2nd Round Playoff Game: Key Impact Sophomores Pt. 2
As the 2nd round of the playoffs approaches, it’s important to take a closer look at the impact sophomores who could make a difference in the upcoming games. Here are 7 players to keep an eye on, based on their…
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Continue ReadingAs the 2nd round of the playoffs approaches, it’s important to take a closer look at the impact sophomores who could make a difference in the upcoming games. Here are 7 players to keep an eye on, based on their performance so far this season.
Maurice Winston
Maurice Winston
Winston has lightning-quick acceleration. He shows the ability to absorb a glancing hit and spin away and regather himself to keep moving downfield. He uses typewriter feet in the hole to change direction quickly and accelerate into open creases, hurdling at the right moment to avoid defenders. On outside runs he 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.
Marshall Teofilo
Marshall Teofilo
Teofilo is a awesome blitzer who flies off the edge with incredible speed, and whether he’s chasing down a run or pursuing a pass catcher, he closes the gap in a blink. He anticipates screens and blows up blocks to throw off the timing and get to the ball. His length shows up with a wide tackle radius and he’s a reliable finisher who hits like bricks. He brings the speed to carry a tight end up the seam and he rakes at opponents’ hands and arms at the catch point. Teofilo is never content to make it easy for a pass-catcher to reel it in. He shows good vision to play the run in the box and always keeps his eyes on the prize.
Phinizee is a slashing runner with top-tier acceleration and high-end speed. He brings a one-cut-and-go style on stretch runs to the outside, waiting for his gap to open before planting his foot and getting downhill in a blink. He’s a hard charger downhill whose sudden movement gives him access to small slivers of space in the defensive line. He shows good patience to follow his blockers and wait for the hole to open up, chopping his feet quickly to pick his way through the trash. He uses a hesitation rocker step to get linebackers false-stepping before screaming right by. He does well to fall forward through contact and has a nose for the end zone.