Cleats V Cancer North First Practice Standouts
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Friday night marked the first of three practices for the Cleats V Cancer this MLK weekend. The North teams for the 1:00 and 5:00 All-Star Games took separate sides of the field and gelled for the first time. Here were…
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Continue ReadingFriday night marked the first of three practices for the Cleats V Cancer this MLK weekend. The North teams for the 1:00 and 5:00 All-Star Games took separate sides of the field and gelled for the first time. Here were a few standouts from the North team’s practice at Pop Keeney.
Ozaeta has little left to prove, but is taking advantage of the opportunity to improve himself. His size and physicality make him a mismatch for most high school defenders, and his balance and dexterity allow him to move and run very well. He leads by example with good technique, which minimizes most potential weaknesses other big tackles must cope with. Although he’s been committed to Oklahoma since August, he continues to show out and get better before becoming a Sooner. The Oklahoma commit’s presence is great competition for the other linemen, who gelled quickly. He’ll be a key piece for the North in the 1:00 game.
Highlights
Bousley stood out in a crowded group of receivers with sharp routes, great catches and a mature understanding of timing. He managed to haul in a few smooth over-the-shoulder lobs from different QBs, and created space consistently against some of the best DBs the city has to offer. He has good control of his hips and transitions fluidly between cuts. He catches the ball lightly and trusts his instinctual coordination to great success. He’s undecided and has received 2 offers so far from Puget Sound and Rose-Hulman. Look for Bousley to start the 1:00 game and feature in the offense.
Highlights
Cody Petrin
Cody Petrin
Few DBs looked as comfortable as Petrin in his home stadium during 1-on-1s. He defended nearly every hitch and comeback route he faced during this drill. These routes take advantage of his taller frame, whose hips aren’t as fluid as shorter receivers. Even though receivers get a bit of separation when they turn around, Petrin sees it immediately, reacts, and makes the play 9 times out of 10. His fast hands, length and footwork make up for his adequate hip mobility, and he plays low enough to keep himself competitive changing directions. Stretching and yoga could make Petrin even better, who more scouts should take notice of on Monday at 1:00.
Brycen Powell
Brycen Powell
Powell led the charge as the North-5:00 scrimmage featured tons of pass rush pressure. First, linebackers and DBs received tons of coaching on alignment with their new team. The defensive line made life hard for the quarterbacks from the start, as they routinely had less than three seconds to get the ball out. As the scrimmage went along and the offense got going, the coaching paid off in the form of coverage sacks, and Powell would either record the sack or be right next to it. He set the tone high and maintained it, causing excitement among coaches and boosting the defense’s spirits to match their performance. He can be an impact player, with special size, ability to get through the line and a remarkable motor- and the buzz around Powell will force scouts to feel his presence come Monday.
Thomas brought the energy to match the defense during the North-5:00 team’s scrimmage by finishing through the second whistle. He was bursting through the line and stiff arming bigger defenders with a jabbing motion that’s surprisingly efficient. He slipped through arm tackles by rapidly churning his feet and he fully utilizes his low center of gravity, making it hard to bring him down after first contact. He’s received offers from Puget Sound and McPherson but his unique combination of size, speed and strength could attract a few more before National Signing Day. Look for Thomas in a loaded North-5:00 backfield this weekend.