Five Prospects Due For Bigger Roles This Season

Russell may have been lost in the depth chart last year but with the departure of many seniors from last year, he has a chance to step in and play a pivotal role within this offense. With size and length to his advantage, he has a chance of being a true threat on the perimeter. He is a tall, thin target who doesn't have crazy speed but knows how to create separation. He carries impressive ball skills to compete when it's in the air. Russell has a good feel for working in space and finding soft spots, he can also leverage himself into catches by positioning his body in different ways to ensure the ball is trapped. His releases are efficient and quick as he doesn't move with wasted steps, he often knows where needs to get to and does so. Due to the lack of opportunity on varsity last year, it will be interesting to see where Russell falls within this offense and what he can do. Nonetheless, he can do whatever is asked due to the athleticism and skillset he carries.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15963595/65de1726b3c7fc0b9cf7ea43">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15963595/65de1726b3c7fc0b9cf7ea43</a>     Another Johnston product who hasn't fully showcased his talents yet, Daye might be one of the best deep threats let alone receiving athletes in the state. Already a very talented hooper, Daye brings that same effort and athleticism when on the gridiron. He runs smooth routes and has good speed and body control. He does a nice job creating separation and deceiving defensive backs with head fakes and quick moves. Possesses strong hands in traffic and is perhaps one of the best jump ball catchers as he elevates higher than his opponents showing off his basketball background. Young but possessing all the intangibles and skills, Daye should be primed for a bigger role in this offense come the season.   2023 Stats: 2 Receptions, 52 Receiving Yards   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16607696/Tino-Daye">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16607696/Tino-Daye</a>     It seems that Ankeny Centennial will always have a plethora of running backs to choose from. While Jackson may be the feature back this year, Morgan is a good compliment. The stocky rising junior is a strong, versatile back who can get the gritty yards you need. Dependable and productive, he produces some natural power and contact balance when he keeps his play speed up. Possesses upper body strength to shake off tacklers who come in too high and are not physical enough. Plays with a feel for his blocks, showing he can be patient and carries good vision. He also shows off quality footwork and directional change to keep runs alive when defenders beat their blocks early in rep. or create Big plays. In the passing game, he has been used as a screen receiver or check down, where he can win in space.   2023 Stats: 168 Rushing Yards, 3 TDs, 12 Receptions, 131 Receiving Yards   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16708677/655240945ca92e0b8468ebed">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16708677/655240945ca92e0b8468ebed</a>     In a pass-heavy offense last season, Robbins was one of the vital reasons the Warriors had success. He is as reliable as they come and a playmaker nonetheless. He possesses adequate athleticism, runs smooth routes, and knows how to expose the defender's leverage. Robbins is good at tracking and adjusting while the ball is in the air and makes touch athletic catches. He has exceptional speed that makes him dangerous deep but knows how to use tempo to beat defenders underneath. When in space he has some good agility to him that allows him to be very effective after the catch and for the use of gadget plays. He can line up inside or out and still make plays no matter what is asked of him. Expect the rising junior to still be a huge playmaker and effective, he has a chance to for sure go over 1,000 yards receiving this year.   2023 Stats: 52 Receptions, 796 Receiving Yards, 11 TDs   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18260169/65395f8f0c5e140a4cf8c7b8">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18260169/65395f8f0c5e140a4cf8c7b8</a>     A big inside/out receiver with more quickness than speed, Randolph can separate from coverage. His route running is exceptional and he's tough and competitive when catching around traffic. He has good hands and isn't afraid to use his size. He does have some good feet which allow him to create some good releases and get in and out of his breaks efficiently. He is lanky, reaches outstretched balls, and can go up in jump ball situations. He got valuable playing time last year and came up clutch when his number was called. He doesn't threaten defenses downfield necessarily but can stretch the field and be productive across the middle. He is precise in what he needs to do and is a mismatch due to his size down by the goal line. He also shows potential as a run blocker in space. It isn't crazy to say that Randolph compares to his former teammate Devon Akers, but one goes so far as to say that he brings a lot of different elements to the table and can just be as productive if not more. No telling where the Hawks line him up this year but he certainly will be ready when it is his time.   2023 Stats: 18 Receptions, 184 Receiving Yards, 1 TD   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16669283/6619a3bea94a58a3f40aeadc">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16669283/6619a3bea94a58a3f40aeadc</a>