Twitter Film Study Pt. 4: The Kind of Guys You Win With

Back with Part 4 of the Twitter Film Study series. The more tape you watch, the more you realize just how much talent we've got across State Forty-Eight. It's not just the headliners or the five-star guys — there are plenty of under-the-radar players doing the little things right and putting real quality on film.   Whether it's technique, toughness, or just making things happen consistently on the field, these players are doing things that stand out.    He's just a load to deal with when the ball's in his hands. He's got a thick, strong lower half that keeps him upright through contact, and defenders usually bounce off or slide down him unless they come in with perfect form. He doesn't need a huge runway to get going — he runs with natural balance and power, and he knows how to finish once he has the ball. He's more than just his yards after the catch, though. He's got enough bounce to go up and compete on jump balls, and when you combine that with how physical he already is, he's a serious problem for DBs. Defensively, he carries over that same edge. He doesn't shy away from contact, takes solid angles, and can plant and strike with authority. He was one of Lee Williams' most dependable guys last year on both sides of the ball, and I'd expect that role to only grow this season.     He's got a big, strong frame that gives him a lot of natural power off the snap. He's not the type to blow past you with speed, but there's this slippery, hard-to-grab quality to the way he moves that makes it tough for blockers to get a clean handle on him. He finds ways to squeeze through tight spaces and keep his balance while navigating traffic. One of the things that really stands out on film is how intentional he is about attacking the ball. He's not just looking to make the tackle — he's swiping at arms, trying to create turnovers, and always looking for a chance to flip the momentum. He's still got some room to grow, especially when it comes to quickness, but there's real upside here. With a little more polish, he could develop into a truly disruptive piece up front.     He's got the kind of frame and strength that immediately stand out when you're watching him on film. Long arms, solid base, and he knows exactly how to use it all. He's not just leaning on size either — he plays with real purpose. You can tell he understands leverage and how to set up defenders to get the edge. He's a tone-setter up front, always looking to finish blocks and playing through the whistle with controlled aggression. When he pulls, he doesn't just get in the way — he finds his target and drives through them like he's got something to prove. There's a steadiness to his tape that's hard to ignore. Snap after snap, he's where he needs to be, doing what he's supposed to do. That kind of consistency is rare at this level, and it makes him one of the more reliable linemen you'll find.      What jumps off the screen right away is how hard he works when he doesn't have the ball. As a receiver, it's easy to coast on plays that aren't coming your way, but he doesn't take that approach. He finishes blocks, plays through the whistle, and brings a physical edge that sets a tone for the whole offense. That kind of effort stands out more than people realize, especially in today's game where not every wideout embraces that part of the job. When the ball is in the air, especially deep downfield, he shows a real knack for adjusting mid-route. He tracks the ball well, but more impressively, he understands how to subtly shift his positioning to cut off the defender's angle and give himself the best shot at making the play. It's a smart, instinctive part of his game that shows how locked in he is. You can tell he's been coached up, but it also just feels like he gets it on a deeper level. There's a maturity to how he plays the position.      It's not often you come across a player who truly makes an impact in all three phases the way [player_tooltip player_id='1669192' first='Riley' last='Carson'] does. He racked up over 1,200 all-purpose yards, found the end zone nine times, and still had the juice to pull down six interceptions on defense. That kind of two-way production is rare enough — but then you throw in the fact that he also handles kicking duties? That's just different. He went a perfect 7-for-7 on extra points, crushed 52 touchbacks on kickoffs, and pinned nine punts inside the 20. And the thing is, none of it feels gimmicky — he's just a naturally gifted athlete who's confident in what he brings to the table. As a receiver, his speed is obvious, but there's also a smoothness in how he moves and a willingness to do the gritty stuff. On defense, he's got real instincts and doesn't wait around — he attacks downhill and plays fast. Add in his leg strength and clean mechanics as a specialist, and you're looking at a guy who can change the game in more ways than most. It's hard to overstate how valuable that kind of versatility is at the high school level.

Back with Part 4 of the Twitter Film Study series. The more tape you watch, the more you realize just how much talent we've got across State Forty-Eight. It's not just the headliners or the five-star guys — there are plenty of under-the-radar players doing the little things right and putting real quality on film.