Under the Hood with TPS – Hale Rangers
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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.
Our next take with “Under the Hood” will be the Hale Rangers coached by Isaiah Irvin. Isaiah was my Defensive Coordinator while I was the Head Coach at Edison HS. Coach Irvin’s last season with me was the 2019 season where Edison finished as District Champions and lost in the quarterfinals vs Bishop McGuinness by 1 point. Coach Irvin has been the head coach at Hale for the previous 2 seasons. This year they have a lot of returning prospects coming back for the 2022 season that he will look at for leadership and growth (9 on offense and 8 on defense). Coach Irvin stated, “He is eager to get back on the field with the boys because they have been working hard this off-season. He went on to explain, “The experience we have coming back at the skilled position and guys up front we will be better across the board.” The Rangers will be attending Rejoice Christian Team Camp at Rejoice High School. You can catch the Rangers at team camp on May 31st and June 1st from 9 am-12 pm. The season opener this year will be vs. East Central. The prospects that we will highlight for this session for “Under the Hood” feature Cambreon Darby (SR), Cody Collins (SR), Jeradiah Hernandez (JR), Fernando Botello (SR), and Deon Feeback (SO).
Cambreon Darby – 2023 Defensive End – 6’3″ 200 lbs.
Coach Irvin stated, “It’s not how big you are, it’s how big he plays!” Darby stands at 6’3″ and weighs in at 200 pounds. On tape, Darby looks the part of playing defensive end whether he is playing stand up or in his 3-point stance. He seems more comfortable in his 2 point stance coming off the ball and trying to create havoc in the backfield. Darby charted 38 tackles along with 7 sacks this past season. Darby is quicker off the ball standing up playing outside and gets his hands up quickly to avoid being blocked. He is raw playing that defensive end spot but has plenty of tools to work with. Coach Irvin did say he looks forward to seeing him this spring ball as he looks to have gained some confidence playing outside. Darby can still add good weight to his frame and carry it well and do the things he was able to do this past year. I would like to see him use his hands more and be violent at the point of contact. Darby will be an interesting prospect to keep up with as he has a high ceiling and looks to take off his senior year! Coach Irvin did tell me that he has some division 2 looks currently.
Cody Collins – 2023 Defensive Back – 5’10” 180 lbs.
The next prospect that we will take a look at with the Rangers is Cody Collins. Collins plays defensive back at 5’10” weighing in at 180 pounds. The first thing that I noticed watching film on Collins is that he plays every play 100% of the time, and doesn’t take any plays off. This correlates with what Coach Irvin told me after watching his film, “One of the hardest workers on the team and they always give 110% effort daily. Collins has good hips and doesn’t allow much in his cushion before he turns and tracks the receiver with his hand placement. His stats on the season were 28 tackles and 13 pass breakups. Collins has good technique and does well on pass coverage overall. In the run game, he sets the edge well when he reads run. When the ball carrier comes to his side he attacks him quickly and plays the outside hip. I would like to see him drive on his tackles and attack lower and not so high. Coach Irvin believes that Collins had a great offseason so far which will translate well for the Rangers in 2022.
Jeradiah Hernandez -2024 Defensive Back/Outside Linebacker – 5’11” 170 lbs.
What is the one fundamental idea that jumps out to you about Jeradiah Coach Irvin? “He gives you 100% effort and is one of the hardest workers on the team,” Coach Irvin stated. Hernandez totaled 41 tackles along with 7 pass breakups on the season. Hernandez does a good job wrapping up his opponent and driving his feet. He looks fluid in his hips but he needs to make sure when he jumps his routes to make it count as an interception. Hernandez plays the double move well and can get back in position because of his quick footwork and hips. Hernandez plays well in the secondary but seems like in their odd front scheme he comes up to play outside linebacker. He does help set the edge and is not afraid to get in the mix. Coach Irvin is looking for a break-out season for Hernandez and the defense will look to him to get the Rangers on the right track.
Fernando Botello – 2023 Offensive Tackle – 6’4″ 300 lbs.
Fernando did not play football this past season but this didn’t stop Coach Irvin from wanting to talk about his prospect. Coach Irvin stated, “Botello is very athletic and has physical hands.” Currently, Botello is lined up to play offensive tackle this season for the Rangers but could change to the defensive side on how quickly he can pick up the offensive side of the ball. Coach Irvin describes Botello as a big man that can move because he has great feet for a lineman. Coach Irvin is interested to see how he does this spring ball as Botello looks to anchor the guys upfront for the 2022 season. Fernando will be a prospect I will keep an eye out for spring ball and his senior season.
Deon Feeback-Franklin – 2025 Athlete – 6’0″ 155 lbs.
Deon is the most intriguing prospect with this group as he has the highest ceiling out of them all. He has a few years under him to keep developing but he does fall into the class of 2025 that I already like. Deon is versatile, he can play quarterback, wide receiver, or running back as long as he has the ball in his hands. At quarterback, he has good footwork in the pocket which allows him to keep his eyes downfield. He does well sprinting outside or even on bootlegs throwing the ball on the run. Deon makes it look effortless on his deep throws with great ball placement. When he lines up to play wide receiver he has some wiggle to him on his short routes and will go get it on the deep ball. At defensive back, Deon likes to press and is physical. He gets off blocks quickly and gets downhill to make the play. I would like to see more coverage skills on tape to be able to see what he can do on that side of the ball. Time will only tell where Deon can play but I would like to see him add more weight to his frame especially if he is going to have the ball in his hands. Deon will be one to keep an eye out along with the rest of the 2025 prospects we have spoken about in Friday Film Review. Coach Irvin asked Deon which position he wants to play and Deon replied, “It doesn’t matter to me coach, wherever I am needed.”