Scouting the IAC skill position players – Part 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PRZ Maryland brings you Part 3 of our look at some of the top returning skill players in the Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1698197' first='Joe' last='Perry']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"160","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Georgetown Prep","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c8f4efea539"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1698197' first='Joe' last='Perry'] is a skilled route-runner with strong short-to-intermediate receiving ability. He understands spacing well, knowing how to find openings in zone coverage while executing crisp routes with clean breaks. Perry's ability to quickly accelerate after the catch makes him effective in gaining extra yards, as seen in his 64-yard touchdown, where he outran the defender after making a contested catch. Perry also shows versatility in lining up both outside and in the slot, with his slot role being particularly well-suited to his skill set. His quick change of direction allows him to create separation on routes like hitches and slants, making him a reliable target in short-yardage situations. While he has the route-running ability and instincts to be an asset in any offense, improving his top-end speed would make him a more consistent deep threat and enhance his ability to stretch the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311483"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c8f4efea5ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In six games, Levi Babin put up 474 rushing yards and five touchdowns, showcasing his dynamic ability as a runner. His speed stands out immediately—once he finds a lane, he takes off with a noticeable second gear, as seen in his explosive 70-plus yard touchdown run where he outran the entire defense. Babin has excellent vision and football IQ, demonstrating an instinct for knowing when to cut inside or bounce outside, making defenders miss with well-timed jump cuts. Despite his taller frame for a running back, Babin runs with a low center of gravity, maintaining balance through contact and showing the ability to power through tackles. His elusiveness in the open field is just as impressive as his physicality—he can shake defenders or lower his shoulder and drive through them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With his size and skill set, continuing to develop as a pass-catcher out of the backfield could add another layer to his game. Otherwise, Baban's combination of burst, balance, and toughness makes him an intriguing prospect, and while he's a 6-foot-1 cornerback, his upside as a running back is hard to ignore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314062"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c8f5266fe64"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chris Tangelo is a dynamic playmaker with an undeniable ability to stretch the field. While he's an anomaly at cornerback due to his size, his production and highlights at wide receiver are impossible to ignore. Averaging over 20 yards per catch on 28 receptions for 617 yards, Tangelo consistently delivers explosive plays. His speed and fluid route-running allow him to accelerate in and out of breaks, creating space against both man and zone coverage. Tangelo thrives in vertical passing situations, as seen in multiple 60-plus and 70-plus yard touchdowns on his highlights, where he catches passes in stride and outruns defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tangelo's size, physicality, and strong hands in the red zone make him a dangerous target. He will get it whether it's a fade ball in press coverage or a well-timed seam route where he high-points the football over defenders. Tangelo's ability to fight through contact and maintain focus on contested catches makes him a tough assignment for any defensive back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tangelo already has the physical tools and athleticism to win matchups, but continued development in a variation of his routes could make him an all-around dominant receiver. Regardless, he's one of the top two-way players in the DMV, and with his combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability, he's a big play waiting to happen every time he touches the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Gabe Murphy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"165","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St. Stephen's u0026amp; St. Agnes School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c8f5b88c9fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gabe Murphy is a solid playmaker who thrives in the slot. His quick first step and ability to reach top speed almost immediately make him a dangerous weapon in space. Whether running routes over the middle or stretching the field vertically, Murphy consistently finds ways to create separation and make plays. His explosiveness is displayed when catching the ball in stride, shown in a highlight where he splits the safeties on a post route. Or, in another highlight, Murphy turns a simple hitch into a breakaway play down the sideline. His toughness also stands out—Murphy doesn't shy away from contact and has repeatedly shown he can secure catches while absorbing hits from safeties and defensive backs. His stop-and-go route running forces defenders to bite, allowing him to capitalize on deep shots, and his ability to win 50/50 balls despite his frame makes him a reliable target in contested situations. When given the ball in space, Murphy is a big play waiting to happen, and his combination of speed, toughness, and sharp route-running makes him an exciting prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jayden Davis","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"150","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Georgetown Prep","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c8f698755e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jayden Davis, a 5-foot-7, 150-pound cornerback, may be undersized, but he makes up for it with his competitiveness, technique, and physicality. His ability to recognize routes and react quickly makes him a disruptive presence in coverage, as he consistently positions himself to break up passes, whether playing underneath or reacting to deep routes. Davis' closing speed and short-area quickness allow him to make plays on the ball. A few highlights show his ability to break up passes behind him and deliver well-timed hits to force incompletions. Despite his size, Davis isn't afraid to get physical—he effectively jams receivers at the line and pins them to the sideline, making it difficult for quarterbacks to connect on fade routes. His interception for a 60-plus yard pick-six shows his ball skills and ability to turn defense into offense. Davis isn't just a cover corner; his toughness and willingness to shed blocks and make tackles in the run game demonstrate his all-around ability as a defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While his aggressive and disciplined play helps Davis compete against bigger receivers, improving his ability to deny the outside release in press coverage consistently would improve his game. His size may present challenges in certain matchups, but his agility, change of direction, and fearlessness allow him to overcome those disadvantages. Earning all-league first-team honors speaks to his impact on the field. With his instincts, technique, and physicality, Davis is a playmaker in the secondary who refuses to be outworked.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other articles to read</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-souther-maryland-skills-players-to-know-part-1/">Southern Maryland&nbsp; 2025 Season Players to Know - Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/meet-some-of-the-iacs-offensive-stars-in-the-2026-class-pt-1/">Meet some of the IAC's offensive stars in the 2026 Class – Pt . 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/meet-some-of-the-iacs-playmakers-at-the-skill-positions-pt-2/">Meet some of the IAC's playmakers at the skill positions – Pt . 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-1/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar – Pt. 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-2/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar - Pt. 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-3/"><strong>Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar – Pt. 3</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-western-maryland-skill-players-to-know-part-1/">2025 Season: Western Maryland Skill Players to Know – Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-1/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations – Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-2/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations – Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/maryland-4a-footballs-next-wave-2026-evaluations-part-3/">Maryland 4A Football's Next Wave: 2026 Evaluations - Part 3</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/the-next-wave-scouting-md-dcs-2026-class-film-review-pt-1/">The Next Wave: Scouting MD/DC's 2026 class: Film Review Pt. 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/the-next-wave-scouting-md-dcs-2026-class-film-review-pt-2/">The Next Wave: Scouting MD/DC's 2026 class: Film Review Pt. 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/scouting-the-ranked-2026-maryland-prospects-running-backs/">Scouting the ranked 2026 Maryland prospects: Running Backs</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-marylands-top-2026-running-back-prospects-part-2/">Evaluating the ranked 2026 running backs: Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/the-new-editions-evaluating-wrs-in-the-md-2026-rankings/">The New Editions: Evaluating WR's in the MD 2026 Rankings</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/the-new-editions-new-edge-defenders-in-the-md-2026-rankings/"><strong>The New Editions: New edge defenders in the MD 2026 rankings</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-the-newcomers-to-the-md-2026-rankings-quarterbacks/">Evaluating Quarterbacks in the updated Maryland 2026 rankings</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-tight-ends-in-the-updated-maryland-2026-rankings/">Evaluating Tight Ends in the updated Maryland 2026 rankings</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-prospects-from-the-first-state-3a-standouts-pt-1/"><strong>Evaluating prospects from The First State: 3A standouts – Pt. 1</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-prospects-from-the-first-state-2a-standouts-pt-1/"><strong>Evaluating prospects from The First State: 2A standouts – Pt. 1</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/evaluating-prospects-from-the-first-state-1a-standouts-pt-1/"><strong>Evaluating prospects from The First State: 1A standouts – Pt. 1</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/dmv-off-season-live-evalations-part-1/"><strong>DMV off-season live evaluations: Part 1</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/02/dmv-off-season-live-evalations-part-2/">DMV off-season live evaluations: Part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/marylands-class-of-2027-in-depth-analysis-of-the-top-5/">Maryland's Class of 2027: In-Depth Analysis of the Top 5</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->