Team Preview: Avon Orioles

Our team preview series continues today, with a look at another central Indiana powerhouse: the Avon Orioles. The Orioles have a good blend of athleticism and power spread throughout their roster. Avon has the playmakers that can leave defenders one step behind, and the powerhouses who can grind down their opponents. Today we will evaluate the five players in our prospect database, who will be key for Avon’s hopes this season. Competing with some of the elite teams in the central portion of the state will not be easy, but the Orioles have the potential to do more than just hold their own. [player_tooltip player_id="98004" first="Justin" last="Browder"], 5’10, 185 pounds, Athlete, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="98004" first="Justin" last="Browder"] is currently listed as the number 11 athlete in the Class of 2022. Browder is a multidimensional player, who can be lined up at several different spots on the field, and still have a lot of success. Browder is an exceptional receiver, who adjusts well to every throw. Browder can still come up with the pass, even if it is underthrown or overthrown. Browder is the type of player who can produce highlight reel receptions on any given play. He does a good job in the air, winning critical 50-50 balls. [player_tooltip player_id="98004" first="Justin" last="Browder"] also has experience playing quarterback. He is a dual-threat signal-caller who has good accuracy and arm talent. Browder can hurt teams with his legs, especially on designed quarterback runs. When he is not helping put points on the board for Avon, he is helping their defense to prevent the opposing offense from doing so. Browder is an outstanding safety, capable of erasing any big passing play. [player_tooltip player_id="107223" first="Anthony" last="Kennedy"], 6’2, 185 pounds, Wide Receiver, Junior [player_tooltip player_id="107223" first="Anthony" last="Kennedy"] enters the fall season as the 23rd-ranked wide receiver in the Class of 2023. Kennedy is a sure-handed receiver. He wins his match-up consistently, regardless of whether he is going up against man or zone coverage. Similar to Browder, Kennedy has experience at quarterback as well. When playing quarterback, Kennedy demonstrates good composure, and he reads the game very well. Kennedy can also be an effective kickoff returner. He does a great job of finding the lane, and setting the offense up in desirable field position. [player_tooltip player_id="98093" first="Crishon" last="McCray"], 5’10, 150 pounds, Running Back, Senior The Avon backfield can boast of the ninth-ranked running back in the senior class in the form of [player_tooltip player_id="98093" first="Crishon" last="McCray"]. McCray is a big play creator, capable of turning any play into six points. McCray combines great speed with wonderful vision, allowing him to see the opening and hit it hard, routinely picking up chunk yardage. McCray is a physical runner. He plays behind his pads, and he will frequently fall forward for extra yards. However, tackling him is no easy feat. It often requires more than one defender to get him on the ground. [player_tooltip player_id="98093" first="Crishon" last="McCray"] can be a game-changer at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="107224" first="Ty" last="Mead"], 6’1, 260 pounds, Offensive Lineman, Junior For all of the athletic ability that the team possesses, Avon will certainly be able to win the game in the trenches, with [player_tooltip player_id="107224" first="Ty" last="Mead"] being a huge part of that effort. Mead is a terrific left guard. He is very quick off the ball, and he has good mobility. Mead can execute well on kick-out blocks, as well as when servicing as a pulling offensive lineman. In pass protection, Mead does a sensational job of identifying disguised blitzes, and picking up the extra rusher. Mead is a powerful player, who does a good job of getting up to the second level, blocking one of the linebackers, and freeing up more space for the running back. [player_tooltip player_id="139769" first="Danny" last="Norocea"], 6’3, 285 pounds, Defensive Lineman, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="139769" first="Danny" last="Norocea"] currently occupies the number 13 spot in the Class of 2022 defensive lineman rankings. Norocea typically lines up as a defensive end in Avon’s 3-4 defensive scheme. While most defensive lineman prefer to employ a three-point stance, Norocea does very well out of a four-point stance, beginning the play with both hands in the dirt. Norocea is a very tough player to move off the ball. He does a good job holding the line, requiring the very best that one, often times, two offensive lineman can do to drive him back. [player_tooltip player_id="139769" first="Danny" last="Norocea"] is an excellent run defender, and his ability to neutralize the opponent’s ground attack will be critical for Avon’s chance this fall.