Langham Creek Spring Game Standouts

This Langham Creek squad is looking to get back in the playoff race in an ultra-competitive 16-6A district. Coached by Todd Thompson since 2009 the Lobos have had some ups and downs but have been a playoff-contending team for the majority of Thompson’s tenure. <strong>TE Jordan Washington | 6’4" 215lbs | 2024</strong> Jordan Washington has the size and athleticism to be a D1 caliber tight end. Being a 2-sport athlete, his basketball background shows on the field. With long arms, he has a huge catch radius and has the ball skills to get down low to secure any pass. He has good hands and does an excellent job of winning at the top of the route. The offense is molded around his versatility. Washington lines up in-line, off-set, and in the slot. Washington could be in for a big fall that could raise his stock significantly. &nbsp; <strong>DE Alec Palafox | 6’1" 220lbs | 2023<img class="size-medium wp-image-350907 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/IMG_2451-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></strong> Alec Palafox is a balanced edge rusher with the ability to get to the QB while also making plays in the run game. Palafox uses his get-off to get up on the tackle and then uses his power to get the tackle back on his heels. Palafox was generating a lot of pressure throughout the first-team reps while still holding it down in the run game. He has the tools to be a mainstay in the backfield and can be once he tweaks a few things out. Going into his second year on varsity I expect Palafox to take that next leap in his game to become a consistently dominant edge rusher for the Lobos. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>RB Jonathan Hill | 5’9" 165lbs | 2023 <img class="size-medium wp-image-350912 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/IMG_2449-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></strong> Jonathan Hill plays with an impressive mix of patience and physicality. Once Hill sees his gap he doesn’t hesitate to fire to the next level. One thing that goes unnoticed a lot is ball security but when Hill tots the rock he takes it seriously. With two hands around the ball going through the first level and covering it when initiating contact. On every carry he’s fighting for every yard he can get. If a defender is trying to arm tackle or not wrap up, Hill will break through it. With the tenacity he plays with he’s a homerun threat on any play. On a limited 15 carries in 2021, he still was able to find the endzone three times, while averaging 9.9 ypc. Better buy stock now on Jonathan Hill before the price goes up! &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>DE Eyin Pardue | 6’2" 200lbs | 2024 <img class="size-medium wp-image-350910 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/IMG_2450-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></strong> On the other side of the d-line is Eyin Pardue. Using his physicality he was able to make some big plays in the spring game. With a long frame, he’s able to win at the point of attack. Pardue is assignment sound. He keeps contain, plays his gaps, takes advantage of bad snaps, and wraps up. Pardue was so productive in his pass rush collecting 3 sacks. Eyin Pardue is a sleeper prospect for now but has the talent to be a sought-after recruit. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong style="font-size: 1rem;">CB Donovan Bynum | 6’1" 180lbs | 2023 </strong> Donovan Bynum had the difficult task of guarding his teammate, 4-star WR [player_tooltip player_id="122021" first="Jaquaize" last="Pettaway"]. Best believe that Bynum impressed. With his 6 ft+ frame and long arms, he can get up in a receiver’s face but also has the gracefulness to play off-coverage. Bynum has technically gifted feet and hips that keep him in position and in phase. Outside of grabbing an interception, Bynum locked down his zones and seems to be at his best in cover 3. He’s solid in the run game as well. He gets around blocks to bring ball carriers down. Bynum plays his best football with everything in front of him as he’s very skilled at playing with his eyes. 2022 is a great chance for Donovan Bynum to break out and gain that next-level attention. &nbsp; <strong>OLB Corion Powers | 6’1" 180lbs | 2024</strong> I love the range that outside linebacker Corion Powers has. Running the 4x100 and 4x200 for Langham’s varsity track squad he brings that element inside the white lines. Powers is flying everywhere he goes on the field. When approaching the ball carrier he brings his speed and power with him. In zone coverage, he’s able to cover a lot more ground than most OLBs. It’s very rare when you find a guy who has the physical tools and the athletic fluidity that Powers has. As he continues to develop I see calls coming in from colleges trying to bring him on campus. &nbsp; <strong>CB Marquise Chapman | 6’0" 165lbs | 2023<img class="size-medium wp-image-350908 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/IMG_2452-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></strong> A fresh face at Langham Creek is North Carolina transfer, Marquise Chapman. The one-two punch at cornerback is promising for the Lobos. Chapman is a smooth operator. He keeps maintains his leverage and can flip his hips with the best of them. With his crisp technique and rather long arms for his size, he can play tight physical man-to-man coverage. &nbsp; &nbsp;