Class 5A Players To Watch – Playoff Edition

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 regular season is in the books! And it's time to start talking playoff football across Oklahoma. It feels like yesterday that we were previewing the 2023 football season and the year was kicking off. Now, teams truly begin their journey on the road to Edmond. Before we know it, we'll be at UCO crowning state champions to wrap up a fantastic 2023 season. Prep Redzone Oklahoma will have you completely covered for the 2023 playoffs. From all the teams and players you need to know about to the best state championship coverage in the state, we'll have wall to wall coverage of the 2023 playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this post, we're taking a look at Class 5A and some of the top players that will have an impact on the playoffs. We put a spotlight on one player from each team in the playoffs and also give you more names to know in the postseason. And if you want a complete breakdown on the playoffs, you can check out our <strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/11/class-5a-playoff-preview-3/">Class 5A Playoff Preview</a></strong>. And check back each day for more playoff preview content ONLY on Prep Redzone Oklahoma!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["670654"],"_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_0_evaluation":"We mentioned it in the 5A preview but Lawton MacArthur has to be one of the more underrated teams coming into the playoffs this week. The Highlanders have some legit stars in the making in their 2026 class. Sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='670654' first='Aivan' last='Locklin'] has the potential to be a breakout star in the future when you consider the players he's going to be playing with at the skill positions. Locklin will lead a Highlander offense into Guthrie in one of the marquee match-ups in the first round. He's coming off a week ten game where he produced five touchdowns between the air and ground.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["215197"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Piedmont senior [player_tooltip player_id='215197' first='Cannon' last='Wood'] is without a doubt one of the best two-way players in the Class 5A playoffs. Last year, Wood earned All State 1st team honors for his play at running back and linebacker and he appears to be well on his way to more All State honors this season. At running back, Wood is a powerful runner that leads a Piedmont flexbone rushing attack. He's just as likely to carry the ball 20-25 times as a workhorse or break multiple runs for scores. And then on defense, he's a tackling machine and we're looking forward to his impact in their game against #4 Elgin.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["595762"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"All eyes were going to be on Bishop McGuinness junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='922869' first='Damon' last='Cochran II'] heading into this season. The Irish lost their star quarterback to a transfer in the offseason and that moved Cochran into the QB1 spot for this fall. Cochran is already committed to Missouri as a baseball prospect but he has had a very strong junior season on the football field. Cochran and the Irish are playing some of their best football at the best time and they'll come into the playoffs with some rest. After knocking off Piedmont in week nine, they had week ten off to prepare for their first round game with Midwest City.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["406182"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"The McAlester Buffaloes expect to make another trip to Edmond after back to back state championship game appearances in 2021 and 2022. One big question we had coming into this season was the McAlester running game and how they replace star Eric McCarty. They found that answer this season with senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='406182' first='Ethan' last='Watkins'] and he has played outstanding football throughout the season. It seems like every time he makes a play, it's a big one at a critical moment. And that's what we got used to seeing from McCarty. Watkins has enjoyed a breakout season.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["584313"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Claremore is having one of their best seasons in recent memory and it's hard to ignore the impact that senior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='584313' first='Gage' last='Deckard'] has had throughout the year. Deckard has been not only one of the best wide receivers in Class 5A, he's been one of the best wide receivers in the state and the one chance we got to see Claremore this season, he had a massive impact in their district title showdown with Bishop Kelley. And he impacted both sides of the ball. We mentioned this last week during our 2024 breakdowns but we were told before the season that Deckard was that guy and he's proved it this fall.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["375219"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Collinsville standout [player_tooltip player_id='375219' first='Hudson' last='Henslick'] was one of the breakout stars of the 2022 season so it's no surprise that he's right back here on this list as we head into the 5A playoffs. Henslick was definitely a name to know heading into this year and despite that, he has put up massive numbers and earned his way on to our PRZ-Oklahoma Player Of The Year Watchlist. In fact, Class 5A might lead the way in terms of watchlist players and there are quite a few on this breakdown. Henslick can impact the game in so many ways and has multiple examples of that this season with offense, defense and special teams.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["448519"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Guthrie running back [player_tooltip player_id='448519' first='Jaylen' last='Harper'] is in a similar situation to Henslick at Collinsville. He absolutely burst onto the scene last year as a junior and by the time this season rolled around, Harper was considered one of the better players at his position in Class 5A. And just like Henslick, Harper has backed up all the preseason hype with a fantastic senior season. He has been dominant this season and has been a touchdown machine. He already has 26 touchdowns on the ground and he's nearing 30 total touchdowns for the season. Harper and the Blue Jays are a major threat to win the title.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["791632"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Pryor senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='791632' first='Julian' last='Espinoza'] is a perfect example of just how deep the running back position is in Class 5A. In any other year, Espinoza would be one of the best running backs in the class. But when we look at Pryor, you have to start with Espinoza and the year that he's had and the consistency that he's played with. Like some of the other running backs on this list, it seems like every week Espinoza has at least 100 yards and two or three touchdowns. The Tigers and Espinoza have a tough task in the first round. They hit the road to face #2 Del City in the first round on Friday.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["857392"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Midwest City quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='857392' first='Kenneth' last='Colston'] had the tough task of replacing an absolute playmaker in DeAngelo Irvin, who was a three-year starter for the Bombers. Colston has been able to do just that and he's had a strong season this fall. The biggest thing that Colston has done that has impressed us is taken care of the football. Midwest City has a legitimate three-headed monster at running back. All three of their running backs have produced at a high level. Colston has been the constant in the backfield and has kept this Midwest City offense on the move throughout the year.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["432374"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Carl Albert was already the favorite in Class 5A for this season and then junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='432374' first='Kevin' last='Sperry'] moved from Texas to Oklahoma and landed at Carl Albert. That took the Titans to unprecedented heights in terms of potential and expectations. Sperry committed to OU earlier this year and has been arguably the best quarterback in the state this season. Sperry's performance against Guthrie with a severely injured shoulder is something that we'll remember for a while. There's no doubt that Sperry has weapons but this kid is an absolute gamer and he's primed for special moments this month.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["215200"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Del City standout [player_tooltip player_id='215200' first='Ladainian' last='Fields'] is another example of a player that can absolutely take over a game because of his impact in all three phases. On offense, Fields is one of the best wide receivers in the state, not just in Class 5A. On defense, Fields is a ball hawk of a defensive back. And in special teams, Fields has been one of the best punt returners in Class 5A this season. We've mentioned quite a bit this season how Del City has one of, if not the best offensive trios in the state and Fields is a big part of that. But he brings so much more to the table which makes him nearly impossible to contain.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["917639"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"You can't do a feature like this, talking about the top players to watch in the Class 5A playoffs without mentioning senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='917639' first='Malachi' last='Nicholson'] from El Reno. Nicholson has been arguably the best running back in the state this season. He's already ran for well over 2,000 yards and went over 500 yards in a single game. He's been fantastic all year and has put up some monster numbers in multiple games. Now, as dominant as Nicholson has been, and he's been right at the top, he and El Reno have a tough first round match-up with defending champ Carl Albert.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["360245"],"_player_evaluations_12_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"After missing the majority of his junior season, it was only a matter of time before Sapulpa running back [player_tooltip player_id='360245' first='Marco' last='Smith'] made up for that lost time. He was one of the players we highlighted before the season that was primed for a big bounce back season. He's done that and then some as he already has over 20 rushing touchdowns on the ground and well over 1,000 yards rushing. He's also helped the Chieftains in the pass game and Sapulpa certainly comes into the playoffs with one of the more explosive offenses in Class 5A. And they play in arguably the best first round game against Claremore.","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["449039"],"_player_evaluations_13_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"Elgin senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='449039' first='Matt' last='Lund'] is another 5A standout that found his way on to the PRZ-Oklahoma Player Of The Year watchlist. We knew about Lund coming into this season but he has been without a doubt one of the best players in the state. Similar to Harper at Guthrie, it seems like every single week, Lund is running for around 150 yards and three touchdowns and making it look easy. Granted, the majority of Elgin's games have been decided by halftime. Lund became the school's all time leading rusher earlier this season and has continued to dominate week in and week out.","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_14_player":["376931"],"_player_evaluations_14_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"Coweta was right back in the mix for the district crown this season and that exceeded our preseason expectations. But it shouldn't come as a surprise considering who was leading their offense. Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='376931' first='Noah' last='Cooper'] moved to Coweta after helping lead Gore all the way to the Class A state championship game a season ago. Cooper and the Pirates had to settle for the silver ball last season but he brings plenty of big game experience into the playoffs this season. Cooper was another example of a dual-threat quarterback to watch as the playoffs begin.","_player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_15_player":["911901"],"_player_evaluations_15_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"Our final spotlight is on Bishop Kelley quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='911901' first='Stice' last='Smith'] and the Comets have a solid path to make some noise in the playoffs as a district champion. Smith led Bishop Kelley to the district championship when they beat Claremore in week eight in dramatic fashion. Smith was fantastic at the quarterback position and was a threat with his arm and his legs. And the thing that impressed us the most about his performance that night was he shined brightest when the team needed him to do so. Smith is an underrated dual-threat quarterback in the state's 2024 class to keep an eye on.","_player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":16,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-654952d44d31c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>MORE NAMES TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='322948' first='Braxton' last='Etheridge'] - Senior Quarterback - Claremore</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='376564' first='Colten' last='Christian'] - Senior Offensive Lineman - Collinsville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='334118' first='Colton' last='Howard'] - Senior Quarterback - Sapulpa</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='994657' first='Eli' last='Moroney'] - Senior Linebacker - Guthrie</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1045555' first='Joshua' last='Rushing'] - Sophomore Wide Receiver - Lawton MacArthur</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='288967' first='Kevon' last='Robinson'] - Senior Wide Receiver - Coweta</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='472321' first='Ritson' last='Meyer'] - Sophomore Running Back/Linebacker - Elgin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='215198' first='River' last='Warren'] - Senior Quarterback - Del City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='393974' first='Rodney' last='Fields'] - Senior Running Back - Del City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='360241' first='Sam' last='Rhoades V'] - Senior Defensive Lineman - Bishop Kelley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='598824' first='Trystan' last='Haynes'] - Junior Athlete - Carl Albert</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='529848' first='Will' last='Spears'] - Senior Linebacker - McAlester</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='360239' first='Xavier' last='Robinson'] - Senior Running Back - Carl Albert</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='479388' first='Zach' last='Tawwater'] - Junior Athlete - Bishop McGuinness</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->