Program Profiles: Key Players for Columbus

Santino Bernal August 6, 2021 @ 04:32 PM

The Columbus Titans were well decorated in 2020 with a CNC Coach of the Year, multiple All-League players, and a few All-State selections. They had an impressive year, going 8-0 during the regular season, but stumbled in the first round of the playoffs. This year should be a different result, as they return four All-League seniors, and a few juniors that will see their roles expand. The Titans should once again be a force in the 3A ranks. [player_tooltip player_id="89695" first="Gabe" last="Martin"], 5’9”, 195, RB, Class of ‘22 Having the raining CNC Offensive Player of the Year return for his fourth year starting will be huge for the Titans’ chances for a deep playoff run. Even after a great junior campaign, Martin is still being slept on by recruiters. They’ll know his name after this season though. He’s been dominating the weight room this summer, repping 225 pounds on bench press 17 times, and squatting 425 pounds 10 times. Martin will without a doubt be one of the top backs in the 3A Division during the ’21 season. [player_tooltip player_id="161063" first="Kody" last="Schalk"], 6’5”, 265, DL, Class of ‘22 This trench monster is primed to have a big year on both sides of the ball. In 2020, Schalk was a 1st Team defensive lineman and a 2nd Team offensive lineman in the CNC, and also earned an All-State Honorable Mention nod for defensive line. He’s been a force in 1-on-1’s at a few combines and camps this summer, and has picked up offers from Missouri Southern University, Pitt State, and Emporia State. Expect for Schalk to have another strong season. Jaxson Haraughty, 5’11”, 165, ATH, Class of ‘22 The Titans love to feed Martin the ball, but Haraughty can be another playmaker for them on offense. The 2020 season was his first year being the lead signal caller, and he accounted for over 900 yards of total offense with 14 total touchdowns. Haraughty shows good instincts in the option game, and he can hurt defenses once he gets in the open field. He was also a 2nd Team All-League selection at defensive back. Trent Smith, 5’8”, 165, LB, Class of ‘22 Smith is another key senior returning for the Titans on defense. The scrappy backer has been one of their leading tacklers the past two seasons. During his junior campaign, Smith racked up 71 total tackles, with one sack and one forced fumble. This earned Smith 1st Team All-League honors and an All-State Honorable Mention selection. Smith will have the opportunity to eclipse 200 career total tackles this fall. Landin Midgett, 6’0”, 180, ATH, Class of ’23 The ’21 season is looking to be a breakout year for Midgett. He was able to showcase his abilities at outside linebacker in 2020, earning him an All-CNC Honorable Mention nod. But this season, Midgett could be used more on offense. Despite only having eight catches last season, he led the team in receiving yards, and averaged an explosive 22 yards per catch. He’s an athlete with big play capability, and his versatility should be utilized more as a junior. Cole Minor, 6’2”, 165, ATH, Class of ’23 Minor is another junior that can impact the game in multiple ways. As a sophomore he piled up 22 total tackles with one sack, two interceptions returned for touchdowns and three pass breakups. His lengthy frame can block passing lanes, and he can switch between defensive back and outside linebacker. Minor also has a solid leg on special teams. He did a good job of flipping field position last season, landing nine punts inside of the 20 yard-line. He should see some time on offense this year as well.