Recep: Rising Stars from Waxahachie vs Mansfield
As the regular season is nearing an end, several teams are trying to punch their tickets to the playoffs. Last night’s homecoming victory for Waxahachie brought the Indians a step closure to securing a spot in the playoffs. The game…
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Continue ReadingAs the regular season is nearing an end, several teams are trying to punch their tickets to the playoffs. Last night’s homecoming victory for Waxahachie brought the Indians a step closure to securing a spot in the playoffs. The game was a thriller until Waxahachie gained momentum in the second half securing the win 43-25 over Mansfield. I saw a lot of talent from both teams and wanted to highlight several players. When you watch athletes despite the outcome of the game, you can see the necessary skills and fundamentals to play collegiate football. Let’s review some rising stars from the game (UNOFFICIAL STATS).
Waxahachie Indians Rising Stars
Jayden Becks – (2023) – RB – 5′ 10″ 185lbs
Jayden, the cousin of Demarcus Becks is an explosive back with the ideal size and speed for running backs. He has great vision, agility, and loves contact. Jayden’s stats leading into the game was 424 yards and 3 touchdowns. Last night he had a career-high 162 yards and scored 2 touchdowns. He is a dynamic running back who can catch out of the backfield and line up in the slot position. I look forward to seeing him in the postseason as his productivity will continue to increase. Jayden will have a promising career at Waxahachie and look for him to be a notable star heading into his senior season. He currently doesn’t hold any offers, but I believe this offseason he will gain more interest.
Roderick Hartsfield Jr. – (2023) – QB 6’1″ 195lbs
Hartsfield is a dual-threat quarterback who can hurt you with his arm or feet. He is quick and at any moment can take it to the house. Hartsfield had a total of 728 all-purpose yards and 7 touchdowns leading into his stellar show last night. He was able to have a total of 199 yards, 1 passing touchdown, and 2 rushing. I love this kid’s resiliency, after going down 14-0 and throwing an interception, he rallied his team back like a true leader. Hartsfield is an evolving quarterback who will emerge into a prolific athlete in the future. I believe if the Indians can secure a spot in the playoffs they will upset a lot of teams’ hopes of a state championship. Keep an eye on this kid because he is special.
Keith Abney Jr. – (2023) – ATH 6’0″ 175lbs
When you’re looking for a dynamic and versatile athlete, Abney is your guy. He plays what we use to call “Ironman football”, meaning he toughs it out on both sides of the field. Abney plays corner and wide receiver. He has a total of 267 all-purpose yards, 7 tackles, and 1 interception. At wide receiver, he can create separation, high point the ball, and evade tacklers. When he is playing defensive back he is great in transition, flipping his hip to maintain balance, has quick feet, and active hands-on the receiver. Abney is the total package many coaches love to have because you can utilize his talents in many ways. Take a look at Abney’s highlights from last night below.
Demarcus Becks – (2022) – DT 6’0 285lbs
I wrote about Demarcus in my article Preview- Battle In The Trenches- Week 9 – Prep Redzone. He is an absolute disrupter on the line. Demarcus took on the challenge last night and his presence alone causes offensive linemen to double and hold him. He is a powerful defensive tackle that is hard to maintain one on one. Demarcus is fierce and relentless when coming off the ball. Mansfield had a hard time getting the run game going in the middle and that was partly due to Demarcus’s dominance in the trenches.
Calvin Simpson – (2023) – CB 6’0″ 170lbs
Calvin is an athletic defensive back for the Indians. This season he had 19 tackles, a sack, and an interception prior to the battle against Mansfield. Last night he displayed the ability to shed blocks, play the deep ball, and attack the ball carrier. In the second half when Mansfield was trying to close the gap with a field goal, the Indians blocked the field goal, and Calvin returned it for a 70-yard touchdown. This kid is an exceptional athlete and I look forward to his development as a premier athlete.
Mansfield Tigers Rising Stars
Cayden Cutler – (2022)- LB/SS 5’10” 190lbs
I had a chance to chat with Mansfield’s Recruiting Coordinator prior to the game and he told me to look out for Cutler. This kid was all over the field last night. He is an active player who goes forward and attacks. Cayden has 43 total tackles, 7 hurries, 2 pass deflections, and a forced fumble on the season. When you watch cutler he makes sound decisions, gets off the block, and can defend the pass. He recently received an offer from Mount Union and appears to have several colleges interested.
Dylan Howell – (2022) – DT/DE – 6’2″ 260lbs
Dylan is a big defensive tackle who has the ability to play defensive end in a 3-4 defense. He attacks the line of scrimmage with great leverage allowing him to get off of blocks and make a play. Dylan has a total of 22 tackles, 3 sacks, 8 hurries, and a forced fumble. Last night he used his athletic ability on special teams by blocking two punts and a safety. He is a relentless defender who never gives up on a play. Dylan currently holds four offers from Divison III schools. Dylan has the talent to go to an FCS school and will hear from someone during the offseason.
Tyrell Croom – (2022) – RB – 5’11” 175lbs
Croom had a battle on his hands last night but still displayed his athletic abilities last night. This season he has 820 all-purpose yards and 5 touchdowns. Croom rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown during a tough battle against the Indians. He is a big back who is very versatile. Croom is quick, patient, and attacks defenders when running the ball. The attribute I enjoy from him is the ability to keep his feet moving after initial contact. Croom doesn’t hold offers but with consistency in his remaining games, I believe a school will give him a chance.
Kaden Benavides – (2023) – OL – 6’2″ 275lbs
If you’re looking for offensive linemen who have sound technique and attacks defenders, Benavides definitely is your guy. He has a wide base, attacks the midline, and will pancake a defender. Several times last night I saw him stand up his defender. Benavides has active hands and is steadily fighting in the trenches to maintain his leverage on defensive linemen. Don’t let his size fool you, he can pull and get in front of running backs to deliver a powerful block at the second level. Benevides is more than a football player, he is a scholar who is actively a part of the National Honor Society. This speaks measures about the type of student-athlete he truly is. Benavides holds one offer from Hendrix and has been talking to Texas Wesleyan.