2024 Rankings: Catawba River Highlights

Our updated 2024 rankings have been released in the Catawba River Region. There are several impact players who have quickly made their name known as the non-region schedule wraps up and we head into region play next Friday night. Here are a few highlights:   [player_tooltip player_id='265222' first='Turbo' last='Richard'] | RB | Northwestern   Richard has gotten bigger and stronger since we saw him last season. And he's making a huge impact. The Boston College commit has run for 547 yards and six touchdowns so far in 2023. He's averaging 8 yards per carry. He can make an impact on special teams as well, like against Gaffney in Week 4 – he took the opening kickoff and a punt back to the house.   [player_tooltip player_id='139304' first='Chris' last='Dixon'] | DL | South Pointe   It's hard to find many cut ups of Dixon's midseason film where an offensive lineman was able to hold a block against him for more than about 5 seconds. That's how quick and active he is off the line. He takes great pursuit angles and will get to the quarterback in a hurry. He can also shed tackles quickly against the run to either limit the play to a short gain or it's a tackle for loss.    [player_tooltip player_id='771035' first='Kyan' last='Kennedy'] | TE | Chester   Kennedy is listed as a tight end, but his impact goes beyond the offensive side of the football. He can line up on the defensive front and make sure tackles against the run. He's tough to block because of his size and ability to move quickly from end to end. That size is perfect for his tight end position because it's hard for teams to single him one-on-one and he'll run right past you.    [player_tooltip player_id='317140' first='Trey' last='Thompson'] | RB | Andrew Jackson   Thompson is a load to tackle at the running back position. He has the unique burst of power and speed that you need at the position. He can run through arm tackles and runs hard. We were really impressed with the way he caught the ball out of the backfield <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/09/what-we-saw-run-game-helps-andrew-jackson-pull-away-from-lamar/">when we saw the Volunteers against Lamar back in early September.</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='589016' first='Zantwan' last='Nelson'] | DB | South Pointe   Nelson has probably been one of the more active defensive backs we've seen on tape and in person so far in 2023. He can play off five to ten yards and read and react to the play and make the interception. He doesn't allow the receiver to get inside and there were several plays where if he didn't make the play, he could knock it away. The Shrine Bowl selection has two interceptions on the year so far.    [player_tooltip player_id='997363' first='Landon' last='Armstrong'] | LB | Rock Hill   Armstrong (pictured above) is a load to deal with from his linebacker spot. He can shoot gaps and hit the runner in the backfield quickly. He comes at the ball carrier at full speed and will not let up until the whistle blows. He takes good angles to the ball as he's able to turn and bounce around once he recognizes the play, which again, doesn't take long for the young man to do. He had 33 tackles as of September 6.    [player_tooltip player_id='997385' first='Elijah' last='Coleman'] | RB | Chester   Once Coleman finds the green grass, there is a possibility for it to be a house call. He is a physical, downhill running back who is not afraid of contact and will run right through arm tackles. He also showed an ability to catch balls out of the backfield on screens. He doesn't waste time dancing in space, it's solid north - south running. Prior to last Friday night, he has ran for 479 yards on the year and 5 touchdowns.

Our updated 2024 rankings have been released in the Catawba River Region. There are several impact players who have quickly made their name known as the non-region schedule wraps up and we head into region play next Friday night. Here are a few highlights: