Scouting Report Week 1
Ahead of each week’s featured matchup I will be covering, I will take a look at an offensive and defensive playmaker that will have an impact on the game as well as one X-factor. For week one I will be…
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Continue ReadingAhead of each week’s featured matchup I will be covering, I will take a look at an offensive and defensive playmaker that will have an impact on the game as well as one X-factor. For week one I will be out at Olmsted Falls for the Bulldogs hosting Solon to start the 2023 season.
Harley Barmen
Harley Barmen
Good things happen when Harley Barmen takes the field, whether it’s under center or lined up as receiver. A dynamic offensive talent who can make plays with the ball in his hands, Barmen was a major contributor in his junior season and brings back a high level of experience to the Comets’ offense. Barmen has a strong set of hands to be a reliable target in long and short yardage situations. A clean route runner that can create space between himself and defenders with hard cuts. Has good agility to make cuts for extra yardage after the catch. Plays quarterback as well and brings his speed to the position for a change of pace to the offense. A good improviser on the run when facing pressure, still able to get off clean throws on the move. Effective in the RPO to tuck the ball and run for chunk yardage. Barmen’s versatility makes him a player that needs to be keyed in wherever he lines up.
Max Thompson
Max Thompson
Max Thompson’s efforts on defense were well-documented last season creating turnovers throughout the season. A dangerous defensive back that plays with a high level of awareness, Thompson keeps his eyes in the backfield until the last moment to create stops. A player quarterbacks need to be aware of wherever he is on the field as a ball hawk. Shows the ability to read an offense as the play develops to attack where the play is headed. Plays good coverage with space to close in on passes. Is a full contact defensive back that isn’t afraid of contact. Can stop the run with regularity, doesn’t require assistance to bring down bigger ball carriers. Is a contributor on offense as a receiver, but does his best work on defense. Thompson gets himself into the right position to make plays with his high football IQ.
Anthony Salamah
Anthony Salamah
Anthony Salamah is the brute force of the Bulldogs defense. His ability to disrupt an opposing team’s game plan is felt throughout the game by plugging up the middle of the field. One of the strongest players in Northeast Ohio, Salamah often takes more than one offensive linemen to slow him down. He has a good rate of success against the double team with more than enough power to bring down any ball carrier that crosses his face. Plays with instinct to feel where a lineman is trying to block him and fight against it to impact the play. Plays with a mean streak you want to see out of an interior defensive lineman. His quickness and tight form to stay low for leverage make him a nightmare to block for an entire game leading to a number of tackles from his position. Operates well in a tight space to react to runs and make stops. Salamah can rack up the tackles and is looking to make an impact from the start of a big senior year. I expect to see more than one highlight reel play out of him on Friday.
The Bulldogs lost a number of players last season, but one of the biggest names on offense returning is quarterback Jimmy Rosol Jimmy Rosol 6’0″ | 175 lbs | QB Olmsted Falls | 2025 OH . Getting the reps and gaining confidence as a sophomore piloting a complex varsity offense, Rosol brings back consistency at the position coaches need it most. A dual-threat quarterback with speed and a good arm, his best attribute is decision making when operating within the offense. Has the size to be a durable player that can take hits. Has worked hard this offseason to further develop his big arm for quick delivery. Is an above average passer on the run, shows good ability to make difficult off-balanced throws with regularity. Has good pocket awareness to pull the ball down and run or look for a loose receiver. A strong runner who can make plays with his feet on designed run plays. Reads blocks well for maximum output of his runs. Rosol could find himself in the mix for offensive player of the year in his conference with his abilities to make plays.
Derek Neckar
Derek Neckar
The X-factor in this week one matchup for week one is Derek Neckar who has some big shoes to fill stepping into the lead back role. Neckar showed a lot in his junior season as a three-down back when used. His hard-nosed style of play makes him a player hard to bring down with effort that’s hard to slow down. His physical brand of football is complemented by his speed to make big plays a threat every time he touches the ball. A threat anywhere near the goal line with his strength to fight for yardage. Is a polished linebacker as well who uses his intensity to make stops. Above average coverage linebacker with strong instincts to stop plays. Was dominant on defense last season in a number of big situations. His abilities on defense have only sharpened, but will make his biggest impact as the workhorse of the offense. Neckar becomes the X-factor of this matchup with his ability to maximize his carries as the Bulldogs will look to assert their run game from the start.