Community Film Room, Episode 42

Ian Guerin July 28, 2023 @ 08:00 AM

Russell is probably more hybrid than linebacker, but in the York defense, he's often running down hill toward the line and has no probably using his quick burst to upend opposing ball carriers before they really get going. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Russell enters his senior season with 143 total tackles in his career (88 last season). And plays like the one he made starting at the :45 mark of this reel shows you how quick-twitch he really can be. It's part of the reason he's going to see some reps at tailback this year, too.

Royce O’Tuel Royce O’Tuel 5'11" | 235 lbs | OL St James | 2025 State SC OL/DL, St. James

Initially listed as the Sharks' right guard to start the 2022 season, O'Tuel spent time at both guard positions and also jumped in some at tackle. The 5-foot-11, 240-pound junior has time to grow (something he'll need to do at some point), but he's already shown he's got a grasp of his lower center of gravity and the requirements of playing in the trenches. O'Tuel (pictured) has a reel is full of him throwing guys to the ground for a reason. And in this offense and with some competition for playing time, his knack for pulling helps considering the constant motion happening behind him.

Azarian Yates Azarian Yates 5'11" | 210 lbs | RB Crestwood | 2024 State SC RB, Crestwood

Last year, while splitting carries, Yates finished with 602 yards and eight touchdowns on 85 carries. He broke three different 40-yard runs over the course of the year, but his bigger value were those short-yardage carries between the tackles. After all, this is a team that had quarterback Javion Martin Javion Martin 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB Crestwood | 2024 State SC attempt 279 passes a year ago. Still, there are times where the 5-foot-10, 215-pound Yates can just punch it upfield and keep the sticks progressing. He can move a pile and should just about always be fresh given how much Crestwood throws.

Jed Essig LB, Ben Lippen

At 6-foot and 175 pounds, Essig is the type of versatile linebacker that has and continue to put up solid production for the Falcons. Last year, he led Ben Lippen with 78 total tackles while adding four tackles for loss and three interceptions. Essig consistently moves from his spot at middle linebacker to the open field near the sideline in a hurry to make plays and has no problem putting a little extra sauce on his tackles. He accomplishes it by relying upon quick cuts and what looks to be on film to be plenty of prep.

Hakeem Watters Hakeem Watters 5'6" | 170 lbs | RB Hartsville | 2025 State SC RB, Hartsville

We don't care where you are on the depth chart. When you average north of 10 yards per carry and are about to see a ton more playing time, we're going to pay attention. Last year, Watters set his own table by making the most of his 24 touches. This fall, he's moving into the starting lineup, one that has no problem distributing the ball to multiple tailbacks and watching them run wild. Watters has a great combination of pure speed (he's got a verified 4.42 40) and a stop-and-go approach that allows him to change directions. The Hartsville running game likely won't miss a beat.