Hoover Vs. Thompson: Scout Watch

This game lived up to the hype and resulted in a late October classic with Hoover knocking down the No.1 Team in the state in a 24-21 victory. With blue-chips and five stars all over the field, we had no choice but to bring you the prospects that could make an impact at your favorite college team soon. So check out who we felt stood out in this thriller. https://twitter.com/BucsFootball/status/1451931716529053701?s=20 <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125939" first="Bennett" last="Meredith"] QB Hoover </strong></span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">After leading Hoover to a major win versus the former number 1 team in the state, Meredith is officially the hottest prospect. Meredith went 22/38 for 290 yards and three scores, including a game-winning touchdown that capped an 80-yard drive. Meredith showed elite arm strength and deep ball accuracy throughout the night. He maintained this power when on the run or throwing off-platform with velocity and accuracy. Meredith was precise at all three levels of the field, giving his playmakers opportunities to make plays. Lastly, Meredith’s mobility was on full display when he consistently evaded defenders to buy time for big plays down the field. If Meredith can continue this level of play into and throughout the playoffs, he’s the best in the state. </span> https://twitter.com/bennett_m3/status/1452643473937641476?s=20 <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125529" first="Peter" last="Woods"] DE Thompson </strong></span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Woods is a versatile playmaker on the line with all the intangibles to be a D1 prospect. His ability to win with strength is seen when he plays in the interior. In addition, Woods’ long arms allow him to get into a lineman’s chest, keeping them from locking on to him. He plays with tremendous leverage and tenacity to stop the inside run. In the passing game, Woods also has a good enough first step to apply pressure from the defensive end position as a speed rusher. Woods shows an advanced level of skill when using his hands with clubs and rip through. </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">His rare combination of size, speed, strength, and skill makes him a blue-chip and a contender for the state’s best defensive player for the 2023 class.</span> https://twitter.com/AndrewJBone/status/1452672162561732609?s=20 <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Jacob Finely CB Hoover </strong></span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Finely’s versatile game gives him positional fluidity within the secondary. He does an exceptional job of pursuing the ball and making his presence known on the ball carrier. He shows an ability to break on the ball and has excellent closing speed to mitigate yards after the catch in the quick game. Did a fantastic job with off-man technique and trusted his speed when challenging the receiver downfield. Finley’s physicality, tackling ability, and coverage could be a solid addition to a college roster. </span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Justin Pegues RB Thompson </strong></span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Pegues produced 111 all-purpose yards against the Buccaneers and showed versatility as a chess piece when being moved across the field. Peugeus’ balance stands out when he’s able to absorb contact and keep pushing forward. This also translates to his receiving ability, where he uses this to make impressive catches towards the sideline. His vision is elite, and he shows an ability to read blocks and picks the proper gap on most of his touches. Pegues also has solid acceleration and burst and uses this change of speed well in his routes. </span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="127508" first="Jaylen" last="Ward"] WR Thompson </strong></span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Ward’s 6’2 frame and elite ball skills made him a matchup nightmare throughout the game. Showed a great catch radius and ability to adjust to the ball. In addition, he showed an ability to take the top off the defense at any time it’s needed. Ward’s leaping ability allows him to high point the ball and effectively box out smaller corners. With Ward’s size and skill, he’s definitely can contribute at a college level. </span> https://twitter.com/NFHSNetwork/status/1451725592022376448?s=20 &nbsp; &nbsp;