Whitewater Football’s Top Returners For The 2021 Season
Whitewater has not received the statewide attention over the last few years compared to what it did in the early, to mid 2010’s. Regardless, they have managed to produce talent, even if these prospects end up going on to play…
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Continue ReadingWhitewater has not received the statewide attention over the last few years compared to what it did in the early, to mid 2010’s. Regardless, they have managed to produce talent, even if these prospects end up going on to play at smaller programs, or within smaller divisions of competition at the next level. In 2020, the Wildcats had a bit of a down year compared to their typical success. They witnessed more losses than usual, and they also lost some of their top players to graduation. Either way, the Wildcats will be hoping to return to success in 2021, and some of the players we listed below will play a part in that.
Boyton Cheney- DB
While Cheney has not seen as much time on the field as other players on this list, the 2021 season could certainly be a big year for him. When lining up at the CB position, he runs well with receivers, and also shows good sink and bend in his movement. He is very productive in man coverage, and does not allow receivers to bully him off of the line. Cheney uses his hands well, and flips his hips effectively, which ultimately allows him to position himself well as the opposing receiver runs routes. Next season, we would like to see more zone coverage from Cheney to gauge his overall ability in coverage, even though we feel that he will most likely be decent in this area due to his ability to get out of his breaks. With this, we would also like to see him take better tackling angles, as to help his overall production against the running game.
Will Snellings- LB
Snellings, who measures in at 6’2, 205, carries his weight well, and allows it to transfer into his tackles. His length and frame assist him in being able to make tackles, and his speed helps him to meet ball carriers at the line of scrimmage, as to limit the amount of yards gained on the ground. He also shows flashes of fluidity in his hips, and his footwork, but overall, he plays a bit bulky at times, and is slower in pursuit than he ultimately can be. Regardless of this, Snellings shows flashes of being able to reads the defense well, and he is also not afraid of contact, which is a great trait for a LB to have. Moving forward, we would like to see him improve in his speed, overall movement skills, and ability to use his hands.
Austin Williams- QB
Many fans predict Williams to be the starter this upcoming season, and this may not be far off due to his upside, and potential ability if given the starting position. While he may not have seen as much time over the past few years, it can be evaluated that he has a decent release, and gets the ball out quickly. He also squares his shoulders well on the run, which is even more impressive due to the fact that he is a lefty. Williams also does a decent job of using his mobility, and athleticism to his advantage, as to keep the defense honest. His placement and touch on his passes is also decent, but we would like to see it in full action in game time situations to gauge how this is under duress. With this, he also has decent arm strength as well, flashes of being able to go through his first few reads. Next season, tune in to see what impact he has on his team’s offense, and if he can take the team to the next level or not.
Nate Sikes- CB / RB
Just like multiple players on this list, we also expect Sikes to step up for the WIldcats next year, even if he only sees a few snaps in rotation. This is due to the fact that the Wildcats have a ton of unknowns at the CB position. Nevertheless, at the JV level of play, Sikes showed tha the was unafraid of contact, and that he could play well in both man, and zone coverage. While his movement skills are a bit raw, his speed, and short area quickness makes up for this weakness, and can even be seen to bail him out of trouble at times. Sikes also shows a bit of twitch to his movement, allowing him to be able to work himself around defenders when he steps up to make tackles. Paired with this is his ability to roll his hips well, and deliver a pop on contact. Perhaps one of the only things that holds him back at this stage of his high school career is his height, weight, and frame. If he can show improvement in this area, expect him to pick up a few smaller offers next year as well.