SEKY: Top Emerging Small-school Juniors
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Even at most of the smaller schools across the state, it remains relatively rare to encounter an underclassman who consistently makes major contributions to a team’s successful season or playoff run. While some of the more physically mature, dedicated, or…
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Continue ReadingEven at most of the smaller schools across the state, it remains relatively rare to encounter an underclassman who consistently makes major contributions to a team’s successful season or playoff run. While some of the more physically mature, dedicated, or talented sophomores do manage to begin carving out a niche for themselves during their second high school seasons, most remain “another year away” from developing into full-time, significant competitors at the varsity level. Based on their 2022 production, however, the following performers have proven themselves somewhat ahead of schedule and poised for increased roles in their upcoming junior seasons.
Akal firmly established himself as a reliable two-way contributor for the 8-4 Green Dragons and reflects a trajectory to assume even more responsibilities this upcoming fall. While averaging over 6.5 yards per rush on 101 carries, he reached the end zone 8 times by running with good forward lean, a consistently low pad level, and an aptitude for running through contact in short-yardage situations. Moreover, exhibits patience beyond his years on many stretch/perimeter runs and the ability to put his foot in the ground and accelerate quickly, proving very difficult to tackle one-on-one in the open field. A starter in the defensive secondary as well, Akal exhibits the speed to play press/coverage and the athleticism to walk up and play off the edge, enlisting active hands/escapes to both reroute receivers and separate from blockers.
Highlights
Memphis Blankenship
Memphis Blankenship
Defensively, Blankenship’s skill set appears very well suited for the outside linebacker position in the Bulldog’s traditional 3-4, as he displays the agility, footwork, and change of direction skills to cover slot receivers and intermediate routes consistently and the necessary fundamentals to play on the line of scrimmage as an edge/contain defender. In 12 games, those abilities resulted in 88 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions–1 of which he returned for a touchdown. In particular, his exceptional pad level enables him to conceal his primary blocking surface, feel/fight the pressure of base blocks and execute a flat pursuit path that constricts running lanes. He perhaps projects to assume a larger role offensively this fall, too, after averaging 9.3 yards per carry on only 18 carries last season.
Evan as a sophomore, Evans served as the 10-3 Bobcats’ primary defensive signal caller and returns as their leading tackler for the upcoming 2023 season. In their 10-game regular season and 3-game playoff run, he collected 67 solo tackles and 30 assists, including 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. At his inside linebacker spot, his primary strength proves to be his aggressive, downhill path versus inside runs to his side, but he also demonstrates the patience and “shuffle-lean” technique as a backside linebacker that helps to prevent those cutbacks and counter plays that can often gash a less disciplined defense. Physically, he clearly possesses the strength to stuff/stalemate second-level blockers, and his intelligent pursuit angles make him a factor even on perimeter runs/screens.
Nate Goodin
Nate Goodin
Whether executing his role as a starting wide receiver, a starter in the defensive secondary or a primary contributor as a kick returner, Goodin has established himself as a talented, versatile, and fundamentally sound performer who promises to play a major role in determining the Yellow Jackets’ fortunes in 2023. After averaging over 21 yards per catch on 29 receptions and reaching the end zone 9 times, he returns as his team’s top scorer and primary deep receiving threat, but in all honesty, that potential role might just depend upon whether or not he assumes the role of QB1 for his final two seasons. Likewise, his athleticism transfers quite well to the defensive secondary, too, where his hip level, footwork, and ball skills resulted in 26 solo tackles, 14 assists, 2 tackles for loss, and 3 interceptions.
Sawyer Thompson
Sawyer Thompson
Thompson returns as the Mountain Lions’ unquestioned starting quarterback after starting all 11 games in 2022, completing 79 of 158 passes for 1326 yards and producing 18 touchdown passes. He also proved himself more than adequate in the run game last season with 291 total rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on 49 carries, and he may be poised to become even more of a running threat after another year of growth and development. Equally comfortable and effective whether taking the snap in a shotgun formation or under center, he demonstrates accurate placement–particularly on long balls–and the pocket awareness to step up, slide, or flush to avoid initial pressure. Even when repositioning, he consistently keeps the ball in throwing position and demonstrates the arm strength to deliver it into narrow windows.