Season in review: Academy at Palumbo and Academy Park
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For many programs across Keystone State, the 2022 season has come to an end. For many players, it will be the last time they put on the pads and play. For some, it will be the end of one journey…
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Continue ReadingFor many programs across Keystone State, the 2022 season has come to an end. For many players, it will be the last time they put on the pads and play. For some, it will be the end of one journey but a new one will begin next summer.
That being said, today we begin to look at programs across the state, their performances in 2022, and notable prospects at each program. We’re simply going to try to cover as many programs and players as possible starting today with Academy at Palumbo and Academy Park.
If stats are available for the player, we will surely provide them.
Academy at Palumbo:
The Griffins put together a solid 5-4 season in 2022 including going 4-1 in conference play.
Gabriel Smalley
Gabriel Smalley
I like Smalley quite a bit and is someone that I really only found out about recently. Smalley has good size at 6-foot-0 and just around 200-pounds, though in his tape, he does look a bit bigger than 200. There’s not a ton of tape out there, unfortunately, especially from this season but Smalley in his limited tape from this year but also his tape from last year shows a quality arm and the ability to put a good touch on his passes. Shows good mobility as well, being able to pick up yardage and extend plays while keeping his eyes down the field.
Academy Park:
It was a tough season for the Knights going 3-8 on the season but they did go 2-2 in conference play, finishing third in the Delaware Valley conference.
Shaw is an instictive defensive back who shows quality play recognition skills and football IQ. Does a good job at playing down hill and is a quality tackler. Good man-to-man skills in coverage and also shows the ability to play zone at an advanced level as well. Overall, the Academy Park defensive back is a quality defensiveback who could project well to either the Division II or Division III level. Additionally has good measurables at 5-foot-10, 166-pounds as well as a reported 40-yard dash of 4.5.
A great athlete, Hunter can make plays on both sides of the ball but looks especially solid on the defensive side of the ball. He shows great ball tracking skills and uses his size and catch radius to his advantage. Anything that is in his vicinity, he has the ability to catch. Offensively, he’s just as much of a weapon with quality speed while also being quite elusive. All in all, Hunter is a player you can play on either side at the next level and feel comfortable with what he could provide you. Good athlete who is only going to get better once he’s able to commit to one position full time.
Highlights
Markai Stephens
Markai Stephens
Stephens is not the biggest offensive lineman height wize at just 6-foot-0 but he uses his weight and strength to his advantage. There’s a solid base to work with when it comes to Stephens and on tape there’s a bit to like. He needs some developental time but could become a quality contributor potentially at the Division III level.