Hiram Football’s Top Returners For The 2021 Season
Last year, the Hiram Hornets had one of the worst seasons that their program has seen. They finished the year 1-10, and we can assume that the fact that it was a COVID year certainly had an impact on this.…
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Continue ReadingLast year, the Hiram Hornets had one of the worst seasons that their program has seen. They finished the year 1-10, and we can assume that the fact that it was a COVID year certainly had an impact on this. The only win that the Hornets had last season came against Cass High School, in which they won 30-14. Somehow, this single win was enough to get the Hornets to the playoffs, in which they would face new Manchester High School. In this game, their season came to an end as they lost 21-17. While most Hornets players will most likely tell you that last season did not go how they wanted it to, we fully expect them to be able to use it as fuel for a bounce back year in 2021. Below, we added a few of their players who will help this happen.
Aaron Hairston- RB / DB
Even though Hairston is a bit of a shorter back, he does a good job of running behind his pads, using his strength, and power to plow through defenders that are in his way. While he may lack twitch, and quick feet, his vision is okay at times, and the subtle steps and movement help him pick up an extra yard or two every once in a while. Hairston’s downhill running style is great for short gains, and his bigger body makes it hard for opposing players to wrap up on him. Next season, we think he will be a solid player for his offense, but we would like to see him work on his overall bust and lateral movement.
Zhaire Johnson- WR / DB
When watching tape on Johnson, he may be a longer receiver, but his game is raw as a whole. He not only false steps off of the line, but he catches with his body at times. Regardless, he finds ways to make plays after the catch, including good YAC. His footwork is decent at times, as he is not bad out of his breaks and as he changes direction, but we would like to see him sell his routes a bit better, and to be able to stack defenders and gain separation. Next season, we want to see Johnson improve in the way he uses his stick move, and the way he transitions his overall speed and burst to his route running.
Jace Presley- RB
One of Presley’s biggest strengths is the ability to catch the football cleanly. Because of this, he is used to catch passes out of the backfield, causing defenses to be off balance, as well as down the field. When handling the rock out of the backfield, Presley is just as much of a threat because he is good at using his vision to help him change direction on a dime, as well as shake tackles at the initial point of potential contact. He runs patiently behind his pads, and the balance he displays is great as well. His burst and speed do the rest of the work for him, helping him to pick up good yards on the ground. Another trait that makes Presley a great player is his ability to play selflessly. This can be seen in the blocks he makes, and the way he sacrifices his body for his team. As he continues to develop in his game, expect him to be a great player for his team in 2021.
Miles Thurston- LB
Thurston may be a bit raw at the LB position, but he shows the ability to develop, and become a solid player for his defense. Last season, even though he read plays well, he was a bit slower in pursuit. Nonetheless, he was still able to make plays and tackles. This not only helped his defense, but it helped create stops that put his defense in a decent position to get off of the field. Thurston also has a decent frame and build for his age, which certainly helps when he makes contact with opposing players. On contact, he rolls his hips well, and is able to explode though and finish plays, which will translate well into next season as he is able to fully grow and develop in his ability this upcoming offseason.