Fall Preview: Sutter County Prospect To Know

<em><strong>Although a bit tucked away, Sutter county has some top tier talent at multiple positions and is home to some of the toughest and most physical kids across the region and section. Below, we will breakdown the Spring film of three top players that are poised for huge Fall 2021 seasons and will be some of the top players across Northern California. </strong></em> <hr /> &nbsp; &nbsp; <em><strong>ATH [player_tooltip player_id="25353" first="Nick" last="Afato"], Yuba City HS</strong></em> [caption id="attachment_176886" align="alignright" width="334"]<img class=" wp-image-176886" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/07/0DZnyUYf-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="334" height="334" /> Photo: [player_tooltip player_id="25353" first="Nick" last="Afato"][/caption]Afato plays all over the field for the Honkers and can be effective anywhere from inside or outside linebacker, to quarterback and running back on the other-side of the ball. He is a true playmaker with the ball in his hands and can make big plays anytime he touches the ball. Already well built and put together with tremendous lower body strength, he should find his home at linebacker in college. On tape, he has a nose for the ball and triggers quickly while able to close in a hurry and flip his hips in coverage naturally. Flashing natural instincts and scraping well over the top while bringing a nice thump upon contact, he is a tough and physical presence while being one of the best 2023 defenders in Northern California. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <em><strong>OL/LB Garrett McCray, East Nicolaus HS</strong></em> <img class=" wp-image-176839 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-28-at-3.09.58-PM-300x254.png" alt="" width="337" height="285" /> One of the most under-recruited prospects in all of Northern California, the 2021 inside linebacker has had a phenomenal high school career and is poised for a big Senior campaign. For his size, he moves very well and projects as a 4-3 defensive end or Mike at the next level depending on the level of play and scheme. A very strong tackler in the box that brings a good thump and explodes through contact, he also is fluid in space and takes good angles to ball carriers in the open field while having a quick play diagnosis and consistently playing downhill. A high motor and tough player, he is one of the best available defenders across the region and can play multiple positions at the next level and make a big impact on a college team. &nbsp; &nbsp; <em><strong>OL Noah Dunham, Yuba City HS</strong></em> <img class=" wp-image-176850 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-28-at-3.13.30-PM-300x173.png" alt="" width="378" height="218" /> It will not be long until the 2024 prospect reels in his first FBS offer as he will be one of the top offensive lineman regardless of class across this part of the state by the end of the season. He has a great frame with the ability to transform some of his weight as he matures and gets stronger, and is a balanced player that does a lot of really good things on film. Out of his stance he moves well at the first and second level while able to shock with inside hand placement and stay on blocks while finishing with good toughness and physicality. On tape, he shows he can pull when needed and get out in space while patient in pass protection and showing  good lateral agility and a strong consistent base. His ability to block against multiple fronts and angles while being very athletic for his size with a nasty streak will only help him as he moves through his high school career.