Emerson Mavericks: Playmakers Fueling the First-Year Program

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First-year varsity program Emerson High School, in Frisco, is off to a 6-0 start to the season after their dismantling of Carrollton Creekview Friday night. Led by head coach Kendall Miller and sophomore sensation quarterback DJ Shelton, the Mavericks are averaging a jaw-dropping 40.8 points per game this season, while holding opponents to just 20.8 points per game. This team, loaded with young talent, might just make some noise in the playoffs - in their first season of varsity ball - and the future looks even brighter. Such an incredible story. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We featured Shelton in a previous article (<em>Sophomore Sensations You Need to Know</em>), and in this article, we will get to know five Class of '24 athletes who are all playing integral roles in the team's success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><em>click on player handle to be taken to social media page</em></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>RB <a href="https://twitter.com/Izzy_bills5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Izzy_Bills5</a> – 5'7″ 180</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bills is a spark plug that will find a home as a change of pace back at the next level. Despite his small frame, he displays a lot of toughness and is not easy to bring down. One thing he does extremely well is use his speed to blow by defenders, then hit L1 and R1 on the controller to make defensive backs miss in the open field. As a pass catcher out of the backfield, he can easily win matchups with outside linebackers. He may never be more than a third down, change of pace guy in college, but he won't need to be. He will excel in the role and make a name for himself on Saturdays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently has no offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>WR <a href="https://twitter.com/ky_2_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@ky_2_</a> – 6'3″ 190 </strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evans is a true X receiver who is lethal with the football in his hands. Whether it's a skinny post, go route, hitch, or tunnel screen, he makes defensive backs look silly. Great explosion at the snap and an uncanny ability to high point the ball make him a must-have for a Power 5 program. You can put him up there with the top wideouts in the Class of '24. He's that good - and he's a big reason for the Mavericks' early season success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently has offers from Pittsburgh and Missouri.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>DE @<a href="https://twitter.com/KeitonBlanton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KeitonBlanton</a> – 6'3″ 205</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blanton is a ruthless pass rusher off the edge who is starting to come into his own halfway through his junior campaign. He uses a quick first step and violent hands to blow by offensive tackles and get into the backfield. Against the run, he maintains gap integrity and gets a nice push thanks to consistent inside hand placement. Will be a nice pickup for a program looking to add some juice to their pass rush.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently has no offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>ATH <a href="https://twitter.com/MalachiKendric1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@MalachiKendric1</a> – 5'10″ 160 </strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kendrick is an explosive athlete who should find a home with a smaller program. The instincts are top-notch and his motor never stops, which are two things to really like about the youngster. He gets the most out of every rep, and has great ball skills when the ball is thrown his way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently has no offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>CB <a href="https://twitter.com/_StephenRoss_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@_StephenRoss_</a> – 6'0″ 170 </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ross is a long, physical corner who excels in man coverage. The first thing that stands out about him is his feel for the game. Instincts and route recognition are above-average, and he just has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Against the run, he isn't afraid to come downhill and deliver a big hit. Will be a nice pickup for a smaller program looking for a difference-maker at corner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently has no offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->