Young Program Looking Ahead: Pieper Warriors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Having just wrapped up their first full season of varsity football, you can't help but to be excited about the things to come for the Pieper Warriors out of New Braunfels. They finished a disappointing 2-8 in 2022, but have a young nucleus of players to build around as they head into next season. In this article, we take a look at four talented youngsters who hope to lead the program to an improved finish in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TE [player_tooltip player_id='998056' first='Evan' last='Drake'] – 6'4″ 205 /&nbsp;<em>@EvanDrake89</em></strong> <strong><em>-- Class of '25</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Versatile tight ends are in high demand these days, and Drake certainly fits the bill. He can line up with his hand in the dirt and also flex out into the slot. He excels in the play action game and can also test a defense vertically when he's out wide. If he can add a little weight, and some more burst, this summer, he has a chance to become a statewide recruit next fall. Keep an eye on #89 in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16300435/633b0e3790ef9b0dec1c9840"><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='998056' first='Evan' last='Drake'] Junior Season - Hudl</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>S Jordan Grant – 5'10″</strong> <strong>175</strong> <strong><em>-- Class of '24</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Versatile defensive backs really catch the eye of college coaches - and Jordan Grant is one of them. He's a natural safety who can slide down and line up as a nickel corner as well. When he's in center field as a safety, he shows nice range and is able to take away half the field. Also does a great job reading quarterbacks, which allows him to jump routes and make a play on the football. When he's at corner, he skims the field and can turn and run with anyone. The ball skills are certainly there, but there are times when he'll drop a sure INT. Very solid prospect who can safety or nickel corner, and will be a nice pickup for a smaller program looking for a difference-maker in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16300367/63693bebb0232704248b08ae"><strong><em>Jordan Grant Junior Season - Hudl</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CB Adrian Pike – 5'10″ 160 / <em>@_WakeEmUp5</em></strong> <strong><em>-- Class of '24</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pike is a hard-hitting, physical corner who excels on the perimeter, against both outside runs and screens. Against the run, he flashes good closing speed and isn't afraid to come downhill and pop the ball carrier. Plays a lot of zone coverage, and does a nice job of under-cutting routes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16300428/63705acdbd6a5b014c682aef"><strong><em>Adrian Pike Sophomore Season - Hudl</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DE David Huntsman – 6'1″ 205 / <em>@DavidHuntsman47</em></strong> <strong><em>-- Class of '24</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huntsman is a soon-to-be senior team captain that's tough, physical, and has a non-stop motor. Against the run is where his game really stands out. He's stout and can hold his own when double-teamed. In his pass rush, he is relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback, can work his way into the backfield and affect the passer. I look forward to seeing him in action in 2023. Will be a nice pickup for a smaller program looking to add some toughness to their defensive line rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16300345/63728f63041dea0de48f9edc"><strong><em>David Huntsman Junior Season - Hudl</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->