Watch List: Section V Football Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new watch list for some returning players in the Section V region of upstate NY is here. These players are looking to make that next big leap once this season comes along. All have brought their unique play style to the table and have produced it on tape. Check it out below!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1140480,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Quante Gillians","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Aquinas","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022margin: 0inu0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;color: blacku0022u003eThis is an upcoming senior DE and TE from Aquinas Institute named Quante Gillians. Right away, Quante Gillians looks like a player that was shot out of a cannon when he comes off the line of scrimmage rushing the passer. I was amazed by the speed and power at the point of attack. The ability to drive his blocks backwards, and bring so much intensity, showed up consistently. Two of the best pass rush moves that Gillians displayed as well were a quick inside swim move and rip move. Quante get off is so fast and the motor to just fight through double teams was amazing to see. This young man has the will and wants to take over the ball game rushing the passer. I truly believe that Gillians can be successful in either a base 4-3 scheme as a DE or a 3-4 scheme as a standing OLB because of the extreme amount of athleticism that he already displayed on tape when he was already rushing the passer standing upright. Turning to the TE position, Quante made an incredible number of contested catches with defenders draped all over him. The ability to create separation from a DB for a player of his size was impressive to see. The spacing and timing of his routes in the intermediate and shorter half of the field was an imposing factor on tape as a receiving threat.  I was certainly impressed by the yards after contact, but Gillians does not shy away from doing the dirty work of blocking. Many times, Gillians made impactful blocks in both the run and pass game down the field to open up a huge gain for one of his teammates. Being able to block in space posed no issue to Gillians whatsoever. u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659c557c1a8f0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16548077/655ed4ec478d7f0604f78e55' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659c557c1a915"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["390760"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022margin: 12.0pt 0in 12.0pt 0inu0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;color: blacku0022u003eA shifty running back that will be entering into his senior season at Aquinas Institute. [player_tooltip player_id='390760' first='Derrion' last='Battle'] had a heck of a season this past year when he rushed for 1,205 yards, had 10 TD's, and averaged 6.4 yards per carry. As an RB, two of the biggest standouts in Battle's game were his field vision and patience. So many times, Derrion was able to see an opening right when he took a hand-off and was able to cut suddenly to hit that opening for a big-time gain. A lot of defenders ended up tackling air when they would attempt to tackle Battle because of the types of moves he could put on them. So many spin moves were executed to perfection to allow him to gain extra yardage or move the chains. The other question Derrion answered quickly in his tape was if he could be a physical runner as well, which was a “yes”. If Battle needs to be a physical runner down by the goal line or in short yardage situations, he can be. Battle was able to punch in many scores for 6 in goal to go situations for Aquinas. The motor and drive to want to get to the end zone is there in Derrion's game but finishing some of these electric runs will be a goal for him in 2024 to really take his tape to the next level. There is no doubt that [player_tooltip player_id='390760' first='Derrion' last='Battle'] has all the talent in the world, and it will certainly be intriguing to see the show he puts on next year.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659c557c1a64d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14436270/65488be0066ba406b4cf5613' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659c557c1a6a1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":762938,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Damari Green","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"East","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The versatile Damari Green from East High School really showed his skills during his junior season. Most of the snaps for Green came at his primary position as an FS, but Green did showcase some snaps at the RB spot as well. At that FS spot, the ability to track the football deep down the field really separated Green's coverage ability. Not being too physical with the receivers and mainly playing the ball granted him some big-time pass break-ups on tape. I was also greatly impressed with Damari's ability to get sideline to sideline to make tackles. Certainly, Green is not going to shy away from trying to make a play for his team on the defensive side. When it comes to the offensive side, Green was able to produce some effective runs at the RB spot, being able to break off some nice open field gains. What I did like to see was utilizing Green more than just an RB with jet sweeps and motions which would catch the defense off guard. On one play, Damari even display some trickery with being able to pass the football. This is an exciting senior at East that should make a lot of huge plays in 2024.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659c557c1a781"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16709580/6566c5deda524c0be811a430' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659c557c1a7a4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1140458,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1283933' first='Quamere' last='Reynolds']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"East","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"You have to fight in the trenches, and that is what [player_tooltip player_id='1283933' first='Quamere' last='Reynolds'] from East High School did this past year as an OL, DT and FB. The upcoming senior certainly showed a lot of explosiveness and energy on tape. When Reynolds would make a big tackle, play, or block, he would always jump up with a lot of emotion. This is a player that you can tell loves the physicality that the game of football brings. At the DT position, I was amazed by the ground that Quamere was able to cover around the weight of 230-pounds. Being able to move that fast for his size certainly shows the athleticism that this young man possesses. The quickness to shoot gaps was a huge benefactor against both the pass and run game. When it came to the snaps that Reynolds had on the offensive line, he showed his versatility of being able to play every single position on the line when his number was called. A lot of the snaps did come at the RT and LT spot where his ability to hold his ground stood out. In Reynold's overall pass blocking, he was always able to work those fast hands. Lastly, in the run game, Reynolds displayed his ability to get that quick jump off the snap of the ball to drive opponents backwards. This truly is a team player that any high school team would be lucky to have.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659c557c1a836"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16719500/655e2b92c11b1c082c2ef140' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659c557c1a856"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["501394"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022margin: 0inu0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;color: blacku0022u003eTrent Buttles is a 5'11” QB that was able to have one heck of a season this past year. This was Trent's first year as the starting QB at Aquinas Institute, and he certainly did not disappoint. Being able to make big plays down the field was a point of emphasis on tape, but the ability to extend plays with his legs certainly was a major factor in producing many big time pass plays. Buttles is a dual threat QB that was able to pick up huge amounts of yards on the ground when taking off, even having a very impressive scramble for a TD on one scramble. The improvisation ability is very high within Trent's game to produce electric plays, but being smart will be critical for him down the road. There were a lot of gunslinger type of plays that are incredible to see but could be costly in certain situations. When it comes to his pure passing accuracy, Trent was able to hit some big time throws over the shoulder of receivers. I was impressed by the overall arm talent that Buttles has to push the football down the field, including on the run. Buttles was even able to make some very accurate throws over the middle with a simple flick of the wrist. Overall, a very explosive QB that is going to be a ton of fun to watch this upcoming season at Aquinas Institute. u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659c557c1a974"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18085812/6543cc9aff01bd053c1949d1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659c557c1a995"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":735491,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='391719' first='Xavier' last='Smith']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Greece Arcadia","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022margin: 0inu0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;color: blacku0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='391719' first='Xavier' last='Smith'] is a bruising and hardworking player that will be coming into his senior season being a versatile player for Greece Arcadia as well. Smith spent time this past season playing a multiple of positions, including LB, TE, and WR. When it came to the LB spot, Smith was able to show that he can stop the run and make clean tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Flying in and making tackles behind the LOS poised, no issue whatsoever for this young man. Being aggressive and showing passion is a gene that Xavier has. What I also noticed was Smith was even asked to play some snaps inside at the DE spot or at the edge role. The ability to contain the edge and not getting overaggressive did showcase a lot on tape for Xavier. Flipping to the offensive side of the ball, Xavier was able to lean heavily on his size when it came to out-leveraging defenders in jump ball situations. Smith could move surprisingly fast for his size and was even able to break away from multiple defenders for large chunks of gains because of how hard he is to bring down. Continuing to improve his route running and gaining separation from DBs earlier in his routes will only take Smiths game to the next level. A team player that will do it all and should be all over the field in 2024.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659c557c1aa28"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15655929/653e8481b53f17089885fb11' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659c58b254729"} /-->