1st annual All-Jerzak Team Part III

My Stock-up Showcase coverage is wrapped up. So, I am returning to highlight the best I saw live during the 2024 season. Here are five more athletes who impressed me live and when watching them on film.    Restrepo is a complete football player. His combination of quick feet and – based on his build - surprising power made him one of the more effective running backs in the state. He has the feet to make multiple moves in a small space. He also has the good vision that is needed to make that cutting ability effective. When he doesn't have space, he can make his own with good power. The power he runs with is impressive, but his power while pass protecting – often stoning blitzing linebackers - or throwing a block leading a sweep was even more impressive. Restrepo makes his impact primarily on the offensive side of the ball. However, he also lines up as an outside linebacker for the Skippers.     Jones can play both center and guard. He is a relentless run blocker. Even as a sophomore, Jones routinely drove overmatched defensive linemen five, ten, or sometimes more yards down the field. Often, those defenders would end up deposited them on the ground. He comes off the ball with low hips and can explode up into a defender's chest. This immediately gives him a leverage advantage. His low hips allow him to smoothly turn his body to get between the defender and the ball carrier. He shows good feet and solid quickness as a guard. Because of this, Jones often pulls to lead a runner around the edge.     McGrath mainly operates out of the slot. It is the ideal spot for him based on his size and skill set. He is quick off the line of scrimmage and quick out of his cuts. That ability to change direction without much wasted movement makes him a tough cover – especially on short and intermediate routes. While he is quicker than he is fast, McGrath does have the straight-line speed to get deep and run away from defenders.     Mayer is a complete linebacker. He can play inside and outside. When he reads run, he comes downhill quickly and is a sure tackler. Although he is a hard hitter, he does a great job playing under control. He doesn't let his aggressiveness get him out of position. Mayer moves well laterally when scraping down the line of scrimmage or setting an edge. He also shows good feet and hips in pass coverage. So much so that he occasionally covers receivers in the slot.     Vath has excellent arm strength. He can push the ball downfield even when he is not allowed to set his feet. He throws an accurate deep ball just as effectively down the middle of the field or down the sidelines. A true dual-threat quarterback, Vath throws well on the move but has the speed and running ability to hurt defenses with his legs. His good vision makes him an effective runner between the tackles – picking his way through the bodies. His ability to make people miss in the open field complements his speed. When he is allowed to stand in the pocket, he is not afraid to take a hit to get a completion.

My Stock-up Showcase coverage is wrapped up. So, I am returning to highlight the best I saw live during the 2024 season. Here are five more athletes who impressed me live and when watching them on film.