Jordan’s Notebook: 7A X Factors Heading into Round 3
This week we’re heading into Round 3 of the IHSA Playoffs, with that being said we’re going to be taking a look at X Factors to keep an eye on for each team. This is going to run through 8A-1A…
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Continue ReadingThis week we’re heading into Round 3 of the IHSA Playoffs, with that being said we’re going to be taking a look at X Factors to keep an eye on for each team. This is going to run through 8A-1A football and showcase one player per team that, if having a good game, gives their team a good chance of winning. With that being said, let’s dive into it.
Mt. Carmel @ Brother Rice
Danny Novickas Danny Novickas 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Mount Carmel | 2023 State IL 6’2 210 23′ LB Twitter
Mr. Novickas has a quick first step during his pass rush when he stays low and gains leverage to sink under the Offensive Tackle resulting in getting pressure on the quarterback. If he doesn’t sink his hips on his pass rush he’ll use a speed rush while using his hands at the point of attack to bat the offensive tackle’s hands down and collapse the pocket. In run support, he fills gaps in run support where he holds his gap responsibility and has the ability to shoot the gap to make the TFL. His pass rush is going to be one to keep an eye on during passing downs as BR Jack Lausch Jack Lausch 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Brother Rice | 2022 State IL is at the helm of the opposing offense, if you give him too much time in the pocket he’ll pick the defense apart. Regular Season Sacks
Aaron Vaughn Jr 5’10 190 22′ RB Twitter
Mr. Vaughn is an N/S runner that has a quick initial burst through the line of scrimmage and can outrun the 2nd level of defenders when doing so. He has the vision to see cutback lanes as well as bounce the play outside if the running lane gets clogged up by the opposing defense. In the air attack, he can catch out of the backfield and get upfield once securing the catch. Upon contact, he’ll keep his feet driving to fight for extra yards. If MC is able to disrupt their air attack this young man will get a heavy load in the ground game, which he’s more than capable of handling. Regular Season Highlights
Wheaton North @ Willowbrook
Ross Dansdill Ross Dansdill 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Wheaton North | 2023 State IL 6’3 220 23′ LB Twitter
Mr. Dansdill diagnosis plays quickly, once he does he plants his foot and attacks the ball carrier. This is seen with him getting pressure on the quarterback, getting TFLs, and meeting the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage for no gain on the play. One trait to keep an eye on is how he can extend plays horizontally not allowing the ball carrier to turn the corner and making open-field tackles in the process of doing so. His highlights are currently private from being in the Playoffs, but you can view them here once that’s over with: Week 1-5 Highlights
Joshua Brown 5’8 200 22′ RB Twitter
Mr. Brown is a shorter running back but don’t be misled by his height as he runs as if he’s 6’3 with his ability to keep his feet driving and fight for extra yards after bouncing off hits. If you try to arm tackle this young man, he’s going to break it. He has a quick initial burst through the line of scrimmage and can outrun the 2nd level of defenders once in open space. The hard-running ability he has is one to keep an eye on during this matchup as he’s hard to bring down if you don’t wrap up.
Hononegah @ St. Rita
Isaac Whisenhand 6’2 170 22′ QB Twitter
Mr, Whisenhand can get the ball off under pressure and throw on the run putting the ball in the receiver’s basket. When he runs RPOs, he’s able to get the ball out quickly which goes hand in hand when he runs option plays as it has the same movements/play progression. During option plays, he has a quick initial burst to get to full speed quickly and use that speed to turn the corner to gain the 1st down on the play. With the talents his wideouts possess, he puts a touch on the deep ball making level 3 throws and lets them go up for 50/50 balls downfield. Regular Season Highlights
Brayden Hall Brayden Hall 5'10" | 165 lbs | DB St Rita | 2022 State IL 5’10 165 22′ DB Twitter
Mr. Hall stays with his man in coverage by staying on the receiver’s hip pocket limiting the chances of him being broken off at the top of the route. When in pass coverage, he has the ability to get his hand in the receiver’s basket resulting in PBUs and can high point the ball for INTs. His fluid flip of the hips is what helps him stay on the receiver’s hip pocket, it’s also used when he changes direction to attack downhill to make open-field tackles. Regular Season Highlights
Jacobs @ Prospect
Nick True Nick True 6'5" | 200 lbs | TE Jacobs | 2023 State IL 6’5 195 23′ TE Twitter
Mr. True can line up on the line or split out wide at wideout, both of which he’s quick off the ball. With Grant Stec Grant Stec 6'6" | 245 lbs | TE Jacobs | 2024 State IL being a focal point on the opposing defense to stop, it gives this young man an opportunity to capitalize on. He has a very similar skill set to that of Mr. Stec where he can go up for 50/50 balls and come down with the contested catch by high pointing the ball. What’s impressive is how big his catch radius is, which is seen with him making sideline catches by utilizing a toe tap with the defender draped all over him. Regular Season Highlights
Frank Covey Frank Covey 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Prospect | 2023 State IL 6’2 185 23′ ATH Twitter
Mr. Covey has switched to the QB position this season, he’s also one heck of a receiver. At QB, he’s able to add zip on the ball getting the ball to the receiver’s basket quickly. What’s most impressive is his scrambling ability, once he’s in open space he can make defenders miss showcasing his elusiveness and changes gears quickly to blow by the 2nd level of defenders. When he lines up at wideout, he’s quick off the line of scrimmage which he uses to win over the top of the defense. This results in him making contested catches by high pointing the ball and getting upfield once securing the catch. Regular Season Highlights
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