6A: Week 8 Game Balls – Part II
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In Week 8, there were some talented prospects who showcased their skills on the field. These 5 players displayed exceptional talent and determination throughout the game. The players demonstrated remarkable athleticism, strategic thinking, and teamwork, leaving a lasting impression on…
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Continue ReadingIn Week 8, there were some talented prospects who showcased their skills on the field. These 5 players displayed exceptional talent and determination throughout the game. The players demonstrated remarkable athleticism, strategic thinking, and teamwork, leaving a lasting impression on scouts and fans alike. This scouting report aims to highlight 6 standout performers from week 8 who deserve recognition for their outstanding contributions.
Jacob Hanberry
Jacob Hanberry
Jacob Hanberry recorded 4 tackles, 80-yard interception returned for TD, 2 PBU vs Northridge. When watching his film, the one part of Hanberry ‘s game that stands out the most is his athleticism. He has an incredible blend of speed and power which allows him to be very versatile. When playing coverage in the middle of the field, you need to have incredible quickness and quick hips. This is where Hanberry plays his best ball because of his incredible speed and quickness. His strength allows him to be an elite pass rusher also, because he can force the blocker on their heels. This forces the blocker off-balance, often giving Hanberry a wide-open lane to the QB.
Cason Myers Cason Myers 6’2″ | 175 lbs | QB Pike Road | 2027 State AL completed 18-of-28 passing for 237 yards & 3 TDs vs Stanhope Elmore. Myers’ smooth delivery is another appealing aspect of his game. He uses a fluid, consistent arm motion to get the ball out to his receivers. Similarly, a high release allows him to use his size to his advantage. This helps him drive the ball to all levels of the field. If he can continue to improve the quickness of his release, Myers’ efficiency will benefit his accuracy and overall performance at the next level.
Malik Blocton Malik Blocton 6’3″ | 245 lbs | DL Pike Road | 2024 State AL recorded 5 tackles, 2 TFL, 4 sacks vs Stanhope Elmore. Blocton is able to get off his stance and get his hands on the opponent quickly. His power generates speed, which creates a formidable burst coming off the line. His burst forces his opponent to match his quickness, so they can get to the intersection point. Otherwise, they’ll be outmuscled. Blocton has great upper body strength. His thick frame is evidence of his upper body power. His acceleration creates power, and it’s evident here. His power from his upper body allows him to keep his opponent engaged. He relies a lot on his power to get pressure.
Bryson Kimbrough Bryson Kimbrough 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Hillcrest | 2025 State AL
Bryson Kimbrough Bryson Kimbrough 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Hillcrest | 2025 State AL
Bryson Kimbrough Bryson Kimbrough 6’2″ | 190 lbs | QB Hillcrest | 2025 State AL completed 11-of-13 passing for 253 yards & 4 TDs vs Paul Bryant. Kimbrough’s accuracy shines brightest when throwing short routes. He shows great anticipation and timing and can place the ball slightly in front of receivers. This ability allows his receivers to gain good YAC. I would say you could still call his accuracy in this department a strength. Kimbrough shows a good ability to throw into tight windows on short and intermediate routes, especially on slant and out routes.
Kahden Smith Kahden Smith 6’2″ | 185 lbs | WR Hillcrest | 2026 State AL caught 3 passes for 116 yards & 2 TDs, 53 yards on 2 carries & TD vs Paul Bryant. Not only is he a threat deep, but he can take short routes the distance as well. If he has even a slight crease, he can obliterate opposing defenders. Not only does he use his rare speed and acceleration, but he can change direction on a dime, using very subtle cuts to leave defenders wondering where he went. Due to this ability, the team used him in many different ways. Not only on deep routes, but also bubble/tunnel screens, slot routes like slants and drags, and touch pass/jet sweeps. He is dangerous with the ball in his hands on all levels of the field.
Caleb Groce
Caleb Groce
Caleb Groce completed 2-of-7 for 30 yards & TD, 1 reception for 70 yards & TD, 58 yards on 8 carries & 2 TDs vs Huffman. Groce exhibited excellent speed and agility, allowing him to outrun defenders and gain substantial yardage. His ability to change direction quickly and elude tackles made him a formidable threat in open space. Additionally, Groce displayed impressive ball-handling skills, executing precise passes and exhibiting good decision-making as a quarterback or running back.
Jacob Clopton
Jacob Clopton
Jacob Clopton completed 8-of-9 passing for 218 yards on 4 carries, 20 yards on 3 carries vs Brookwood. When I was watching Clopton’s film, I was impressed on how good he was at hitting receivers in stride. Many people who watch football take this for granted and expect this to be natural for young QBs. This is actually harder to come across than you think. More often than not we see a quarterback go to college and struggle with their accuracy out of the gate.
Cole Gamble Cole Gamble RB Mountain Brook | 2024 State AL
Cole Gamble Cole Gamble RB Mountain Brook | 2024 State AL
Cole Gamble Cole Gamble RB Mountain Brook | 2024 State AL rushed for 201 yards on 16 carries & 3 TDs, 99-yard KOR for TD, 1 reception for 19 yards vs Mortimer Jordan. Gamble is really elusive. He makes subtle cuts and jab steps that set the defenders up to miss tackles. There isn’t much wasted movement when he runs, but he’ll leave defenders grasping for air all the time. he is also very quick in a straight line. I love his ability to use his elusiveness to shed defenders and then use his straight-line speed to leave them in the dust.