Uncovered Gems: OK Black

A little preseason OK Black content! Admittedly, this is a league that I need to get a better handle on. I know some of the biggest names, but I need to get familiar with some of the breakout candidates. Here are my first five evals, with plenty more in the coming days.    Tyler returns as EGR's running back.   This is a massive return. Returning a productive running back always gives the OC some clarity. That said, Tyler had some good highlights from last season, and I expect him to build off of last year's performance.   I'd love to see more plays like 0:22. The play begins with a smart cut inside, two broken tackles, and a 23-yard gain when it's all said and done. 0:31 showcases classic north-south running. Once Tyler hits the second level, he's gone.   Most of Tyler's best highlights include good vision and at least one broken arm tackle. With a bit of upgraded speed, Tyler should hit a few more home runs. EGR is arguably a Top-50 program this season, and Tyler will be a big part of that ranked effort.      Jensen had himself an excellent freshman season. His tape showcases good open-field elusiveness, some speed, and some IQ.   You can see the elusiveness from the first highlight. Jensen fields a squib kick that gets behind him, breaks a few tackles, weaves through tight traffic, and takes it to the house for a 90-yard kick return TD. Additionally, 0:55 shows what he can do on the jet sweep. Good vision, bounces off a defender, and takes it to the house.   Let's talk IQ. At 1:46, Jensen intercepts a pass in the endzone. In the heat of the moment, most would have returned it (he honestly could have). But the offense crashes down on him, and Jensesn then smartly takes a knee. Again, maybe could have returned that, but I like the knee once the opposition closed in.   Jensen's vision, elusiveness, and smarts will translate well to Varsity. Once he's on Varsity full-time, I'd love to see upgraded speed!      Holland Christian returns a great two-way player in Simon Grotenhuis. Tape proves production on both sides of the ball.   Simon's tape kicks off with what looks like a post route. He catches the DB flat-footed, gets behind him, and Simon snags a ball that was slightly in front of him. Next, another good post, catch, and run, this time going the distance. Simon's catch radius shows up yet again at 0:42. Offensively, Simon is a solid receiver with a few great traits. Good to see offers from Adrian and Calvin.   Defensively, Simon is a good tackling safety. 1:25 shows a good read and attack. Simon is going to be an excellent player this year!      Grant is another good returning player with Holland Christian. His tape kicks off with a good read and attack on EGR's attempted counter run. Will gets in the backside and blows the play up.   Fast-forwarding to 0:20, Will bitzes and absolutely smashes the GRCC Quarterback.   A common theme in Grant's tape is his IQ. He's a smart football player. He sometimes takes a tad long to diagnose the play, but once he gets it, he does a nice job attacking. This season, I'd expect even better play speed!      Man! I didn't realize Thornapple Kellogg had so many hard-hitting players! Neff, and now Hammer!   Primarily playing on-ball LB / EDGE & IOL, Brody is trusted to blow up off-tackle runs, rush the passer, and block on every offensive down. The tape is on the shorter side, but it's still quality. Offensively, Brody does his best to stay low and drive. His hand placement can be better, but I still love his effort and physicality. Similarly, Brody's physicality and effort on defense are great.

A little preseason OK Black content! Admittedly, this is a league that I need to get a better handle on. I know some of the biggest names, but I need to get familiar with some of the breakout candidates. Here are my first five evals, with plenty more in the coming days.