackles. Merriweather is a true north and south back with enough speed to provide value on off-tackle runs. He shows consistent vision and will allow blocks to set up in front of him before bursting through a hole. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13567572/5fd0602bd21b710828a2f192" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>DL: Isaiah Wilson, 6’1", 215, Sr</strong></em> On tape, Wilson showed heavy hands and a strong anchor when being single blocked. He displayed a great first step off the snap and the ability to get skinny through blocks. His quickness constantly gave opposing guards fits &amp; let me tell you, good luck blocking back on him as a three-technique if you’re a center. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12746669/5f98b1ad19a6d40660bcfa13" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>OL: Ethan Tate-Gregory, 6", 275, Sr</strong></em> Ethan moves particularly well for a big man and can create vertical displacement on zone double teams. He’s shown the ability to get out on the perimeter and make blocks in space in the screen game. Based on his vertical stature, to me, he’s a center through and through at the next level. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11920991/5f5d8ca80dc11b096047f290" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>WR: Bakari Dailey, 6’1", 165, Sr</strong></em> A shifty wide receiver prospect that does his best work out of the slot. Dailey is outstanding in the redzone and looks to be a natural hands catcher. He’s a high effort blocker who’s always looking for work downfield to spring a big play. He can navigate through traffic on screens and is tough to bring down once he gets into space. Look for him to be a focal point of their 2021 offense. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11599457/5fa2f6c54dec810888494eac" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>DL: Josiah Kimbrough, 6’1, 205, Jr</strong></em> A slippery three-technique that is surprisingly strong for a man his size. Josiah can fight off cut blocks and will take proper angles to the ball to ensure his tackle. He explodes out of his stance, punches on a rise, and rolls his hips on contact. He does a good job retracing his steps as a rusher and will work back to the quarterback. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14950149/5f9828f8c1247b08c8fa6537" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <hr /> <em><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Others to Watch</strong></span></em> <em><strong>QB: Sam Robertson, 6’2", 175, Jr</strong></em> <em><strong>LB: Michael Battle, 5’9", 190, Jr</strong></em>