Recap: 2023 Players to Watch in North Texas – Week 8

As we close week 8 in Texas football, I wanted to recap 2023 Players to Watch in North Texas<i>. </i>After week 8 players and teams around the state understand that the playoffs are right around the corner. Teams are either securing their spot, trying to position themselves to make a competitive run, or upset teams with playoff hopes. Here’s a quick recap of week 8 emerging talent in North Texas. <strong>David Spruiells - </strong>(2023) - South Oak Cliff - DB - 5’9" 170lbs/ Texas Flex 7v7 Game results: South Oak Cliff won 62 -14 versus Seagoville. Spruiells displayed another night of dominance at the defensive back position totaling 5 tackles. This kid is not afraid of contact. He plays with an edge and comes down in the box to stuff runners before they can get going. His stellar performance enabled the Bears to dominate Seagoville only allowing 14 points. One touchdown came from a pass that was deflected by Spruiells but a wide receiver from Seagoville made an heads up play to catch the deflected ball in the back of the end zone. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13012835/616ae63ce97b9e0bdc368eda" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>Adrian Wilson</strong> -(2023) - Grand Prairie - ATH - 6’2" 180lbs/ TDG Elite 7v7 Game Results: Grand Prairie won 25-20 versus Lamar. Wilson had a quiet night due the effective running from [player_tooltip player_id="60742" first="Savion" last="Red"] and Drew Damper. He moved around from quarterback to wide receiver throughout the night. The Gophers utilized their two athletes in Red and Hamper which limited Wilson to only 57 total yards on offense. He is an explosive player that Lamar was keying but the Gophers had a trick up their sleeves swapping positions enabling them to win in a close game versus Lamar. <strong>Tre Guerra</strong> - (2023) - Keller - QB - 6’2" 170lbs Game results: Keller won 35-14 versus Timber Creek. Guerra had a great game showcasing why he is an emerging 2023 talent to look out for. He went 14/18 throwing 190 yards, 2 touchdowns, and rushed for 44 yards. His poise, ability to extend plays, and field vision is remarkable. Guerra has a canon of an arm and it was on full display Friday night as he picked apart Timber Creeks defense. Look for Guerra and the Indians to make a solid run in a loaded 6A conference during the playoffs. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15055475/616c7f27578eb5032459dbbb" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>Will Marshall</strong> - (2023) - Flower Mound - DT - 6’5" 260lbs Game results: Flower Mound won 42-35 versus Plano East. Marshall and Flower Mound was in need of a big win after a tough loss to Lewisville in week 7. He is an absolute wall to get pass on Flower Mounds offense. His ability to use his large frame and quick feet makes it impossible for defenders to get past. Marshall’s physicality when blocking enabled Florida commit [player_tooltip player_id="60751" first="Nick" last="Evers"] to have 381 total yards and 5 touchdowns. Marshall is steadily gaining interest from colleges but hasn’t received any offers, but as I stated in my previous article, with continued dominance offers will come. Watch the highlight of Marshall (71) the Left Tackle blocking for his star quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="60751" first="Nick" last="Evers"]. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11734333/616b69e39a911f088c57088d" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>Brian Hollins</strong> - (2023) - Mansfield - DB - 5’11" 175lbs Game results: Mansfield lost 44-37 versus Lake Ridge. Mansfield came up short in a tough game versus Lake Ridge. Hollins continued to battle totaling 7 tackles, a pass deflection, and a kick return for 10 yards. He continues to display sound and fundamental football. Hollins was shedding blocks, smooth in transitions when defending wide receivers, and attacking the ball. Look for him to dominate in his position and gain additional accolades at the end of the season. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13159609/616acd327bdd400b0843d05f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>Deago Benson</strong> - (2023) - Midlothian - RB - 6’0" 190lbs Game results: Midlothian won 42-27 versus Red Oak. Well last week I called for Benson to have a field day versus Red Oak and he delivered. Benson had 27 carries for 188 yards and 3 touchdowns! He was on absolute "Beast Mode" Friday night. Watching his highlights from the game reminded me of Leonard Fournette in high school. Benson vision, ability to cut, and willingness to finish his runs is incredible. This kid is going to be one of the top running backs in the state leading into his senior year. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12633893/616b565819a55e0a2036af02" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong>Jermod McCoy</strong> - Whitehouse - ATH - 6’1" 170lbs Game results: Whitehouse lost 26-14 versus Marshall. Whitehouse has been struggling this year with a new coach and system. McCoy didn’t have a big game due to the pressure on his quarterback, but still managed to show flashes of his athletic ability. He was targeted twice for a screen pass and ran a sweep. The Wildcats used McCoy to draw defenders towards him on a reverse sweep pass, resulting in a 51 yard completion which led to a touchdown. Once the Wildcats get a better understanding of their new offensive system, I foresee McCoy having more targets and plays to utilize his abilities. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13420179/616c06298cd3b709d0bce72d" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>