Piedmont Season Preview

Josh White June 21, 2022 @ 07:40 PM

The Piedmont Bulldogs finished off their 13-2 season with a 3A Championship! With a load of talent coming back, here are the key players who will look to defend their title. Jack Hayes 6’0 185 QB 2023 Hayes is a certified gun slinger that excels at delivering the ball downfield. With a prototypical release, he Shows extreme confidence in his arm, frequently throws receivers open, and exposes tight windows with pinpoint accuracy and perfect ball placement. This accuracy extends to the goal line, where he is highly efficient. He can throw fades with touch or slants with velocity making him dangerous whenever he’s in the money area. He shows comfort both and out of the pocket and can still throw with velocity regardless of the situation. However, Hayes is dynamic on the run and can throw off of the platform and still maintain his accuracy downfield when evading defenders and creating time for himself and his receivers. With both his lead receivers graduating, the offensive load will be on his back, so look for him to put up numbers throughout the fall. https://twitter.com/__Jackhayes__/status/1478196210460733440?s=20&t=8dQJObTFjoKUV6lSCS2JNQ Max Hanson 5’9 165 WR/DB 2023 Hanson is a receiver with excellent hands and can take the top off the defense. He has a catch radius beyond his listed size and can adjust to throws at a high level. Seems to have mastered the art of the diving catch which gives his QB a window to throw to, even when he’s tightly covered. This, in addition to his knack for making contested catches makes him a big-time target and a reliable option for the Piedmont offense. With great burst, he also shows efficiency as a kick/ punt returner, making him a valuable utility player. Look for Hanson to be a key contributor on the offense and a playmaker in critical situations. Parker Thornton 5’10 185 RB Thornton is a running back who can contribute as a powerful force on the ground and a quality receiver out the backfield. As a runner, Thornton is a north and south back who will win on grit and determination. He’s a one-cut back who will be effective in short-yardage situations or staying ahead of the chains in early downs. As a receiver, he shows solid hands - especially on screens and flares. With a natural running back instinct, he’s adept at gaining yards after the catch. [player_tooltip player_id="131915" first="Brody" last="Epps"] 5’10 180 MLB Epps is a heady linebacker who seems to always be at the right place at the right time. He shows instinct when getting downhill to defend the run, anticipating where the ball carrier is trying to go, and working through blockers. With rare false steps and high awareness Epps is always in a position to make a play. He is physical at the point of attack and is fundamentally sound - which mitigates yardage after contact. With Epps at the heart of the deffense, look for him to be a run-stopper who will be a leader and an enforcer. https://twitter.com/Brody_Epps30/status/1357128513661337601?s=20&t=g0DIcBLZi320TTwI6pKb9Q