5A State Championship Preview: Div. II
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There are some talented players set to battle in the running game during today’s Bishop Manogue & Faith Lutheran contest. The Miners’ front seven is set to be in a tough battle with the Crusaders’ offensive line. Below, I highlight…
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Continue ReadingThere are some talented players set to battle in the running game during today’s Bishop Manogue & Faith Lutheran contest. The Miners’ front seven is set to be in a tough battle with the Crusaders’ offensive line. Below, I highlight several collegiate prospects set to compete in the trenches this afternoon.
I have been impressed with Randle Pollard Randle Pollard 6’4″ | 280 lbs | OL Faith Lutheran | 2027 CA ‘s first ever playoff appearance. The good-sized freshman has shown flashes of next level strength finishing defenders into the dirt in the run game. Good quickness shows changing direction after the snap, while Randle’s powerful punch knocks down linebackers upon contact. Good flexibility, athleticism, physicality, and size suggest Randle could be recruited at multiple OL positions before his high school career ends. I am excited to see where Randle stacks up once recruiters get into the 2027 class; Expect him to be near the top of Nevada’s OL list.
Highlights
Cade Keith Cade Keith 6’5″ | 230 lbs | TE Faith Lutheran | 2024 State NV is one of the most sought-after uncommitted playmakers in Nevada’s 2024 class. Recruiters are sure to keep a close eye on how the versatile tight end’s career wraps up tomorrow. I have been impressed with Cade’s strong hands, adjustment ability, and long speed and I think he can be a legitimate red zone threat in college. Good athleticism and flexibility gets displayed easily covering up smaller linebackers as a run blocker. Next level power gets displayed clearing defenders from the point of attack as both an H-TE and Y-TE. Coaches love Cade’s effort on both kickoff return and downfield in the run game; Expect his next level strength, good size, and physicality to show up for Faith’s rushing attack this afternoon.
Jackson Perkins Jackson Perkins 6’4″ | 270 lbs | OL Faith Lutheran | 2025 State NV is set to be a rising 2025 OL once this postseason ends. Jackson’s next level combination of size and strength shows removing defensive linemen at the point of attack. Good length and power shows extending when making contact with linebackers at the second level. Jackson’s size, quickness, good flexibility, strong latch, and good drive gives him the chance to be a versatile run blocker in college. Be on the watch for Jackson’s run blocking ability to be evaluated this afternoon versus Bishop Manogue’s next level prospects.
Marrio Williams Jr. Marrio Williams Jr. 6’2″ | 220 lbs | LB Bishop Manogue | 2024 State NV may be the most versatile linebacker in Reno. Marrio has received interest from the University of Nevada, and I would expect more schools outside of Reno to recruit the dominant defender after the postseason ends. Marrio has been a productive pass rusher throughout the postseason, and I noticed his strength and closing speed right away pressuring opponents’ QBs off the edge. Good power and lateral quickness gets displayed stunning OL with his punch. Marrio’s instincts, athletic change of direction, and tackling ability allows him to play all over the second level in college; Expect for Marrio’s impressive run defense skillset to give Faith’s rushing attack problems this afternoon
As a productive two-way player, I am surprised Matthew Harrington Matthew Harrington 6’3″ | 280 lbs | OL Bishop Manogue | 2025 State NV has not received more attention from schools surrounding Reno. Expect for Matt’s defensive recruitment to heat up once the playoffs end. Good power shows knocking defensive linemen to the ground with one punch. Defensive coaches like Matthew’s strength in his shed and quick change of direction he displays pursuing ball carriers. Good tackling ability and next level closing speed highlights Matthew’s ability to be a versatile interior defender in college. Watch for Matthew to give Faith Lutheran problems on both sides of the ball this afternoon.
Recruiters across the west coast are set to watch Salesi Manu Salesi Manu 6’3″ | 240 lbs | DL Bishop Manogue | 2024 State NV finish his high school career as Reno’s top defender in the 2024 class. Salesi has been on visits to Oregon State and BYU this month, so be on the lookout for more to happen this winter. Salesi’s next level power and range shows disrupting runs from a defensive tackle alignment. Good length, strength, and power allows Salesi to bull rush bigger tackles with ease. Coaches see Salesi’ rare combo of lateral quickness and explosiveness in pursuit of ball carriers and know he has all the speed tools to be a successful edge rusher in college. This afternoon’s matchup versus Faith Lutheran is sure to give recruiters a final snapshot of what Salesi can do at the next level.