Rankings Update (August): 2022 Newcomers

During this August’s version of our Rankings Update, we have seen multiple newcomers join our list. Some of these players have found ways to shine in the off-season, while others, through further evaluation, have simply managed to separate themselves from other prospects. This has resulted in more offers during the off-season, as well as opportunities to visit campus’. Below, we have listed a few of our favorite newcomers in our latest update. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="165696" first="Will" last="Hardy"] (ATH)- </b><i>Greater Atlanta</i> Hardy is a very natural football player, who has made our list for the first time. We have him locked in at the 84th spot, and this is by no mistake. Hardy plays both offense, and defense, and finds ways to excel at both. Not only does he move fluidly and play with good bend, but his instinctive ability to react to the game at hand sets himself apart from the rest. On the offensive side of the ball, this allows him to catch the ball cleanly, run good routes, or use his twitch to gain yards on the ground by putting defenders in the dirt. His short area quickness that helps him succeed on offense also helps him on the defensive side of the ball, as he is able to jump passes, read defenses, and create turnovers. His length and the way he tracks the football makes him a deadly player whenever he is on the field, and we have no doubt that he will give himself opportunities to climb his way up this list once the season rolls around. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="165691" first="Nick" last="Cull"] (DB)- </b><i>Seminole County</i> Cull, just like Hardy, happens to be a very natural talent, who’s movement skills, and understanding of the game of football is what makes him a great talent. Not only does he have great burst, and the kind of speed that allows for separation, but he also has the balance that allows him to do anything with the ball in his hands. Oftentimes, this comes after turnovers, which happens due to the fact that Cull does not have any problems flipping his hips, changing direction, or getting out of his breaks, allowing him to match up well with receivers. Staying in their hip pocket, he is able to use his length to create pass break ups, while also dominating his competition. His use of hands, and the way he is able to play with physicality is what makes him elite as well. Coming up to make tackles, he does a good job of wrapping up, rolling his hips, and finishing players to the ground. Due to all of this, we have elected to rank Cull at the 50th spot in our updated rankings. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="165692" first="VJ" last="Payne"] (LB)- </b><i>Buford</i> In this version of our update, not only have we added Payne to our rankings, but we have him ranked 60th overall. On the defensive side of the ball, Payne is all that you could want out of a LB. He plays instinctively, and he changes direction very well. His bend, and fluidity of movement allows for little wasted steps, and the discipline that he plays with helps him to be able to make plays against both the passing and running game. Payne’s length, and strong hands helps him to be able to wrap up well, and finish tackles to the ground. The way he rolls his hips allows him to transition his weight effectively as well, making it uncommon for opposing players to run through him. Because of his vision, he is able to excel in his team’s defensive scheme, and we are expecting him to have a big 2021 season. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="165694" first="Jackson" last="Cannon"] (OT)- </b><i>Ola</i> Cannon is a force on Ola’s offensive line, and in being able to play this effectively, we thought he was worthy of the 77th spot on our updated rankings. Not only is this his first appearance, but we think he has a chance of climbing these rankings after the 2021 season. Not only does he roll his hips well, but he does a good job of exploding off of the football with good leverage. This leverage allows him to translate his power well on blocks, buying more time for the passer, or opening up better lanes for the ball carrier. Cannon also plays with great feet, which helps him to be able to react well to defenders, as well as pull, when using his athleticism. His strength can be dominant, and this is what makes him effective on the offensive line.