Team Preview: Can Cardinal Gibbons Repeat as 4A Champions?
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I have begun team previews of some of the top teams in the Raleigh/Durham region. There are a lot of talented players throughout the region. The previews will highlight the recruits on the teams featured. A high level of competition…
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Continue ReadingI have begun team previews of some of the top teams in the Raleigh/Durham region. There are a lot of talented players throughout the region. The previews will highlight the recruits on the teams featured. A high level of competition is expected as the high school season starts in late August.
Connor Clark Connor Clark 6'5" | 225 lbs | QB Cardinal Gibbons | 2023 NC (6’6″ 220, QB) displayed poise and leadership as he led a high-powered offensive unit to a 4A State Championship. He finished the season with 2,795 passing yards and 30 passing TDs. Connor will deliver passes to Brock Chappell Brock Chappell 6'6" | 245 lbs | TE Cardinal Gibbons | 2023 State NC (6’4″ 230, TE), Nick Lemon Nick Lemon 5'10" | 175 lbs | WR Cardinal Gibbons | 2023 State NC (6’0″ 180, WR), and Blake Raphael Blake Raphael 6'0" | 215 lbs | ATH Cardinal Gibbons | 2023 State NC (6’0″ 200, ATH). Brock is a good blocker and does a good job of using his body to shield defenders to make catches in traffic. Nick is a speedster who runs good pass routes and separation from defenders to make catches in the open field. Blake runs good pass routes and separation from defenders to make catches. Ryan Ziegler Ryan Ziegler 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB Cardinal Gibbons | 2024 State NC (6’2″ 230, RB) is effective in gaining tough yardage inside the red zone. Nick Samson Nick Samson 6'0" | 345 lbs | OL Cardinal Gibbons | 2023 State NC (6’0″ 345, OL) and Christian Shaffer Christian Shaffer 6'3" | 245 lbs | OL Cardinal Gibbons | 2023 State NC (6’3″ 245, OL) 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”. Multiple players assisted on tackles throughout games. Josh Stoneking Josh Stoneking 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Cardinal Gibbons | 2023 State NC (6’3″ 235, DL), Donovan Dozier Donovan Dozier 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Cardinal Gibbons | 2023 State NC (6’3″ 235, DE), and Pierce Johnston Pierce Johnston 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Cardinal Gibbons | 2023 State NC (6’1″ 215, DL) anchor the defensive line. Josh displayed good technique and strong use of hands to control blockers and make stops. Donovan is quick out of his stance to make contact with blockers and move past them to make stops. Pierce used his quickness and good use of hands to control blockers, moving past them to make stops. Ryan Ziegler Ryan Ziegler 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB Cardinal Gibbons | 2024 State NC (6’2″ 230, LB) displayed good technique and moves well laterally to make stops. Oliver Evans Oliver Evans 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Cardinal Gibbons | 2023 State NC (6’0″ 175, DB), Jamil Tucker Jamil Tucker 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Cardinal Gibbons | 2023 State NC (6’0″ 170, DB), and Chip Coleman Chip Coleman 6'0" | 160 lbs | DB Cardinal Gibbons | 2024 State NC (6’0″ 160, DB) are all technique-sound defensive backs. Oliver, Jamil, and Chip react to the play and make it difficult for receivers to make catches against them. Cardinal Gibbons will be well prepared to defend their conference and state crowns.