Zone Read 2025: Under The Radar CSRA Playmakers

There's no shortage of CSRA playmakers in the Prep Red Zone Class of 2025.   The zone is expected to produce some future impact playmakers as seniors and possibly on the next level.   Here's a look at five under the radar playmakers in the CSRA:   [player_tooltip player_id='272712' first='Preston' last='McNair'] RB, Midland Valley   A major reason for the school historic success of the Mustangs is a relentless running game.   That's what happens when you have a dynamic duo in the backfield in Shrine Bowl running back [player_tooltip player_id='91348' first='Traevon' last='Dunbar'] and McNair.   Like his running mate, McNair is making a return from injury. It also appears the 5-foot-7, 190-pound junior has returned with a vengeance in helping to lead the Mustangs to an undefeated record.   Through six games, he's rushed for 575 yards and seven touchdowns on 85 carries. McNair does not shy away from making the most of his opportunities.   Watching on film, he's quick to burst through an opening and break away for a long run. He also can pick up tough yards while fighting off multiple tacklers and shows elusive speed in the open field.    [player_tooltip player_id='272710' first='Malik' last='Mozone'] LB, RB Silver Bluff   At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Mozone is arguably one of the Bulldogs' most versatile players.   He's effective at safety and linebacker on the side of the football where one can get overshadowed by senior [player_tooltip player_id='139299' first='Jordan' last='Boyd']. Mozone constantly hustles to the point of attack whether to make a tackle or defend an incoming pass.   In isolation, he rarely loses an opportunity to make a one-on-one tackle. Playing at safety, Mozone has a keen instinct for tracking the football and has a methodical technique in bringing down opposing players.   Mozone is also quick enough to be utilized on running plays. There's a highlight where he turns a fumbled snap in the backfield into a 56-yard gain and one against Midland Valley where he bursts through the hole for a long run.    [player_tooltip player_id='272716' first='Andon' last='Hawkins'] LB, Midland Valley   The 5-foot-8, 180-pound junior (pictured) has been on an upward climb since his freshman year.   He helps make a formidable Mustangs' defense even more intimidating. He tackles offensive players with a ferocity and quickness where a promising play is often shut down quickly.   His upper body strength is evident in how he overpowers a running back once they are within his grasp. Hawkins also uses his 4.91 speed to move laterally swiftly to cover ground in pursuit of the ball carrier.   While Hawkins sees plenty of action on the line of scrimmage, he can occasionally drop into coverage. A couple of highlights from this season show Hawkins intercepting one pass and snatching the football out of a wide receiver's hands for another turnover.    [player_tooltip player_id='272702' first='Jevon' last='Edwards'] RB, South Aiken   The 5-foot-9, 185-pound junior is coming off a sophomore season in which he earned Class 4A All-State honors. He rushed for 1,702 yards and 23 touchdowns in an offense often dominated by quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='340388' first='Terrence' last='Smith'].   Edwards can make a big play out of the backfield the moment a slight hole is available. Once in the open field, he surges into a second gear which makes it difficult for a cornerback or safety to bring him down.   Running a sweep is where Edwards is especially lethal. Once he turns upfield, the defender is at a disadvantage trying to slow him down because of his strength, speed and elusiveness all coming at once. There's also Edwards' pass-catching skills which makes him a nightmare to tackle off screen passes.   Edwards already has offers from Coastal Carolina, Old Dominion and Liberty.    [player_tooltip player_id='272720' first='Cameron' last='Austin'] QB, Barnwell   While listed as an athlete, the junior Warhorse makes his plays mostly at quarterback. At 6-feet, Austin stands upright in the pocket where he displays a strong arm even while hit by a blitzing defender.   Try to contain Austin and he's able to run past or over defenders for long gains. He's definitely not afraid of contact and is willing to power his way through a wall of tacklers at the goal line if necessary.   He's thrown for 1,002 yards and seven touchdowns and eight interceptions and rushed for 434 yards and 12 touchdowns.

There's no shortage of CSRA playmakers in the Prep Red Zone Class of 2025.