NEED TO KNOW for ’23: Six Difference-Makers Under 5’11”

Chris Hunt

April 28, 2022 @ 07:29 AM

Everyone wants the 6'6" offensive tackle and the 6'3" safety - and rightfully so. Those players are who championship-caliber teams are built around. However, in this article, I want to let you know about six playmakers under 5'11" who really shine on the gridiron and are difference-makers for their high school programs. Included is a 5'7" RB who, if he was four inches taller, would be a Division 1 prospect, and an athlete in the Rio Grande Valley who deserves some recruiting attention. RB Ja'Carrien Giles — 5’7" 170 / Victoria East HS — @JacarrienG Junior Stats: 1,232 all-purpose yards, 12 touchdowns Hollywood Brown is 5'9". Rondale Moore is 5'7". Darren Sproles is 5'6". Now, I'm not saying he is destined for NFL stardom - but what I am saying is that Ja'Carrien Giles is silky and can take over a game in an instant. He's super shifty, hard to tackle, and runs away from defenders in the open field. The Titans of Victoria East average 38 points per game, and their star running back is a big reason why. If you want a game-changer in your backfield when the 2023 season begins, Giles is your guy. One look at the first play on his highlight, and you'll see - this kid is special. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15163254/61aa6ef6d225f10728357bd6">Ja'Carrien Giles Junior Season - Hudl</a>   ATH Nelson Ramirez — 5'10" 175 / McAllen Rowe HS — @Nel_Rmz6 Ramirez is a dangerous weapon from the Rio Grande Valley that will make college coaches take notice this fall. A dynamic return man, he is slippery enough to make people whiff on tackles and speedy enough to pull away when he gets to the second level. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14502379/622b74c2d21c4b056c41fdb4">Nelson Ramirez Junior Season - Hudl</a>   CB Donald Olusegun — 5'10" 160 / Dallas Hillcrest HS — @OfficialDonald0 Olusegun is poised for a big season for the Panthers. He's a tough, physical defensive back who leaves it all on the field. He does a great job of getting his head around to locate the ball when locked in man coverage down the field and seems to always be in position to make a play on the football. Would be a great pickup for a small college program. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13726469/6187d44ba680d70b8431e3f6">Donald Olusegun Junior Season - Hudl</a>   ATH Sky Mendez — 5'9″ 180 / Leander Glenn HS — @Sky111qb Mendez is a running QB in the Grizzlies' Slot T offense, but projects as a very nice WR or CB at the next level. Incredible athlete who has above-average top end speed and was a 2nd Team All-District selection a season ago. Was invited to the National Combine at the All-American Bowl after his breakout junior season. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13214873/621680d4041de709e098cf9c">Sky Mendez Junior Season - Hudl</a>   RB Malachi Pearson — 5’10" 160 / Arlington Seguin HS — @MightyyMal Pearson is instinctive as a runner, displays impressive one-cut ability when exploding through the hole, and doesn't leave anything on the field. He does have some nice breakaway speed and has a nose for the goal line. The Class 5A Cougars are in good hands with Malachi in the backfield. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12680985/61895bd0d469060340e41656">Malachi Pearson Junior Season - Hudl</a>   ATH Ehi Okodogbe — 5’7" 150 / Dallas Hillcrest HS — @Lil_Ehi Okodogbe plays WR and CB for the Panthers, and is an intriguing prospect for a D3 or NAIA program looking for a speedy playmaker. He clocks a 4.45 40, and plays with the kind of toughness you're looking for. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16108653/61a7df8d7bd418054c504170">Ehi Okodogbe Junior Season - Hudl</a>