Five Biggest Unsung Players in the Midlands

The glue guy. The players that make things happen regardless of where or how they line up. Every team has that one dude that they can count on each and every Friday night without fail.   The guys on this list are only going to make their teams better and if they were missing it would be more than just missing a standout on the field. These players on this list are the emotional leaders and almost become an extension of the coaching staff.   Here is a list of five unsung heroes that will play huge roles this season for the success of their respective squads.   [player_tooltip player_id='1126113' first='Jordan' last='Avinger'] ATH, Orangeburg-Wilkinson   Anytime a running back averages over 15 yards per carry, that's something special. It might be the reason that Avinger recently gave a verbal commitment to Arkansas but there's more to the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder than just numbers. He had 56 carries in nine games a season ago and finished with 869 yards and a team-best 10 rushing touchdowns. He also averaged 25 yards per reception with 275 yards on 11 catches and two touchdowns. He also contributed 50 tackles and six tackles for loss. But it's his mere presence that seems to uplift his teammates and make those around him better. Avinger only needs a small crease on offense and he's relentless on defense, making plays all over the field.   [player_tooltip player_id='1025815' first='Caleb' last='Geronomi'] ATH, White Knoll   You can go ahead and call Geronomi the heart and soul of the Timberwolves program. He's been doing it since his sophomore season, and he would like nothing more than to go out on a high note. He's played in a state championship and now he's one of the main returners to a team that lost a ton of seniors last year. He's already committed to Richmond but he's going to try to improve on his 65 catches for 975 yards and 32 tackles on defense last season. He also added two interceptions and for passes defended. He's going to be needed on both sides of the ball again this season with White Knoll breaking in a new quarterback.   [player_tooltip player_id='1267324' first='Ophir' last='Hill'] LB, Lower Richland   Hill has been a mainstay in the Lower Richland lineup for multiple years, and he's finally reached his senior season. It's simple to say Hill is a tackling machine but he brings so much more to the table. He knows where everyone is supposed to be in every play, and he understands everyone's assignment and what to do to help make them successful. Plus, he brings physicality to the defense that not many can match. He had 70 tackles last season but that again only scratches the surface of what he means to the defense.   Lower Richland coach Marlin Taylor: “Ophir is a tremendous player but an even better kid. He is the captain of our defense and probably has been one of the best players in the Midlands the last few years. He works extremely hard on and off the field.”   [player_tooltip player_id='1592250' first='Hayden' last='Myers'] RB, River Bluff or [player_tooltip player_id='1422592' first='Caleb' last='Pinkney'] DB   Myers wasn't supposed to be the guy last season but thankful to the Gators, he turned into that player. River Bluff finished 10-3 and the output of Myers was a huge reason for that – 1,360 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. But it was more than the productivity on the field that turned everyone's head. He was a leader and it was vocally and by example. He was one of the hardest workers on the team and that persona resonated with the remainder of the team.     River Bluff coach Perry Parks: “Hayden is going to be a key piece in what we do. He's one of the kids that gets it. He's a hard-nosed kid that plays every day and every play with a hard edge.”   [player_tooltip player_id='1422608' first='Hunter' last='O'Neal'] RB, Keenan   The Keenan football team is in a position where they must replace a nearly 3,00-yard passer (Desmond Washington), a 1,000-yard receiver (Tyheim McNeil) and another 800-yard receiver (Nykeim McNeil). That would leave most coaches scratching their heads and trying to figure out the plans for the following season. That's where O'Neal steps in. The 5-foot-8, 170-pound junior ran for 1,084 yards and 12 touchdowns and added 23 receptions for 273 yards and two scores as a receiver. He's going to be featured often and probably be the focal point of the offense, at least in the early going. He averaged 8.3 yards per carry and runs with power and speed.   Keenan coach Jarrett Keely: “Before being a football player, Hunter is a great kid. He's very respectful, a yes sir, no sir type of kid. His teammates love him. We can line Hunter up anywhere on the field and he will be successful because he wants to be great, and he will not let anybody stand in the way of that. He is strong, has great feet and is hard to tackle in space.”

The glue guy. The players that make things happen regardless of where or how they line up. Every team has that one dude that they can count on each and every Friday night without fail.