2029 Players to Watch: Championship Weekend

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While experience is key in making a state title run, there's plenty of youth on some of these state title contenders. Here, we're taking the time to alert our readers about some of the top 2029 prospects they'll see on championship weekend. Here are the top freshmen to watch during the NCHSAA Championships.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Freshmen To Watch During Championship Weekend</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1905611' first='Jonas' last='Woods'], RB, Shelby</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shelby's offense is best known for its air raid tendencies, but Woods is the leading rusher, and he's playing his best football during the playoffs. He's eclipsed 90 yards in four of five playoff games, including his first three 100-yard games. He has good vision and contact balance, and he should hit 1,000 yards as a freshman if he can get 40 yards in the championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2005242' first='Jordan' last='Davis'], WR, Grimsley</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis isn't the biggest receiver you'll find, but he's shifty, and he's been explosive for Grimsley. There's a lot of development ahead for Davis, especially as a route-runner, but he's dangerous with the ball in his hands. Grimsley uses him primarily on pop passes and screens, though he's flashed on special teams as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1853840' first='Zalik' last='Cannady'], DL, Wilson Prep</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cannady is having a phenomenal season at the 1A level for Wilson Prep, headlined by his team-leading 12 sacks. Cannady has some positional versatility, as he's able to play all along the line of scrimmage. He has plenty of strength to hold up in the running game, and you'll probably see him make a big play or two as a pass rusher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1857997' first='Trevorius' last='Cooper'], LB, Hunt</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hunt's defensive line gets the attention, but Cooper has been tremendous as a freshman starter at linebacker. The six-foot, 205-pounder has a knack for working through the wash to make tackles amongst bigger offensive players. Once he gets his hands on guys, he rarely misses tackles. You should see him often on Saturday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2078853' first='Simon' last='Robinson'], LB/RB, Brevard</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As rare as it is to find a freshman contributor on an undefeated team, it's even rarer to find a <em>two-way</em> freshman contributor on an undefeated team. But that's what Robinson is doing for Brevard. The 6'1", 200-pounder ran for 21 yards last week against Maiden as a running back, and picked up his first career sack as a linebacker. He's not an every-down player yet, but he has excellent size and has contributed. I wouldn't be surprised to see him make a big play on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2072220' first='Amir' last='Daniels'], OL, Millbrook</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daniels doesn't look like a freshman, and if you didn't know, you'd have no idea that the starting right tackle for an undefeated 8A Regional Champion is in the 2029 class. He's a mature blocker with a strong base and good punch. He's not only played every game this season, but he's also played at a high level and looks like a future top recruit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Follow Prep Redzone for more high-quality coverage throughout the playoffs and offseason.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->