Hidden Heat: Low-Profile Players with Big-Time Impact

Stokes has had an impressive recovery from a torn ACL last season. He had a great performance his last game as a senior. The 6'0 180-pound QB went 22/38 for 343, 57.9% completion, 3 TDs, 0 INT, with 4 carries for 19 yard and 1 rushing touchdown. Quick flick of the wrist release paired with good throw power and very good touch. Maintains accuracy on the run, both left and right. He steps into his throws, and launches it downfield accurately. Stokes was throwing the ball into tight windows all game and making completions. Very good ball placement skills. Very good mobility in the pocket. He stays poised under pressure, and if no one is open, he uses his good scramble ability to get the first down. I was very impressed with his play this game. As he's been hitting a stride as of late, and this game fully encompasses what Stokes can accomplish as a quarterback. I can see him contributing at the next level, and am excited to see how he continues developing as a passer !     Measuring in at 5'10 170-pounds, Benallo plays wide receiver and safety for Ralston Valley ! He has 61 receptions for 659 yards, and 8 touchdowns, 7 carries for 30 yards and 3 touchdowns, 37 total tackles (18 solo, 19 assisted), 1 TFL, 1 sack, 5 PD, and 1 fumble recovery. He has very good athletic ability due to very good speed, change of direction, jumping, and good acceleration. As a receiver, he uses his good release paired with very good separation quickness to get open. He finds open voids and exploits them for the easy catch. Good ball tracking, very good catching with strong hands. Very good body control and adjustment. Keeps both feet in bounds on sideline catches. After the catch, he uses quick cuts and patience to make defenders miss and gain extra yards. Very good blocker as well to create running lanes. As a deep safety, he has very good zone coverage and closing quickness. He comes down into the box and uses his very good run support and tackling to make the play. Strong hitter that lays the boom. Benallo is poised to make some noise in this year's playoffs with Ralston Valley.     Wood has been a driving force behind Windsor's defense. The 6'0 215-pound sophomore linebacker has 56 total tackles (12 solo, 44 assisted), 2 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 5 QB pressures, 1 FR for a TD, and 2 PD. He has very good athletic ability due to very good acceleration, lateral quickness, change of direction, good speed, and jumping. Very good strength. Wood is a productive downhill linebacker that makes an impact in the passing game as well. Good read and reaction speed. If he can't make a play at the LOS, Wood will put his hands up to create a pass deflection. He's always watching the ball and putting himself in position to make a play. Good get off speed with very good block shedding. Very good blitzing. Good range from sideline to sideline and into his pass coverages. Good pass coverage. Very good tackler. Wood will look to continue his dominance as Windsor goes into the playoffs !     Ahmed's been the lead ball carrier for Smoky Hill this season. The 5'10 170-pound running back has 103 carries for 486 yards and 3 touchdowns with 12 receptions for 93 yards. He has good athletic ability due to very good speed, good acceleration, change of direction, and balance. Lanre-Ahmed uses his good vision to weave through the defense. One thing about Shaun is he isn't afraid of contact, putting his shoulder down and running through the defender. He is a very good outside runner. Hits the perimeter and is gone. He is a good blocker as well in both pass protection or out in space. Lanre-Ahmed is also a good receiver out of the backfield with his good ball tracking and catching skills. Solid season by the junior !     Hageman had a stellar linebacking season. He had 104 total tackles (62 solo, 42 assisted), 15 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PD, and 1 FF. The 6'3 205-pound linebacker has good athletic ability due to very good acceleration, jumping, good speed, and lateral agility. Hageman is a force at linebacker. He uses his very good strength to eat up blocks, allowing very good block shedding. Good get off speed. Hageman is a very good blitzer, with good take off speed. He rushes the gaps and uses his very good tackling to get sacks or TFL. Hard hitter and very good in run support. Good read and reaction time. One thing of note is his very good ball tracking and catching. He plucks the ball out of the air for INTs and returns them as well. Hageman has good range and a good zone coverage as well. He has some great linebacking tape and has committed to the University of Northern Colorado !