Sprayberry Football’s Top Returners For The 2021 Season

During the 2020 season, Sprayberry High School had its moments of ups and downs. Finishing the season with an average record of 6-5 may not have been in the Yellow Jacket’s plans, but it also showed flashes of talent, and ability from its young prospects, who we expect to be a big factor for them in 2021. Despite the average record, Sprayberry managed to total 5 regional wins, compared to their 2 regional losses. This record would be enough to help them make it to the playoffs, in which they won their round one match up against Creekside. From here, they proceeded to play Carrollton in the second round, in which they fell to them 39-13. As the 2021 season approaches, fans can look for Sprayberry to be a returning contender, especially with a full, normal off season under their belts. <b>Isaiah Abbey- </b><i>RB</i> Watching the tape on Abbey can be fun due to the dynamic playmaking ability that he has at the RB position. He may not be overly fast, but he has the burst that you would like to see of someone his stature. When toting the rock, Abbey has good vision, and he does a good job of adjusting at the line of scrimmage with quick feet. This allows him to change direction on a dime, and run through the correct hole. When running through the tackles, Abbey runs with strong legs, and good leverage, making it hard for defenders to bring him down. With this, when bouncing outside and turning the corner, Abbey proves that he has a bit of wiggle, and twitch to his running style, allowing him to shake defenders, and pick up yards. Next season, expect him to pick up a few more offers than what he already has. <b>Dang Tran- </b><i>LB</i> Next season, we expect Tran to step into a more consistent role on defense, as he showed flashes of talent and ability during the 2020 season. Even though Tran tackles a bit low at times, we like the angles that he takes, and the way he is able to play with discipline, and an understanding of the opposing offense’s scheme. In addition to this, he also plays with quick feet, and does a good job of wrapping up on tackles. One thing we want to see him improve with is his ability to be more physical, and to transition his weight and strength into his tackles. This physicality will help him a great deal when making tackles in the box. <b>Patrick Jones- </b><i>LB</i> Jones is another player who may not have played as much at the LB position last year at the varsity level, but we expect him to take on a small role (at the least) on the Yellow Jacket’s defense next season. This is due to the way he plays in zone coverage, and is able to match up with receivers when necessary. In doing so, the way he uses his ball skills is a plus, because he does a good job of causing break ups, or turnovers. His length, and quick reaction speed allows him to make good plays when playing the run as well, but we would also like to see him add more weight to his frame, and to work on the angles he takes, and leverage that he plays with. <b>Fernando Baker- </b><i>OL</i> Baker has already been impressive for a young, 2023 prospect. Off of the snap off the ball, he is very explosive, and he engages well on contact. When doing so, he plays with good leverage, bend, and flexibility in his movement. He also uses his hands, and arms well, providing good separation, while also avoiding penalties. Baker also plays with a good stance, and he uses his strength well to open up running lanes when his number is called. To add to this, when blocking in the passing game, Baker puts his feet to work, using good footwork to stop the pass rush. Next season, we think Baker will continue to break out, and will start to see offers trickle in as a result of this.