Under the Hood with TPS- Central Braves
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As we are a few weeks away from spring ball, it is that time to start an “Under the Hood” session with Tulsa Public Schools football teams. These next few weeks, we will highlight Tulsa Public Schools football teams as they are gearing up for spring ball around the corner. We will take an in-depth look at Booker T. Washington, Central, East Central, Edison, Hale, Memorial, McLain, and Rogers. I have spoken with each head coach about 5 players that we will highlight for each team and name who to keep an eye out for.
The first team that we are going to talk about is the Central Braves who are led by head coach Kip Shaw. Central is coming off a 2 game win streak and finished their season at 6-4 overall. Coach Shaw wants to accomplish this spring ball to get out there with the experience he has and improve on technique across the board. Coach Shaw stated, “We have a few new faces and we want to see how they will fit into their schemes.” The Braves will be returning 9 on the offensive side of the ball and 8 on the defensive side. You can check out the Braves as they will be attending Inola’s team camp May 26-27 at Inola High School. The Braves will take on McLain with their season opener for the 2022 football season. The 5 players that we are going to highlight in this spring ball under the hood session are Bill Shaw (SR), Jamond Silas (SR), Carmello Davis (SR), Tray Johnson (SR), and Nat Bennett (SR).
Bill Shaw – 2023 WR/DB – 5’11” 185
In talking with Coach Shaw about Bill he stated, “Exceptional athlete and an even better young man. Excellent speed, hands, and great at tracking the ball in the air.” The one thing that sticks out to me when watching his film is he just passes by defenders like they are standing still. Shaw shows exceptional speed out in space and has a good first step off the line of scrimmage versus press coverage. Shaw does a great job utilizing his body to get in position to make big plays downfield. He does an exceptional job tracking the ball either over his shoulder or catching it at its high point over the defender. Shaw also blocks downfield to help spring those short runs into bigger gains. I would like to see more defensive highlights like the ones I watched he came downhill and was aggressive. Shaw shows his skill ability on both sides of the ball and I like him at wide receiver. The one thing I would add for him is I would like to see him on more medium routes getting in and out of his routes. I believe that Shaw has the talents to play at the next level but before I saw which position I would need to see more of him at wide receiver and even corner. Shaw is one to keep an eye on this upcoming spring ball and for his senior season.
Jamond Silas – 2023 QB – 5’10” 180
Silas finished this past season with 2,248 yards passing with 24 TDs and adding another 238 yards rushing with 5 TDs. Coach Shaw stated, “Jamond plays aggressive on both sides of the ball for us. He is a natural-born leader on the field and can make exceptional throws. His speed is his greatest asset when he takes off.” Watching his film I like his deep ball. He takes the snap out of the gun and drops back quickly to help with his frame at QB. Silas stands in the pocket and even if a big hit is coming he will stand in there and make the throw while the defender is bearing down on him. Watching his footwork, really helps him step up in the pocket to avoid the rush and still maintain composure to get the ball out to his receivers. When Silas feels the rush he can still take off around the corner and make a good throw on the run. Silas is fun to watch on film with his precision passing or running with the ball in his hands. He has a good follow-through on his release which allows good ball placement. With the receivers that Silas has coming back, it will be good to keep an eye on him for this season. I would like to see more defensive film on Silas to help determine which side of the ball he could project at the next level with his frame.
Carmello Davis – 2023 WR/DB – 5’11” 175
“This young man has been a 3-year starter for us and has excellent speed. His focus and adjustment to the ball when it is in the air are exceptional. Very Physical on the defensive side of the ball”, stated Coach Shaw. Another returning starter at wide receiver/defensive back for the braves is Carmello Davis. Davis is either going up for the ball or trying to get tackled and shows great balance with his body. He adjusts to the ball great when it is in the air and makes play after play. One thing we tell wide receivers to do is go up and go get the ball at its highest point and Davis does just that. He has good concentration and focus on the football all the way through the catch. I would like to see more defensive film from Davis to project where he can play at the next level. Davis is another talented wide receiver for Silas to target for the 2022 season. The Braves will be exciting to watch this upcoming season.
Tray Johnson – 2023 ATH – 6’2″ 225
Tray Johnson stands at 6’2″ 225 pounds and plays defensive end and wide receiver. His frame on film shows he could still add more weight as he intrigues me as a defensive end but also plays wide receiver. When he lines up to play wide receiver he is a defensive back nightmare that can run past you or get his hands inside to block for others. While playing defensive end, Johnson has a good get off and is active every play. If the play is ran away from him he will go and chase it down from the backside. I like that he never gives up on plays and tracks them down from sideline to sideline. Johnson has great eye hand coordination that helps with playing both sides of the ball. Coach Shaw stated, “Tray has the potential to be a great player this year. Physical, strong young man who can make plays on both sides of the ball.” I will be interested to see how his off season has been going so far and someone to make big plays this upcoming season. Tray can play at the next level as I project him at playing defensive end but wouldn’t shock me as a bigger wide receiver as he possess the skill set.
Nat Bennett – 2023 RB/LB – 5’11” 195
“This young man was moved to linebacker his sophomore year and embraced it. Coach Shaw continued to say, “he made a lot of big plays as a junior and is working even harder this off season.” Another senior that will help bring experience back to the Braves for the 2022 season. Turning on the tape for Nat, you can tell he wants to be in every single play. He can run sideline to sideline attacking the offensive ball carrier and can sift through traffic as he is patient. He bolts through the line of scrimmage when he blitzes and is fast and physical at the point of contact. Bennett doesn’t shy away from contact and is physical when he arrives to the ball carrier. I would like to see Nat make a quicker read step to help him get down hill even quicker. Once he sees what is developing it will help with his tackle for loss stat. Nat is someone who has helped this defense out the last few years. I look for him to continue this trend for the 2022 season.