Area Breakdowns: Birmingham Area Watchlist Pt.2

August is here and we are now 12 days away from some schools lining up for their Season Jamboree Game. With the Regular Season Games 18 days away, things are starting to get more exciting! Though anxious, this is a year to be nothing but grateful for. For a lot of families across the state of Alabama; Friday night high school football in the Fall is so many cherished memories. These group of guys will be sharing those moments indefinitely with their family members this year. I had a chance to see these Recruits play against each other this past Spring Game look forward to hearing much more about them throughout the Season. <img class="attachment-266x266 size-266x266 aligncenter" style="font-size: 1rem;" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/UndertheRadar-Logo-10.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 266px) 100vw, 266px" srcset="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/UndertheRadar-Logo-10.jpg 864w, https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/UndertheRadar-Logo-10-300x188.jpg 300w, https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/UndertheRadar-Logo-10-768x480.jpg 768w, https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/UndertheRadar-Logo-10-600x375.jpg 600w" alt="" width="266" height="166" /> [player_tooltip player_id="272841" first="Eric" last="Handley"]- QB, 6’2 180 Fairfield High Prep I had a chance to see Eric use his keen eye vision this past Spring. This Sophomore quarterback has grown over the Summer so expect that to be a factor with Handley and his run game. With almost a perfect back shoulder pass Handley delivers, he also has a confidence level to thread the needle on slants and post routes. This season as Handley steps in a role to command, I don’t see him lacking in the area of leadership. In fact, Handley confidence on the Field and to lead his team should begin to come second nature. [player_tooltip player_id="272841" first="Eric" last="Handley"] will be in charge on the field but Head Coach Keon Handley Sr has the recipe for his Sophomore son. Coach Handley is also the first coach at Fairfield High to welcome Coach Pyles the first female coach. With this family camaraderie on the sideline this year expect to see this Dual Threat QB take his confidence to the next level. Handley and the Tigers will take the field Thursday 8/26 on a 5A showdown hosting the Center Point Eagles. Expect a showdown indeed and the numbers to match Handley comfort level in the pocket. [player_tooltip player_id="126050" first="Makhi" last="Hughes"]- RB, 5’11 190 Huffman High Makhi’s story is nothing new. Racking up 2 TD’s against Handley and the Tigers in their spring game, the Senior set a statement that he was back for more and better. Rushing for 1,388 yards on 189 Carries Makhi was named Huffman Football Offensive and Overall Player of the year. These are accomplishments at his Junior year! Hughes has a work ethic beyond imaginable and not only working towards an athletic scholarship the Senior can see the academic scholarships just as fast. With his strong frame the right college workout plan could land Hughes playing time at any college. The power and agility Hughes uses once on the edge can be seen on the next level. He also uses his size at a low level to confuse defenders being a downhill runner but yet still so shifty. Expect to see Hughes move up in the ranks. Na’eem Offord- ATH, 5’10 170 Huffman High Na’eem story, Freshman year and looking to take over the field with big brother. The little brother of [player_tooltip player_id="126050" first="Makhi" last="Hughes"], Na’eem Offord, was also a standout at the Spring Game. Playing while pretty much still in middle school Na’eem may expect to get some shine at Defensive Back. Seeing his speed and athleticism Na’eem is noted as an Athlete for those reasons. His role could become plentiful taking snaps at QB and even giving the big brother a break at running back. It won’t take Huffman long getting Offord in rotation. After stepping up in the spring game with a couple of tackles and pass deflections he worked his way into conversation in those Coaches meetings. Expect to see these brothers and the rest of their Huffman Viking brothers to take the field with a chip on their shoulder looking to a bring back to Huffman their 1st regular season win on the road against Benjamin Russell on Friday 8/20.