4 Freshmen Flashing Superstar Potential Early In Their Careers

<p>The freshman class is off and rolling! With that, we've got a handful of young bucks making an impact early and setting themselves up for the long haul.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='546688' first='Cole' last='Stephens'] - Greencastle - QB - 6'2" 165lbs</h2>   <p>Stephens isn't just ahead of schedule with his development, but he looks good and more than comfortable on the field. He's got a big frame and stands tall in the pocket. He typically goes through his reads and progressions without much of a hiccup. He's got a good arm and can make just about any throw, which is what he showcased this past Friday. All year, he's been good and making plays, but he set 2 state records on Friday and made it look easy. Stephens threw for 572 passing yards and 10 TDs on Friday. Yes, that's correct. 10 passing TDs in 1 game. Some of them were big and easy plays where the guy was wide open, and the others were him making plays and putting the ball in a pinpoint spot. His footwork is fairly decent for his age and something you can see he spends time working on. Stephens is a gunslinger who isn't afraid to let it rip, and he's doing just that threw the first half of his high school career. If he continues to play and develop at this level, it won't be long until the eyes of the world are on him.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@QB_ColeStephens</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1015479' first='Jacayre' last='Smith'] - Tindley - WR - 5'9" 165lbs</h2>   <p>Smith has been the most dynamic freshman WR in the state yet, and he's fun to watch. He's a dynamic athlete who is explosive with the ball in his hands and he's versatile and able to be used in multiple areas of the offense. Whether it's in the screen game and ripping off a huge catch and run or being downfield and making an acrobatic catch, Smith has been that dude through 6 weeks. He's slippery and does a good job using his speed and agility in short area bursts to get to the open field. He's coming off a big game where he caught 3 TDs and put up over 130 yards, but more importantly, keeps proving to be the most reliable offensive piece for Tindley. Through 6 games of his high school career, he's leading the freshman class in the state with 493 receiving yards and 7 TDs through the air. He's also got 75 rushing yards and a TD on the ground. Smith is dynamic, a young star in the making, and someone who could be a household name by the time his senior year rolls around.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@Jacayre_</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1015480' first='Masyn' last='Chalfant'] - Tri High School - RB - 6'0" 170lbs</h2>   <p>Chalfant is an elusive and speedy back who is ripping his way through the 2nd level of defenses every time he steps on the field. He accelerates unruly quickly and has a great burst through the hole. He's got the vision you want a back to have and match that level of speed, so he's always shooting through small slivers and making the big rips. He does a good job running with proper pad level when going through traffic and does a good job re-elevating and accelerating past the contact. In his first 3 varsity games he put up 189 rushing yards and 4 TDs, 120 yards and 1 TD, and then 237 yards and 3 TDs. He's currently 2nd in rushing yards in the state for freshman and doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. He's a big play threat with a good build for such a young age. I'd love to see him get some passing work, but if not, he's still just fine gashing the 2nd level of the run defense and putting up big numbers. Chalfant is someone to watch long-term to see how he develops because it could be something special.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@MasynChalfant</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1015481' first='Keenan' last='Mowery'] - South Putnam - LB - 6'3" 230lbs</h2>   <p>Mowery is an impressive young LB who is making a big impact early and setting the tone for the guys around him. For a freshman, it feels like he's come in and become a leader on the field right away. He's physical, has a great frame, and knows how to use it to his advantage. When he's blitzing, he's like a wrecking ball and finds a way through. He's able to bend fairly well which helps him near the LOS and when he's looking to make a move. He's got long arms and strong hands which allow him to wrap up with just 1 hand on the ball carrier. He does a good job coming downhill and proper angles, along with being able to string plays out East/West. Through 6 games of his high school career, he's put up an impressive 47 tackles, 15 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 9 hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. Mowery hasn't just been dynamic for them on defense, but he's been dominant and has as bright of a future as any LB.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@KeenanMowery</strong></p>

The freshman class is off and rolling! With that, we've got a handful of young bucks making an impact early and setting themselves up for the long haul.