3A Early Season Ballers
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As we head into week four of the Alabama High School Football season, there have been players around the state who have been extremely valuable to their teams success. Whether it was making a head topping catch in traffic against…
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Continue ReadingAs we head into week four of the Alabama High School Football season, there have been players around the state who have been extremely valuable to their teams success. Whether it was making a head topping catch in traffic against press coverage, to making a one handed grab in the corner of the end zone for a TD or making that big hit for a loss behind the line of scrimmage, these ballers have shown up and shown out. We spotlight several ballers from Class 3A who are making headlines early on this season.
K.J. Jackson throws from a wide, balanced base with a quick, over-the-top release. He has a natural feel for the pocket, sliding away from pressure or stepping up to make a throw. He flashes the ability to throw with anticipation, often releasing his pass before his target has made their break or separated from the defense. He can take some velocity off his throws to layer them over second-level defenders to hit his target in stride. He looks off safeties to manipulate coverage and consistently gives his receivers a chance to make a play against tight coverage, throwing them open by putting the ball where only they can get it.
Highlights
Kenyon Cherry
Kenyon Cherry
Kenyon Cherry is a patient runner who consistently presses the line to wait for his rush lane to open up. He plants his foot when he sees a gap, using his typewriter feet to navigate traffic and avoid getting tripped up. He’s hard to bring down in space, using stiff arms and gyroscope balance to stay on his feet and pick up extra yards. He churns through contact and jukes laterally to make defenders miss in tight spaces, and he lowers his pads and drops the hammer in short-yardage and goal-line situations, showing a good nose for the end zone.
Cole Anderson shows the ability to pick the gap, plant his foot, and get downfield before stringing multiple moves together at the second level. His hesitation move leaves linebackers flatfooted and his smooth, gliding gait seems to surprise defenders when he shoots away from their pursuit angles. He is a hard runner for his size, consistently picking up an extra yard or two even after getting wrapped up. He’s difficult to knock back at contact.
Highlights
Kaden Washam
Kaden Washam
Kaden Washam plays with a smooth, effortless style, showcasing body control and balance as a route runner. He’ll jump up and pirouette to catch a pass, spin around, land, and explode downhill in one smooth motion. He can separate against man coverage, using quickness, short-area burst, hesitation moves, and head fakes to get open. He has good ball-tracking skills downfield and is extremely competitive after the catch.
Jackson Reece
Jackson Reece
Jackson Reece quickness is one of the foundations of his game, and he leans on it as a route runner and run-after-the-catch creator. He uses slick footwork and hand swipes to get off the line and is sudden at the top of his route, creating separation with sharp cuts and agile change of direction. He’ll put opposing corners in a blender with head and shoulder fakes and leaves opponents in the dust on whip routes. He’s a good deep threat with the speed to run past defenders and a knack for tracking the ball over his shoulder.