PRZJordan’s Playoff Round 1 Live Look: Elk Grove Standouts
Kicking off Round 1 of the playoffs, I got a chance to see Elk Grove LIVE in action as they took on Hoffman Estates. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the Elk Grove players that…
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Continue ReadingKicking off Round 1 of the playoffs, I got a chance to see Elk Grove LIVE in action as they took on Hoffman Estates. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the Elk Grove players that caught my eye.
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Daryl Hunt
Daryl Hunt
Mr. Hunt caught my eye with his ability to get involved in run support to secure open field tackles on the perimeter and in the flat. Once play that really stood out was in a screen where he read the play quickly and closed fast to deliver a heavy hit on the receiver as he was securing the catch. This resulted in a pass breakup with the force he brought on the blow. This is much of the same in run support where he can drive through tackles as he wraps up ensuring he secured the ball carrier. Overall, I’m going to keep an eye on this young man over the next two years of his high school career.
Garrett Ewen
Garrett Ewen
Mr. Ewen works as a receiver that had an impressive showing. Early in the game, he almost came down with one heck of a 50/50 ball where he played above the rim but ended up falling complete as he had a hard landing. Later in the game, he was able to secure the contested catch on a deep shot downfield for a BIG gain setting up his team in scoring position making up for his first incomplete pass. What really stood out was his ability to track the ball as with 45 seconds left in the half this young man was able to secure a one handed grab just within his reach before being brought down at the one yard line. When he runs underneath routes, he can get vertical quickly and flashes his ability to break the initial tackle to keep the chains moving. All in all, this wideout was impressive during this matchup and deserves more looks. Currently holds one offer from Knox College. Twitter
Lucas Rogers
Lucas Rogers
Mr. Rogers he can find the soft spot in zone coverage where he will sit to become an outlet for his quarterback and poses a threat over the top with his foot quicks. This was predominately seem in the 4th where he was able to go over the top and adjust last second to secure the back pylon TD giving them the 22 to 21 lead with a few minutes left in the game. He also had a TD at the end of the 3rd as well finishing the night with 2 TDs and 1 INT off a tipped pass on defense. Overall, this is another receiver Elk Grove has that has potential to play at the next level.
Ramiro Valdivia
Ramiro Valdivia
Mr. Valdivia is an offensive lineman that did a good job mirroring in pass pro to keep the pocket clean for his QB. He did so by using a quick punch out of his stance to tie up the rushing defender and control the rep. This young man is also a solid in-line blocker that can get hands inside and drive his legs through the whistle to create a hole for the ball carrier. With a good frame standing at 6’3 280 he’s a solid choice to pickup late in the game for the Class of 23. Twitter
Mitchell Janczak
Mitchell Janczak
Mr. Janczak is a new name to me this fall season and flashes his ability to get the ball out quickly limiting the chances of the opposing pass rush to get to him. This young man can stand strong in the pocket to get the ball off at times with a defender in his face to keep the chains moving and has legs to him too. This is seen both on QB design runs and when nothing is open downfield where he can pull the ball down to scramble for the first. One play that stood out the most was a TD pass late in the 4th which he made off his backfoot as there was a defender in his face. This pass went perfectly to the back pylon only where his receiver could get it which he secured for 6 giving Elk Grove the lead with only a few minutes left in the game. Talk about an impressive throw. Overall, this young man has potential of being a dual threat QB at the next level and flashes his ability to control his arm strength on deep shots downfield. Twitter
Jacob Elsner
Jacob Elsner
Mr. Elsner is a halfback that is patient allowing running lanes to open up and once they do he can burst through to gain a step on 2nd level defenders to keep the chains moving – in one run he did so for 14 yards and had many others just like it. What really stands out about this young man is how he gets involved in both offensive attacks coming on swing routes along the sideline where once he secures the catch he can use his foot quicks to keep the chains moving. With his skill set above, he was able to end the night with two TDs.
Honorable Mention
Kachi Ugwu 23′ LB 6’1 215 Twitter
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