Second-Round Standouts
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Check out some of the best prospects left in the tournament! Braden Jackson Braden Jackson 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Gulf Shores | 2024 State AL HEIGHT 6'1" POS ATH CLASS 2024 Braden Jackson Braden Jackson 6'1" | 180…
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Jackson was arguably the best two-way player we observed this week. He used his exceptional speed as a three-tool player who impacted offense, defense, and special teams. On offense, he is incredibly elusive with the ball in his hands. He shows elite quick twitch and reaction time in the open field – leading to missing tackles and chunk plays. This led to him dominating as a playmaker after the catch and helping his team win the field position battle. Defensively he has an extensive playmaking range and can patrol the whole field. Made touch-down-saving tackles, flowed sideline to sideline, and took an interception to the crib. This all-around performance establishes him as one of the best athletes available in the 2024 class and a prospect to keep an eye on through the rest of the playoffs and beyond.
Ashton Ashford
Ashton Ashford
Ashford was one of the more dominant running backs in the tournament last week. With 28 carries, 231 rushing yards, and 4 TDs, Ashford carried his team to a victory and proved he’s one of the better backs in the 2024 class. Though he doesn’t have the prototypical size for a back, Ashford punches above his weight and uses his smaller frame and contact to balance work through tackles. Ashford’s ability to generate yards after contact was crucial in grinding out the clock and sending a message to the opposing team. He also shows solid vision and a mean jump cut that helps him expose gaps and gain steam when he advances to the second level. Ashford also shows extreme lightness on his feet when finding his way through the line of scrimmage. His bouncy running style enables him to keep plays alive against initial penetration and make guys miss in the open field.
Parker Adams
Parker Adams
Adams diced up the Tallassee with proficiency, timing, and precision. His elite accuracy in the intermediate region of the field consistently moved the chains for the offense and kept his team in rhythm. Inside the numbers, Adams showed velocity and placed the ball in between the numbers consistently. This accuracy negated solid man coverage and gaps within the zone. With solid footwork and balance in the pocket enables him to be consistent with his release. Adamas also showed solid decision-making skills and distributed the ball to playmakers evenly. This balanced approach forced the defense to account for everybody and kept them guessing the whole night.
Johnathon Harris
Johnathon Harris
Harris is an ultra-elusive back who constantly created something from nothing in his performance against Decatur. While living up to his nickname “Boogie,” Harris seemed to dance out of crowded backfields and open field tackles. His extremely shifty running style, along with lateral quickness, made him a constant threat to make the first guy miss and do damage at the second level. With great short-distance bursts, his juke is extra effective when attacking out-of-zone running concepts. As one of the more underrated running backs in the 2024 class, it’s safe to say Harris is turning heads and could play his way to a power-five offer.
Highlights
Strong is an elite all-purpose back who’s been the focal point of the Randolph offense throughout the playoffs. As a running back Strong’s elite vision allows him to always find daylight. His ability to expose cutbacks lanes and continuously be a moving target makes life harder for anybody trying to get a clean hit on him. This vision enables him to be patient and allow blocks to develop or the guys to run themselves out of the play. This leads to Strong constantly getting the second and third level of the defense. As a receiver, Strong has solid hands and can line up on the outside and be a threat. Once the ball hits his hands, the running back instinct takes over, making him a monster after the catch.