Dexter vs. Saline Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most highly anticipated matchups of the entire season takes place tonight. By the numbers, we have 22 ranked players, several Division 1 prospects, and, without a doubt, several more new names to be uncovered. Here are my quick thoughts on several players that I'll have a close eye on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1326375"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66db14fdcec9a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'll have a close eye on Lincoln for at least one drive tonight. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm most interested in his physicality and overall play style. Does Lincoln have the energy to be an elite college tight end? Can he block? What will he be able to accomplish after the catch? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln was the #1 highest-riser from last offseason. From zero offers to a highly-touted prospect offered by Michigan, Georgia, and many more. This should be a game that Lincoln dominates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1113047"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66db14fdcecf5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've watched Holden quite a few times in person, but never during a game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I know that Holden is an exceptional athlete. His testing statistics are great, and he has every ability to earn great separation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What I'm mostly wondering about is Holden's blocking and play-by-play effort. There was a moment last offseason where I saw Holden give less than stellar effort, and I hope I don't see that during today's matchup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["568192"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66db14fdced37"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There's zero doubt that Tommy will make a bigger impact on this game than anyone. That's what comes with the QB position- biggest impact on the field, and the most pressure to perform well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What I'm most curious about is Tommy's IQ. Although I can't sit him down and ask him to draw up plays, his eyes in the pocket and time to get the ball off are two key categories related to IQ. I'm also of course curious with Tommy's overall accuracy, decision making, and how often he chooses to use his legs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["604131"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66db14fdced73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ronny is probably the D1 running back that I've watched the least of. I know he's got blazing speed, I know he can break a tackle, but I don't know a lot of things as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mostly, I'm looking for how Ronny does the "little things." How is he in pass protection? How much effort does he put into every down? How often is he used in the passing game, and how does he perform when targeted? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game will do wonders for our evaluation of Ronny! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["899494"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66db14fdcedae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'm highly excited to watch [player_tooltip player_id='899494' first='Cameron' last='Clark'] today. A few years ago, he was an extremely raw prospect, and I was unsure if he'd pan out. Today, Cameron is a Wisconsin commit and undoubtedly one of the most improved players over the past couple of years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm looking for well-roundedness with Cameron. First off, how does he move? Most of the 6'5"+ linemen I watch struggle with movement, so I'd be impressed if Cameron is agile. Second, overall tenacity- does Cameron have the 'juice' to be an elite college lineman?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["322137"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66db14fdcede7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I really like what Michael has put on tape. He seems like a very high-effort, physical football player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm looking for how Michael fares in obvious run situations. Will he get moved when Dexter needs a yard? Or can Michael find a way to anchor himself, and stop the inside run? Of course, I'm also looking for pass rush, but I'm expecting Dexter to be pretty run-heavy today. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212359"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66db14fdcee1e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With 12 Division 1 offers, Isaiah is one of the most decorated 2026 prospects. I'm straight-up looking for dominance from Isaiah. I know he'll be going against similar levels of talent, but still- I want Isaiah to bring the energy on every down and I want him to make at least a couple drive-killing plays (TFLs, Sacks, etc). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["568191"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66db14fdcee54"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've always really liked Nolan's tape. The thing is, it's taken him a little while to find a solid position on either side of the ball. I've heard a lot about Nolan's athleticism and football instincts. Whatever position Nolan ends up playing today (safety?), I'm very interested to see how quick he plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["566881"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66db14fdcee8b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nathan was another one of those offseason stock-risers. With 13 Division 1 offers, he's a highly-touted midwest prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The main things I'm looking for when watching Nathan are his decisiveness and physicality. Most linebackers that I watch struggle mightily in either of those areas. I'm also looking to see just how quick and explosive Nathan is. In order to be a D1 prospect, you have to be athletic. I'm expecting a few sideline-to-sideline stops from Nathan. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OTHER KEY PLAYERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dexter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL - [player_tooltip player_id='1080316' first='Owen' last='Winder']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR - [player_tooltip player_id='568190' first='Cole' last='Novara']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR - [player_tooltip player_id='1316978' first='Jaiden' last='Juback']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB - [player_tooltip player_id='602311' first='Grant' last='Goodrich']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Saline</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR - [player_tooltip player_id='1290507' first='Jaiden' last='Leonard']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB - [player_tooltip player_id='633506' first='Ayden' last='Burton']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>K - [player_tooltip player_id='899645' first='Ethan' last='Cotsonika']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ATH - [player_tooltip player_id='563429' first='James' last='Rush']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB - [player_tooltip player_id='284004' first='Allen' last='Saidov']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR - [player_tooltip player_id='568193' first='Austin' last='Abbate']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR - [player_tooltip player_id='1088484' first='Cruz' last='Hanson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB - [player_tooltip player_id='370554' first='Princeton' last='Jones']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->