Returning Contributors: The Plainfield Cardinals Skill Positions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2023 Head Coach James Williams took the Plainfield Cardinal program and accomplished something that had not been done in quite some time: made the playoffs. At 6-2 heading into their final regular season game, Hub Stein Field played host to perhaps their final playoff game without lights. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will the Cardinals be able to sustain, and dare say surpass, their recent renaissance? If they do, here are a set of prospects they will be leaning on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["883314"],"_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":"The first of several big-bodied receivers is Al-Khabir Bethune. Last year Bethune slashed 27/510/7 through the air, while making 18 tackles and 2 picks on defense. What makes Bethune a top receiver amongst the flock of Cardinals is that he can run past defenders and high point the ball. It does not hurt that he runs solid routes, creating separation with his shiftiness on in-breaking routes. Against lesser defenders, he Bethune puts them in a blender when running double-moves. This might be something I would love to see more of from him. As a corner, he is aggressive and looks to jam receivers. He trusts his speed and athleticism to make up ground in a hurry. Given his ranginess and size he is prone to break up passes as well. Although he catches with his hands the majority of the time, I want to see Bethune come back to the ball and attack it rather than wait for it to arrive.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d581d8249dc"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18081124/65104aa6665554038890eef4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d581d824a8e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1048201"],"_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":"The lead-man delivering the ball to Bethune is [player_tooltip player_id='1048201' first='Ala-Meen' last='Watkins']. Last season, his third as a varsity letterman, he went 78/122 for 1391 yards with 10 touchdowns to 4 interceptions through the air, clashed 63/508/8 on the ground, caught a 35-yard touchdown pass, and made 57 tackles (42 solos), 8.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions on defense. As if there is anything he is not asked to do, Watkins follows his blockers well when his number is called on a quarterback rush. Establishing that he is mobile he is, however, not the type of quarterback who necessarily u003cemu003ewants to u003c/emu003etuck-it-and-run. Watkins, rather, keeps his eyes downfield and looks to deliver the ball to his receiver when things break down in the pocket. One thing that will propel Watkins' game - and thus Plainfield's offense - is if he remains disciplined in carrying out his ball fakes on play action or options.rnrnOn defense is where we get to truly see Watkins' athleticism shine. We see that he can retrace and redirect with ease. Typically playing off the edge, he does an outstanding job of matching the opposing quarterback's hand and taking away a throwing lane with his vertical leap. When he does tip the ball, havoc typically ensues. Off the edge you cannot block him with a running back and he has a motor that does not stop.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d581d824aeb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16618576/65450064176cf809940293ae' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d581d824b0a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["883312"],"_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":"Not sure what they are feeding them at the Cordoba household, but [player_tooltip player_id='883312' first='Joel' last='Cordoba'] is likely going to be the second Cordoba boy to earn himself serious scholarship money, following older brother [player_tooltip player_id='723593' first='Josue' last='Cordoba'] as a collegiate football player. The junior led Plainfield in all major receiving statistics (66/1234/9) while impacting the game on the ground (8/58/2), and playing outstanding defensive back to the tune of  63 tackles (44 solo) and 4 interceptions - 3 of which were returned to the house.rnrnCordoba typically lines up at safety and makes outstanding jumps on the ball. He reads the quarterback's eyes clearly and makes an immediate break the moment he thinks the quarterback is loading up to throw. This jump allows him to be u003cemu003every u003c/emu003eaggressive in trying to jump routes. Should Cordoba be unable to make a play on the ball, he will look to play the body and deliver a big hit. What allows him to make such big plays on both sides of the ball is that he consistently high points the ball and is an exclusive hands-catcher. As a receiver he has a solid release from the line of scrimmage. Cordoba also does a great job of adjusting to bad balls as well as tracking the deep ball's trajectory. One bit of advice I would impart on Cordoba is to be mindful of which way he opens up, understanding where his leverage is, when he takes his defensive drop.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d581d824b5a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17267288/6501e3273deaf609c475f77f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d581d824b77"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1187538"],"_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":"Having gotten to follow Plainfield some during the season and being familiar with [player_tooltip player_id='1048201' first='Ala-Meen' last='Watkins'], I was surprised when I learned that the Cardinals deployed two high-level quarterbacks on the varsity level. [player_tooltip player_id='1187538' first='Kamai' last='Lowery'] just completed his sophomore season and put forth an outstanding effort. Lowery went 57/102 for 777 yards with 8 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He also added 274 yards and 2 scores on the ground with 48 carries. The first thing I noticed was the way that the ball jumps out of his hand, allowing it to arrive to its destination in a hurry. Part of what makes the ball pop out of his hands is how Lowery has a solid base/lower-half when he executes his throws. Lowery also has great touch when delivering the fade ball and consistently places the ball on the top-shelf to give his big-bodied receivers a shot to make a play. A bit different than Watkins, when things break down Lowery will look to tuck it and boogie rather than keep his eyes down field. For Lowery to continue to push for the future to begin now, he would be best served to practice going through his progressions.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d581d824bc4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18925022/6578659b6890100868545b8e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d581d824be1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1187545"],"_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":"The first defensive-only player to make today's scouting report is linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1187545' first='Samih' last='Howell']. Playing mostly mike, the junior played his way to 15 tackles on the season, as well a key special teams role. Howell is at his best when he is called upon to find a seam, hit it full speed, and get into the backfield. He excels at this because he has the ability to get down hill quickly and is also too quick for most backs to block him. When in attack mode, he is a load to handle and can stifle the run game easily. For Howell's game to continue to progress I would love to see him commit to shoulder tackling, rather than trying to light guys up.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d581d824c29"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20225079/653484ef19af4c09684208ae' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d581d824c44"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1187544"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1187544' first='Bryson' last='Dempaire'] is another defensive-only player who looks to make a big jump to a talented secondary as he prepares for his senior season. Last fall Dempaire received credit for 11 tackles, 9 of which were solo. The aspiring corner plays either about 7-yards off the ball or right in your grill. He is at his most competitive and feistiest when the ball is headed toward the end zone, never finding himself out of position. Although receivers have shown they can get a step or two behind him, he is always in solid position - the trail technique - to make a play on the ball. For me, Dempaire should be advised to go in low and attack the thigh boards when he is zeroing in on a tackle.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d581d824c88"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20110705/65c31d09a019be081004aeb6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d581d824ca2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1093216"],"_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":"In addition to having two receivers and two quarterbacks set to return on offense, the team's leading rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1093216' first='EJ' last='Brown'] is back for more. Brown rushed 95 times for 666 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns, while adding 9 receptions for 123 yards as well as 56 tackles (40 solo) and 2 FF, FR, and Int a piece. A rarity, Brown also had one scoop-and-score and one pick-six to his stat line. Brown gets to top speed in about three steps and runs with a purpose as he approaches top speed and gains ground. He his subtly shifty in how he maneuvers to take away pursuit angles from would-be tacklers. Prioritizing the ball, Brown protects it as he rushes up the middle. When he does tote the rock, Brown runs with forward lean, which allows him to gain that extra yard, and with decent pad level. Defensively I would implore Brown to continue to refine his backpedal and continue to take smoother drops.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d581d824ceb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18664813/65578ba16e8bcb0a8897c6c4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d581d824d05"} /-->