Class of 2026 Top Skill Players to Watch – Greater Vancouver
With the 2023 BC high school football season in the books, let’s take a look at the players who are set to make the jump from JV to varsity football. Brandon Bailey HEIGHT 6'0" WEIGHT 170 POS QB CLASS 2026…
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Continue ReadingWith the 2023 BC high school football season in the books, let’s take a look at the players who are set to make the jump from JV to varsity football.
Brandon Bailey
Brandon Bailey
Brandon is a dual-threat quarterback who threatens opposing defences with homerun-hitting speed and deep throwing ability. Passing the football, Brandon can hit all areas of the field, displaying a strong arm on film, finding receivers open deep down the field, and throwing accurately over the middle on intermediate routes. As well, good ball placement is on display in the red zone as he throws the ball where only his receiver can make a play on it. When defences sit back in zone coverage to try and limit the passing game, Brandon makes the defence pay on the ground displaying immense athletic ability running the football. Strong pocket awareness shows up on film as Brandon dodges pass rushers to escape the pocket and gain tough yardage north-south when there are no receivers open downfield. As a runner, Brandon runs behind his pads keeping low with the ability to shake tacklers off with explosive lateral movement and making defenders miss completely with shifty juke moves. When designed quarterback runs are called he reads his blockers well and explodes into daylight for massive gains. As a defensive back, Brandon’s athleticism translates well with the ability to jump high climbing the ladder for interceptions.
Damian Dumas
Damian Dumas
Damian is an electric ball carrier at both the quarterback and running back positions on offence as well as a hard-hitting ball hawking safety on defence. Playing largely at quarterback this past season, Damian had pass rushers grasping at air as he would juke his way out of trouble in the pocket, and scramble for massive gains. Damian’s speed allows him to flip the field when he runs out of room and can make pursuing defenders miss tackles with sudden cuts. He is a very tough runner able to stiff-arm would-be tacklers as well as break tackles with powerful leg drive. While Damian is exceptional on the ground, he has a strong arm able to hit his receivers down the field as a drop-back passer and as a scrambler buying time for his receivers to get open. On designed running plays, Damian can read his blockers well and find green grass for big plays. On defence, Damian plays a lot larger than his listed size delivering big hits from his safety position. He can read plays well, anticipating where the ball will be thrown and breaking on the ball quickly leading to multiple interceptions on the season. He also has a high motor always flying to the ball assisting in tackles and able to recover fumbles when the ball is knocked loose.
Quinn Sjoberg
Quinn Sjoberg
Quinn is an impactful wide receiver able to get open at all levels of the field and make big plays after the catch. Quinn is the prototypical size for a wide receiver listed at 6’3 and 180 lbs. He can line up as a split end or in the slot for pre-snap motions to manufacture touches. Quinn’s route running is refined, able to create separation quickly at all levels of the field getting open for his quarterback. He possesses strong fundamentals, catching the ball with his fingers, seeing the ball in, and turning upfield for yards after the catch. He also makes catches outside his frame with strong hands and can contort to get into catching position on off-target throws. On short routes, Quinn can make defenders miss, and run through tacklers to earn tough yards. From the slot, he can get open over the middle and make tough catches in heavy traffic. He has a large catch radius and will use his frame to box out defensive backs. Quinn’s speed leaves defensive backs behind on deep routes and will attack the ball in heavy traffic to make spectacular catches. As a defensive back, he quickly closes space making tackles defending the run. Defensively, he also attacks the ball like he does when lined up at wide receiver making tough interceptions.
Tristan Perdido
Tristan Perdido
Tristan is an explosive running back with an impressive blend of both strength and speed that gives him homerun-hitting ability on any carry. On film, Tristan displays excellent vision able to find running lanes between the tackles and follow his blockers as the play scheme dictates. Once able to burst through the line, Tristan is disciplined in taking his runs to the numbers and sideline, breaking defenders’ pursuit angles as he dashes toward the end zone. Tristan is a tough runner who will not be taken down by arm tackles and his powerful leg drive will drag multiple defenders on him until the play is whistled dead. His high motor can be seen when called upon to block, accelerating through defenders and knocking them to the turf, finishing the play and looking for more players to block. On defence, Tristan has strong hands at the catch point to take the ball away from opposing receivers and can use his speed to run interceptions back for touchdowns.
Sajvir Gill
Sajvir Gill
Sayjvir is a powerful running back and linebacker who plays with exceptional physicality. As an outside linebacker, Sayj makes big hits on tackles for minimal gains in pass coverage. Defending the run, Sayjvir flows downhill quickly being the first to initiate contact with ball carriers and stopping them in their tracks. He takes on offensive linemen with a strong punch allowing him to defeat blocks and tackle ball carriers. As a running back, Sayj is a punishing runner seeking contact and breaking tackles. He churns his legs to earn tough yards running off tackle. When called upon to block, he accelerates through his target and packs a big punch on second-level defenders. A physical presence on both sides of the ball, Sayj finishes plays with aggression displaying a high motor.