Official Richmond 6th Grade FBU NC Preview

Alan Popadines December 3, 2021 @ 01:44 PM

Get Familiar: Ya’ never really know what you’re going to get with the sixth graders in the FBU National Championsip tournament. For many of the athletes it could very well be their first time not sleeping in their own beds at night. New teammates, new schemes, new places, high level of competition…the list of factors could go on and on. That said, this Richmond program is one of the most well-oiled machines I’ve seen in the 11 years of this tournament. In just its second year of participation in the tournament, they’re looking to send a team to championship week, in as many years. Could this sixth grade group be it? How they’ll light it up: Expect this team to physically beat people up with their running game. They have a very deep backfield with several big running backs that should wear teams down. In many leagues throughout the country there are weight limits on ball carriers at this age—so many of the defensive players they line up against may not be used to trying to bring down bigger backs. Little things like that could lead to this offense putting up points. How they’ll shut it down: To me, this team has all the makings of a throwback defense that will come up and lay the wood on the opposing offense no matter the situation. They have a bunch of athletic kid who can play multiple positions which helps in personnel and limiting any potential mismatches. I like the core of this team and think they could be a nasty surprise for a lot of teams in this tournament who they they’ll have it easy. Mt. Rushmore: Jalen Newton | Defensive Line Coaches love what they see out of Newton as they get ready to head into this tournament. He started last year as a fifth grader and is back this year bigger, faster and nastier on that defensive front. Tough to draw comparisons to NFL-caliber athletes, especially at the sixth-grade level, but he’s trending towards a Warren Sapp type of player for this Richmond team. Will bring ability but also leadership…which could be key. Marquece Geter | Running Back Geter was brought up at least three or four different times during our conversation—and rightfully so. He’s an absolutely electric back out of the Manassas area and should provide an instant spark when the ball is in his hands. Already weighing upwards of 150 pounds, looks for him to make a lot of plays with his speed as he punishes would-be tacklers who try to get him up high. Darian Davis | Athlete Davis is an interesting prospect for being only in the sixth grade. He’ll be lining up as a power running back and as a rangy defensive end for Richmond. On offense he’s going to the be battering ram for this team to keep defenses off balance after they’re used to chasing around the aforementioned Geter. Could also see time on the offensive line because of how big and physical he is. Defensively coaches are beyond confident that he’ll be able to string plays out and shut down his side of the field all together. Dustin Nelson | Linebacker Nelson is the type of football players that old-school junkies like myself, like to watch. He’s a throwback linebacker/running back that isn’t afraid to put his face mask into someone’s chest. Though he’s perfectly capable, I don’t anticipate him seeing much time as a running back in the tournament because this team is loaded there. Look for him to be in on nearly every tackle from his linebacker spot. He’s a gamer, for sure. Offensive Ballers to know: