MUST WATCH – Impressive Two Game Tapes
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As we head into Week 2 of the 2022 season, I wanted to give a little attention to the “Week Zero Warriors” that are gearing up for their third game of the season. I looked at some players that have…
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Continue ReadingAs we head into Week 2 of the 2022 season, I wanted to give a little attention to the “Week Zero Warriors” that are gearing up for their third game of the season. I looked at some players that have put together back-to-back impressive performances and have made some highlight reel plays while doing so.
We have 4 senior players that have been lighting it up on offense and defense. A breakout dual-threat QB in Hudson Cunnings Hudson Cunnings 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Fremont | 2023 State NE , a powerful but twitchy RB in Devyn Jones Devyn Jones 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB Papillion La Vista South | 2023 State NE , and two Thunderbird defenders that have been lights out in Donnovan Whitfield Donnovan Whitfield 6'3" | 185 lbs | DB Bellevue West | 2023 State NE and J’Dyn Bullion J’Dyn Bullion 6'0" | 245 lbs | LB Bellevue West | 2023 State NE . All four are still uncommitted and, in my opinion, being under-recruited, so there is still time to get those offers in. Check out their tapes and evaluations of their first two games of the season below:
J’Dyn Bullion J’Dyn Bullion 6'0" | 245 lbs | LB Bellevue West | 2023 State NE (2023) | LB | Bellevue West | 6’0″ 240 lbs
New Bellevue West LB J’Dyn Bullion J’Dyn Bullion 6'0" | 245 lbs | LB Bellevue West | 2023 State NE has wasted no time making a name in the purple and gold with two big time games. Through two weeks, J’Dyn holds the lead for tackles in 11-man with 23 tackles. One thing about his game that people underestimate is how quick and shifty he is. For being a bigger LB, he can make himself small to sneak past blockers and stop the ball carrier. The video in the tweet below shows exactly how shifty he can be, using a smooooth crossover to evade the blocker and make the play. Of course, he can also decide to use his size and bulldoze everything in his path. J’Dyn’s strength allows him to shed blocks and create separation and power to finish through his tackles. Overall, J’Dyn has been gaining ground on the claim for top LB in the state and his bruising downhill playing style has been huge for the Thunderbirds.
Devyn Jones Devyn Jones 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB Papillion La Vista South | 2023 State NE (2023) | RB | Papillion – La Vista South | 5’11” 215 lbs
Devyn’s hot start to the 2022 season is the direct result of a summer of hard work now paying its dividends. Through two games, Devyn has rushed for 333 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns and is averaging 166 rushing yards a game on a 6.3 avg. per carry. Jones is a very unique runner that can run with both power and finesse. He has a bigger frame and isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder to put a defender in their place. He is also very tough to bring down, as he can fight through contact and keep his legs pumping to break through. Jones is also very good with just one cut, he can lead the defense one way, plant his foot in the dirt, cut, and outrace everyone the other way. Devyn’s patience and vision when he runs is also something that I really like about his game. Not only has Devyn been handling his regular RB1 duties, but he has also been grinding it out as an inside linebacker for the Titans. He’s racked up 14 tackles and 2 tackles for loss and has been a huge help in run defense. I’m excited to watch this young man continue his development and rushing dominance.
Donnovan Whitfield Donnovan Whitfield 6'3" | 185 lbs | DB Bellevue West | 2023 State NE (2023) | S | Bellevue West | 6’3″ 185 lbs
Here’s another breakout player from the Thunderbird defense! Donnovan Whitfield Donnovan Whitfield 6'3" | 185 lbs | DB Bellevue West | 2023 State NE ‘s play to start the season has been phenomenal and has nearly matched his tackle total from last year (18 tackles) in just two games (17 tackles). One thing that has been evident since the summer was Whitfield’s range and quickness to diagnose a play. Those traits have been on full display as he has been quick to read and break on the ball on what seems like every play. Donnovan has shown that he can handle any and all duties asked of a safety. He can step up into the box to stuff the run, or he sprints to the line to help seal up the edge from any outside runs. Whitfield has also been a standout player in coverage, where he’s helped the T-Bird secondary hold their first two opponents to a combined 80 passing yards. He’s a physical yet cerebral player that can almost lure a QB into thinking he’s not close enough to get to the ball before making a quick break on it. There’s a lot to like about Donnovan’s game, and even with the leaps he’s already made as a player, I still think he’s barely starting to stretch the surface of how good he could be.
Hudson Cunnings Hudson Cunnings 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Fremont | 2023 State NE (2023) | QB/LB | Fremont | 6’0″ 200 lbs
Hudson was a player that was added to the August ’23 rankings just before the season started. I have him marked as a linebacker, but Hudson has emerged as a dual-threat QB in his two games this season. In those games, Hudson has completed 27/44 passes for 422 yards and 3 touchdowns with an interception. His passing yard total is good for second in the state and he holds a 106 QBR through two games. What has been especially impressive about Cunnings is his rushing ability. In the first game against Columbus, Hudson carried the ball 22 times for 218 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was tamed a little more against Papio South with 12 carries for 69 yards but still rushed for a 5.8 avg. per carry. Cunnings’ strong build makes him tough to bring down when he gets a full head of steam and he has a strong upper body that allows him to shove incoming defenders away. He has also made an impact defensively with 12 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. He is quick off the snap and has the twitch to get past linemen and get after the ball carrier. Through two games, I’ve been impressed with the job Hudson has done in his first games as QB1. Lots of upside here!
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