Freshman Skill Players Making Waves in District Play

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This season, several talented freshmen skill players are making waves and contributing in big ways for their teams. Despite their youth, these athletes are stepping up with impressive performances, showcasing advanced skills, and proving they belong on the varsity stage. Their early impact hints at exciting careers ahead, as they continue to grow. Here, we spotlight some of the top freshmen making their mark this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1082099"],"_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-671bcef1d1de4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rhodes is a physical runner with elite quickness, he has the ability breakdown tacklers in the open field and this makes him a dangerous weapon in the Klein Oak offense. He has the speed to break the big runs but shows great patience between the tackles and that enables him to make big plays. Rhodes has proven that he can be a workhorse, in a week 5 win over Klein Forest, he had 23 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown. His stellar play has contributed to Klein Oak's 5-4 record and they have a chance to make the playoffs. He has picked up offers from Penn State, Ohio State and Ole Miss recently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1414415"],"_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-672039aa24b59"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hackney has played at a high level as the starting quarterback for Walnut Grove and he has led the Wildcats to a 7-1 record this season. He shows no panic under pressure, he has great pocket awareness and his ability to make plays with his feet enables him to escape the rush when he is under duress. Hackney has a quick release that allows him to get the football out quickly and in rhythm. He has excellent touch on his deep ball and his accuracy in the short to intermediate zones allows him to complete passes at a high percentage. In a big win over Lovejoy, Hackney was 23-30 for 358 yards and 3 touchdowns. His impact has been felt this season at Walnut Grove. This is the Wildcats first season in 5A Division I and they will make the playoffs due to his stellar play under center.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1537241"],"_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-672111b7bb99e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tabor is a physical runner who has nimble feet, he runs with excellent pad level and he has the ability to break the initial tackle to get extra yards. He is shifty in the open field and he is an explosive runner who gets north quickly to break off big runs. Tabor runs like his hair is on fire and when he gets into the second level, he has the speed to make a house call for six. His midseason numbers, 478 yards and 3 touchdowns, shows that he is having an impact within the Melissa offense and he is a player who will make big plays with the ball in his hands. He has an offer from Texas Tech and he took a recent gameday visit to Baylor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["801741"],"_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-672111b7bba25"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mays is a big play waiting to happen when he steps in between the white lines. He has a long, lean, athletic frame with a large catch radius and he has strong, reliable hands. He attacks the football at the catch point aggressively and his ability to win the 50/50 jump ball is one of the traits that makes him a matchup mismatch for defensive backs. He has a smooth release off of the line of scrimmage and this allows him to get open often. Mays is savvy route runner who he gets in and out of his breaks quickly. He is one of the top receivers statistically in the DFW area, leading Life Oak in receiving yards and he a big play threat with the football in his hands. Mays recently picked up an offer from Ole Miss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["996994"],"_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-672111b7bba8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stinson is a technically sound defensive back with excellent fundamentals and a bright future in the 2028 class. He has fluid hips and a smooth backpedal, he transitions well in coverage and consistently positions himself to make plays. Stinson is also reliable in run support, approaching under control and tackling effectively in open space. He recently recorded his first interception, showcasing his instincts and playmaking ability. With his skill set, Stinson is one of the top young defensive backs to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1544770"],"_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-672111b7bbaf0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith-Adams is making a significant impact this season, quickly establishing himself as a key weapon in the Life Oak Cliff offense. He is shifty in space and has nimble feet, he possesses a deadly jump cut and can plant, dip his hips, and explode through the hole with ease. With a stout build, Smith-Adams runs with power and agility, excelling not only on the ground but also as a receiving threat with his great hands. Already one of the top rushers in the DFW area, he's proving to be the total package at running back and a player to watch in the coming years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->