Team Preview: Can Cardinal Gibbons Repeat as 4A Champions?

I have begun team previews of some of the top teams in the Raleigh/Durham region.&nbsp; There are a lot of talented players throughout the region.&nbsp; The previews will highlight the recruits on the teams featured.&nbsp; A high level of competition is expected as the high school season starts in late August. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="117098" first="Connor" last="Clark"] (6'6" 220, QB)</strong> displayed poise and leadership as he led a high-powered offensive unit to a 4A State Championship.&nbsp; He finished the season with 2,795 passing yards and 30 passing TDs.&nbsp; Connor will deliver passes to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="144936" first="Brock" last="Chappell"] (6'4" 230, TE), [player_tooltip player_id="324915" first="Nick" last="Lemon"] (6'0" 180, WR), and [player_tooltip player_id="144696" first="Blake" last="Raphael"] (6'0" 200, ATH)</strong>.&nbsp; Brock is a good blocker and does a good job of using his body to shield defenders to make catches in traffic.&nbsp; Nick is a speedster who runs good pass routes and separation from defenders to make catches in the open field.&nbsp; Blake runs good pass routes and separation from defenders to make catches.&nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="308730" first="Ryan" last="Ziegler"] (6'2" 230, RB)</strong> is effective in gaining tough yardage inside the red zone.&nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="355063" first="Nick" last="Samson"] (6'0" 345, OL) and [player_tooltip player_id="355064" first="Christian" last="Shaffer"] (6'3" 245, OL)</strong> both are technique-sound and will anchor the offensive line opening lanes for the running backs and protecting the quarterback. The state's best defensive unit excelled as a "swarming defense".&nbsp; Multiple players assisted on tackles throughout games.&nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="355047" first="Josh" last="Stoneking"] (6'3" 235, DL), [player_tooltip player_id="355046" first="Donovan" last="Dozier"] (6'3" 235, DE), and [player_tooltip player_id="355060" first="Pierce" last="Johnston"] (6'1" 215, DL)</strong> anchor the defensive line.&nbsp; Josh displayed good technique and strong use of hands to control blockers and make stops.&nbsp; Donovan is quick out of his stance to make contact with blockers and move past them to make stops.&nbsp; Pierce used his quickness and good use of hands to control blockers, moving past them to make stops.&nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="308730" first="Ryan" last="Ziegler"] (6'2" 230, LB)</strong> displayed good technique and moves well laterally to make stops.&nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="355043" first="Oliver" last="Evans"] (6'0" 175, DB), [player_tooltip player_id="355042" first="Jamil" last="Tucker"] (6'0" 170, DB), and [player_tooltip player_id="355071" first="Chip" last="Coleman"] (6'0" 160, DB)</strong> are all technique-sound defensive backs.&nbsp; Oliver, Jamil, and Chip react to the play and make it difficult for receivers to make catches against them.&nbsp; Cardinal Gibbons will be well prepared to defend their conference and state crowns.