PRZJordan’s Playoff Round 1 Live Look: Marist Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kicking off Round 1 of the playoffs, I got a chance to see Marist LIVE in action as they took on the Naperville North Huskies. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the Marist Red Hawks that caught my eye.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>____________________</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong>Use Code JordanAmaskane30 for 30% OFF your subscription today!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size" id="block-c7d4c208-63fa-41a2-ad6e-abf1808f2822"><strong><em>Be sure to follow&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/PRZJordan" target="_blank">@PRZJordan</a>&nbsp; &amp;&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/prepredzoneIL" target="_blank">@PrepRedzoneIL</a>&nbsp;regarding news &amp; information for IHSA Football</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size" id="block-7a314ae9-8013-45e3-9115-31941adb5b6b"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepredzone.com/illinois/rankings/2023-rankings/" target="_blank">Find our Latest Rankings Update HERE!</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>____________________</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_635d549b20c83","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["65877"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mr. Sims has been on my radar for some time now and had himself a good performance. His ability to secure the catch and get vertical fighting for extra yards is one to watch. By keeping his legs driving he was able to shrug off weak tackles playing through contact and broke long runs as a result. What stands out the most about this young man isn't his playmaking ability to go up from contested catches, which is has, rather it's his stalk blocking on the perimeter as there were countless plays where his block was crucial for explosive plays happening by long runs being broke from the ball carrier. This type of skill set is underrated and it's impressive to see. Let's not forget that he has some foot quicks to him as well as he can run jet sweeps to turn the corner and he almost got into the endzone for 6 when doing so. Overall, Miami Ohio is getting one heck of a player and he's one to watch during Marist's playoff run. u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/RyanSims_owsu0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6499fea93b8e7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_635d54e2b047a","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Dermot Smyth","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Marist","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mr. Smyth is a new name to me this fall season and wow he put on an impressive performance Friday night making the case that he's one of the top dual threat QBs in the state. He finished the night off with 3 TDs (1 passing and 2 rushing) with 2 INTs in an impressive performance that gave Marist the win. His legs are such a threat when he's out of the pocket working on the move that he can suck up defenders creating a hole in the defense which he then hits for the completion downfield - this is how he got his 1st TD of the night. His mobility is such a threat as he can use his foot quicks to gain a step on 2nd level defenders to break a long run when doing so. This is seen on both QB design runs as well as pulling the ball down to scramble if nothing is open downfield. What also stands out about this young man is how he can stand strong in the pocket to get the ball off under pressure to keep the chains moving. One play in particular that stands out is when a blitzing defender is right in his face and delivers a heavy hit right after he hits the HB swing route to keep the chains moving on a 3rd down play. It's this type of traits that can give teams the edge in tight matchups and Mr. Smyth has it. u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/Dermotsmyth6u0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6499fea93b933"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_635d5534b047b","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["251455"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mr. Howard is a University of Wisconsin Commit and his skill set was on full display Friday night. His ability to continue to work through the whistle gets him in position to come away with both QB pressures and QB sacks. This is seen on his bull rush where he can use a strong punch to jolt the offensive lineman upright and drive back to collapse the pocket. In run support, he does a good job of working gap to gap plugging holes in run support. This is all done with his active hands at the point of attack to shed blocks and slip to disrupt plays in the backfield. He also takes pursuit flat down the line of scrimmage to secure chasedown tackles. Overall, there's no doubt that this is a big time prospect that can be a difference maker. u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/HJ_Jr58u0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6499fea93b95d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_635d5567b047c","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["265981"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mr. Nestor is committed to the University of Iowa and had one heck of a game Friday night. On defense, he uses his long reach to force pass breakups and can close quickly in run support to secure tackles both on the perimeter as well as at the line of scrimmage for little to no gain. Where he really shined was when he came on a blitz during key passing downs beating the offensive tackle to the turn point and closes quickly to generate pressure on the QB all night long - even coming away with a sack too. He also came away with an INT in the 2nd swinging momentum back into Marist's favor ending a Naperville North drive that was moving the ball downfield. This young man also is used on offense running jet sweeps out of the slot breaking a long run once he turns the corner with his foot quicks. Safe to say that his is another legit P5 player that Marist has on their team and made his impact felt in this Round 1 matchup. u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/johnnestor_7u0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6499fea93b986"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_635d55d7b047d","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Chris Lofgren","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Marist","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mr. Lofgren is a new name to me this fall season and he caught my eye early with his burst through the hole. Once the ball is in his hand he hits the running lane hard using his foot quicks to gain a step on 2nd level defenders quickly to break long runs - this was seen all night long and resulted in him finishing the night with 3 TDs. What stands out the most about this young man is his vision as he can not only find frontside running lanes quickly but can also goes a good job finding cutback lanes. Overall, this is a shifty type of runner that can make defenders miss as he hits the hole with his jump cuts and one he clears the line of scrimmage he has the ability to break long runs if he gains a step on 2nd level defenders. Currently hold no offers. u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/chrislofgren8u0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6499fea93b9bc"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_635d5644b047e","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["266979"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mr. Meehan is a darn good in-line blocker that was jolting defenders with his strong punch all night long and finished plays by putting defenders on their back as well. His aggressiveness paired with his technique make him one heck of a run blocker that can make a multitude of in-line blocks (drive blocks, hook blocks, down blocks, etc). In pass protection, he can also mirror the rushing defender as well as anchor to keep the pocket clean for his QB. There's a reason why he hold a few offers across FCS, 1AA, and D2 ball. u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/benmeehan10u0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6499fea93b9de"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_635d5740b047f","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["266050"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I've heard good things about Mr. Baudo and seeing him in person he shows flashes of the high potential that he has. Working as a receiver, he understands QB scramble drill in the redzone as he's able to become an outlet for his QB to secure the 1st TD of the night giving his team the lead out of the gates. What stands out the most about this young man is his breaks to get in/out of his route as he does so quickly to break defenders off at the top of the route creating separation on the play. His foot quicks are also one to keep an eye on as he flashes his ability to take a short underneath route and turn it into a big gain with his ability to change gears quickly. There were a few instances where it seemed this was going to happen but he ended up being tackled just before he was able to. Overall, this is a high potential young man with good traits to be a deadly slot receiver at the next level. u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/nolanbaudou0022u003eTwitteru003c/au003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-6499fea93ba06"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Honorable Mention</span></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scott Ryback 23' TE 5'11 195 <a href="https://twitter.com/rybak_scott" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joey O'Hara 23' DL (DE) 6'1 210 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>____________________</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Be sure to follow&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PRZJordan">@PRZJordan</a>&nbsp;regarding news &amp; information for Illinois High School Football as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/prepredzoneIL">@PrepRedzoneIL</a>.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Want to be ranked? Fill out our FREE&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/">Prospect Player Index</a>, another tool to help you in your recruiting journey.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Use Code JordanAmaskane30 for 30% OFF your subscription today</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->