Freshman Friday: Episode 4

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Happy Friday, and welcome back to one of my favorite weekly series. Every Friday, we take a look at some of the youngest players in the state. Freshmen are making an impact this season all across the state, and we want to highlight them. Here's our fourth episode of Freshman Friday. Enjoy!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Freshman Friday: Five Class of 2029 Players To Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1896552"],"_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-68cd91db4a421"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There aren't many freshmen playing extensively on both sides of the ball, especially at the 7A level, but Lineberger is doing just that. The freshman is excelling as a receiver (over 100 yards and a touchdown) and a corner (two pass breakups and two interceptions). He's gone through a recent growth spurt and looks like he'll end up with great size for either position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1896558"],"_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-68cd91db4a4b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I don't know a ton about Brooks, but I have heard of the instant impact he's made as a freshman. He's anchoring the Hopewell defense, racking up tackles and stuffing the box score in other ways as well. He's a guy I hope to see in person, as I've heard his movement skills are excellent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1896723"],"_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-68cd989120eb6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alexander got some run late in a loss to Sun Valley, and he made the most of it, flashing ball skills and a willingness to hit. His upside will be dictated by his size, as he'll need to grow a bit before becoming a true college prospect, but he's played well as a young, undersized corner so far. He's one who may not get starter snaps this season, but who will be fun to watch in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1896729"],"_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-68cd989120f6d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Already a long, rangy safety, Pipkins is making the most of his opportunities on a young, talented Andrews defense. The Red Raiders are playing multiple freshmen and still allowing just 11 points a game. Pipkins is already versatile, able to creep into the box as a hybrid linebacker, or play as a deep centerfielder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1880744"],"_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-68cd989120fee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Davis is thriving on JV right now, putting himself in the thick of the action defensively. He's forced multiple turnovers this year, and has already established himself as an excellent cover corner. He has the technical ability to play at a higher level; right now, it's all about continuing to hone his craft before he can get into the weight room this offseason to bulk up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Which other freshmen need to be on our radar? Let me know on Twitter (@<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">whelms21</a>). Want to send this to someone who isn't a subscriber? Promo code Helms30 will take 30% off the first billing cycle of any subscription.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->