Five Players to Watch: Hueytown

Cameron Gossett

August 4, 2021 @ 03:49 PM

Hueytown is coming off three consecutive Class 6A Region 4 titles for the first time in school history. They return plenty of talent to go for four consecutive region titles and a sixth consecutive playoff appearance in 2021. After a season interrupted by multiple COVID-19 cancellations, the Gophers only played 6 regular season games. They return key play makers [player_tooltip player_id="127507" first="De’Andre" last="Coleman"] and Jakhael Roswer to an offense that averaged 46 PPG in the regular season a year ago. [player_tooltip player_id="127507" first="De’Andre" last="Coleman"] | WR | Class of 2022 Coleman has a very physical frame at 6’3" and 200 lbs. His size allows him to make contested catches and high point the football over defenders. He’s explosive once he gets into the open field and has the speed to get behind defensive backs. Coleman’s size and athleticism makes him very difficult to tackle in space which is a large reason Hueytown loved using him on screen passes last season. He has added quite a few Power 5 offers after a productive junior season. Those offers include: Florida State, Penn State, South Carolina, WVU, Virginia, among others. [player_tooltip player_id="125495" first="Jaden" last="Thomas"] | OLB/SS | Class of 2022 Thomas is a versatile OLB/safety for the Hueytown defense. He often plays in the box as a linebacker making plays in the run game. He also has the ability to move outside and cover receivers in the slot or running backs coming out of the backfield. He has the athleticism to run sideline to sideline and plays with a high motor. He is a very sure tackler in the run game and in space. Thomas recently committed to the University of Massachusetts (UMASS). His versatility will be key for Hueytown’s defense this season. [player_tooltip player_id="125535" first="Mikel" last="Hines"] | DE | Class of 2023 Hines relentless pursuit of the ball carrier really stands out on his film. He has a high motor and never gives up on the play. He is very disciplined in his assignment in the run game and rushing the passer. He also lined up at linebacker so he has the versatility to play different positions. At 6’4" and 220 lbs, he still has room to fill out his frame. Hines is entering his junior season and a defensive lineman to keep an eye on in the class of 2023. He currently holds offers from UAB, Eastern Kentucky, and Marshall. Jakhael Rowser | RB/WR | Class of 2024 Rowser is one of the most explosive players on the Hueytown roster. He was laser timed at 4.52 in the 40-yard dash at the Magic City Football Combine this past weekend. That time was the fastest of any player at the camp. He started at slot receiver as a freshman last season and looks to have a really strong sophomore campaign in 2021. Rowser is electric in the open field and Hueytown will look to get him touches at receiver and running back. I expect his stock will skyrocket and he is an under-the-radar player that will open eyes in the class of 2024. Earl Woods | QB | Class of 2023 Woods is incredible athlete at the Quarterback position. The transfer from Shades Valley High school is a dynamic dual threat play maker. He has a strong arm down the field and entering his first year at Hueytown, he will have weapons at his disposal in Coleman & Rowser. Woods is extremely hard to stop on the read-option as he has the speed to get around the edge. He is another riser in the class of 2023 that should thrive in Hueytown’s offense this season.  