Playoffs Nearing Part 2: Players to keep an eye out for
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Harrison Utley Harrison Utley 6'4" | 285 lbs | OL Norman North | 2024 State OK – OL Norman North – 2024 This is an intriguing offensive lineman who already boasts 2 offers from Iowa State and Kansas. Standing at…
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Continue ReadingHarrison Utley Harrison Utley 6'4" | 285 lbs | OL Norman North | 2024 State OK – OL Norman North – 2024
This is an intriguing offensive lineman who already boasts 2 offers from Iowa State and Kansas. Standing at 6’4″ and 290 pounds, Utley is a physical player up in the trenches. He is helping lead the way for Norman North as they are tied with Jenks in second place currently. As his junior year is finishing up and his senior year nearing, Utley is going to garner more attention and offers soon. Utley likes to finish his blocks and is always looking for work. He can get up to the second level in a hurry with good angles. Utley plays with a good base and leverage on his defenders. What I like about him is he initially has a good punch and keeps his hands active. Utley is a good offensive lineman that will continue to keep getting better which will help set him apart at the next level.
Corey Rowland – WR/Safety Tulsa Edison – 2024
Rowland is nearing 1,000 yards receiving this year and has helped bolster the passing game of the Eagles this year. Traditionally, the Eagles have ran the ball well but, with quarterback Luke Parish being a 3-year starter, the Eagles have been polished in the passing game this year. Rowland is averaging over 20 yards per reception and has been their go to man when they need a big play. Rowland has a good frame out at wide receiver and isn’t afraid to go up and make the play. He runs a good comeback route as he sinks his hips at the top of the route and gets his head turned around quickly. On the defensive side, he will stick his nose in the run game and does well with his run fits. With Rowland playing wide receiver, it helps him at safety defending the pass. The Eagles need a little help but can control their own destiny if they can win tonight versus Collinsville and week 10 at Rogers for a playoff run.
Kirk Francis Kirk Francis 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Metro Christian | 2023 State OK – QB Metro – 2023
I’m not sure what Francis can’t do in the passing game. Honestly, every week he makes unbelievable passes down the field and it gets me excited to see what he has done on Saturdays when the highlights are posted. Francis shows he can make the throws at different throwing levels and has nice touch on his deep ball. He will take off and run when the pocket collapses and has good field vision by keeping his eyes down the field at all times. Francis isn’t afraid to stay in the pocket even when he knows he is about to take a shot. Currently, Francis has thrown for 2,280 yards with a 68% completion rate. He has 31 touchdowns in total against 3 interceptions. The Patriots sit at top of 3A-1 in first place with 2 games remaining versus Anadarko and North Rock Creek. Kirk has over 7,400 yards passing in his career with a 65% completion rate to go along with his 88 passing touchdowns.
Brytan Gaddy Brytan Gaddy 6'1" | 165 lbs | DB Sulphur | 2024 State OK – WR/DB Sulphur – 2024
The first thing that stood out to me watching Gaddy’s film is that he does a good job catching the ball with his hands. He seems to find ways to get open in general. Gaddy does well with getting in and out of his breaks as he is polished with his double moves. Gaddy has good body control and tracks the ball well with his eyes. On the defensive side of the ball, he isn’t afraid to come in and make a tackle. Gaddy sets the edge well on his run fits and tackles well. He plays the ball well in coverage and has made several pass breakup’s going through the defender. I would like to see more clips of him playing in coverage on film to see where he could potentially play at the next level. He is a state track medalist in 2021 and 2022 and the top long jumper in the class of 2024 in Oklahoma.
Aidan Rhoades – QB Woodland – 2023
I have been a fan of Rhoades since I watched his film back in the spring. He is a tall slender quarterback that isn’t afraid of contact. He stands in at 6’4″ 180 pounds and makes play after play on both sides of the field. I had the chance to see him live at a camp this summer and was impressed with his overall athleticism. He can move well back in the pocket and keeps his eyes downfield. If the pocket collapses, he will take off and isn’t afraid to run the ball. Rhoades has a nice touch on his deep ball and intermediate passes. Woodland is currently tied for first place in district A-5 with Hominy. Friday night Woodland takes on Hominy to help decide the district champion. Week 10, Woodland finishes out at Tonkawa before state playoffs begin.