Versatility, Experience have Mallard Creek Poised for Comeback

Continuing our series previewing teams around the state, we move on to a school looking to regain its form of years past. After four straight 1-loss seasons, the Mavericks took as step back last spring and fall due to some injury issues. However, looking at the talent this team has, the Mavericks could be in line for a bounce back season in 2022.   The Stars   Mallard Creek teams have historically been known for their versatility. The Mavericks love to get their best athletes on the field (at multiple positions) and love to throw a variety of personnel at defenses, often moving from spread to 1-receiver sets on the same drive. Accordingly, many of their star players will find themselves playing multiple positions or roles.   The duo of [player_tooltip player_id='396909' first='Jaylen' last='Bowden'] and [player_tooltip player_id='396912' first='DJ' last='Hamilton'] will make a ton of plays on both sides of the ball this year, as each will start at receiver and play some defensive back. In my opinion, Hamilton's future is at receiver while Bowden has serious potential as a defensive back. Similarly, fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='396911' first='Ishaun' last='Abdul-Ali'] will find himself all over the field, primarily as a tight end and edge rusher.   The versatility displayed by multiple Mallard Creek players really allows both the offense and defense to be multiple. No one shows that more than athlete [player_tooltip player_id="307823" first="Michael" last="Short"]. At 6'3, 225, Short runs a sub-4.7 forty and can play any position in the front seven. His future is likely at Mike linebacker, but you'll see him line up, inside, outside, in a 3-point stance and on offense as a tight end and H-back. Short is one of my favorite players to watch in the state and he should have a huge year for the Mavericks.   The Role Players   Compared to other teams in the state, Mallard Creek is deep. At some positions, they'll go two or three deep with capable players that could step in at any moment without losing a beat. One of the most intriguing guys on this entire team is transfer guard [player_tooltip player_id="388313" first="Abdul" last="Aziz Smith"] (2023). Smith transferred in from New Jersey powerhouse Camden Catholic and has a ton of potential. He's a guy I definitely want to get my eyes on in person because his film suggests he could be a big time prospect at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='396910' first='Jameel' last='Muldrow'] (2023) looks like a big time FCS athlete and is another one of the Mavericks' most versatile players. Muldrow projects as a big nickel or athletic off-ball linebacker and will announce his college decision next month. His best traits are his athleticism and instincts, making him a fun prospect to watch.   Seniors Tomar Bivens, Jayden Brown and Josh Covington should contribute at the skill positions and on defense in the linebacker rotation while Eric Ford adds some much needed size up front. Rising junior [player_tooltip player_id="335913" first="Umar" last="Rockhead"] is a great 2-way lineman that has a bright future at left tackle.   Breakout Candidates   Mallard Creek is an experienced, senior-laden team, but should still have some underclassmen that break into the starting lineup. Perhaps most notable is rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='396831' first='Benjamin' last='Black'], who has emerged this summer as a legitimate D1 prospect. Mostly a gadget and special teams guy as a sophomore, Black added about 20 pounds and a few inches this offseason and looks every bit the part of a breakout receiver. A state champion sprinter, Black's 40 is in the mid-4.3s and with his added height and weight, he should have the chance for a huge year this year.   The Bottom Line   The biggest question mark is at the quarterback position, where a few different talented guys are battling it out this summer for the starting job. If one of them can take the lead and secure the job, the Maverick offense should be a lot better than last season.   The Mavericks' improvement along the offensive line should really help them return to their winning ways in 2022. A few question marks at key positions have me hesitant to declare them conference champions, but there's so much talent on this team that it's hard to see another 6-5 season, even if they do play in the best conference in the state.   Quarterback and receiver will be key, but I really like this team's offensive line and front seven. At the very least, the Mavericks will be a "punch you in the mouth" type of team that other schools really don't want to see late in the season.

Continuing our series previewing teams around the state, we move on to a school looking to regain its form of years past. After four straight 1-loss seasons, the Mavericks took as step back last spring and fall due to some injury issues. However, looking at the talent this team has, the Mavericks could be in line for a bounce back season in 2022.