Next Men up- Liberty District Edition
Back at it for more Virginia High School Football coverage and there is plenty of it. Up next is the Liberty District another conference out of 6A in Virginia, that had four teams in the playoffs for 2022. Only 1…
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Continue ReadingBack at it for more Virginia High School Football coverage and there is plenty of it. Up next is the Liberty District another conference out of 6A in Virginia, that had four teams in the playoffs for 2022. Only 1 (Yorktown) advanced to the second round, but with the crop of rising juniors returning I expect bigger things. Anyhow listed below is part 1 of my rising juniors out of the Liberty District
Ian Olson
Ian Olson
Olson is a gun slinger at 6’4 and 220 lbs he can make every throw on the field. He is also very nimble moving on his feet well and completing numerous difficult passes while on the move. Olson and company have their work cut out for them looking to rebound from last year’s record of 3-7. Having a quarterback with his size and strength is certainly a good start. http://www.hudl.com/video/3/14817848/6393de56bee0f40cd4568f6b
Sam Morales
Sam Morales
A big burly running back who is tough to bring down in the open field. Morales was an honorable mention all-conference selection last year for both his play on offense, but also for his efforts at linebacker. Standing at 5’11 this bruiser is a menace for the Statesmen who use him both as a power back and lead fullback offensively. Linebacker may be this young man’s best option at the Division 2 level, but between him and Olson returning Marshall has something good cooking. http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jkhcv
Bryant Cruz
Bryant Cruz
Cruz has the ability to play safety at the next level, his footwork and willingness to come and hit someone are second to none. A shifty playmaker who dabbles on Wakefield’s offense at quarterback, running back and receiver, Cruz has the ability to make a big impact for 2023. The rising junior stands at 5’11 and has been clocked in under a 4.7 40, the kid can move. Watch his tape against Marshall last year http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jm4JD, he is all over the field.
Nicky Jaques
Nicky Jaques
A 6’1 215 defensive end who is a force against the pass but especially against the run. You can see why he has already been clocked in under a 4.8 40 when he tracks running backs down from the other side of the field. When Jaques is not relentless attacking the opposing offense, he attacks the classroom with a 3.7 GPA. http://www.hudl.com/v/2JwrzD
Fausto Pineda
Fausto Pineda
Pineda is a bullmoose and cannot be fun to go up against if you are an offensive lineman. With an explosive first step and quick hands, Pineda was constantly in the backfield for the Generals defense. He stands currently at 5’10 190 lbs, which he uses to his advantage every play. He is not easy for lineman to double team and will beat you off the ball consistently. http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jq20b
Edward Barker
Edward Barker
The all district honorable mention selection is back for the Generals looking to nab first team honors for 2023. Barker’s footwork is very impressive, and he has the upside to only get better. What is fun to watch about this young man is every play he is one of the first to the football. After his initial assignment is completed, you constantly see him marching downfield looking for his next pancake block. http://www.hudl.com/video/3/15752573/63714b079a9be10798ab04ad
Juver Sorto
Juver Sorto
Sorto may not be the biggest linebacker in the conference (height 5’7) but that does not mean he wont strike fear into his opponents. When you talk about heart and effort his name has to come up in your conversation. A sideline-to-sideline middle linebacker there isn’t one playmaker who should be able to outrun him. Look for big things out of this rising junior and to be among the league leader in tackles for 2023. http://www.hudl.com/video/3/15665909/637297e7a0185c0d5cb2df85
Thatcher Swinton
Thatcher Swinton
A bone crunching linebacker who has the speed to play safety or possibly corner at the next level. Swinton brings the thunder while teammate Sort is the lightning. The Hornets defense needs to count on both individuals for 2023 if they want to get out of the first of playoffs this year. Swinton’s ability to cover so much ground is a bonus for Herndon. http://www.hudl.com/v/2K0Vtp