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7A Playoff X-Factors: Offense

7A Playoff X-Factors: Offense
Photo: @CJJohnson_2 on Twitter/X
Josh White
Josh White November 3, 2025 @ 03:15 PM
Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter)

In this article:

Braylon Lawson
Braylon Lawson 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB | 2027
AL
Zach Benedict
Zach Benedict 6'1" | 190 lbs | QB | 2026
AL
Christopher Johnson
Christopher Johnson 6'0" | 210 lbs | RB | 2026
AL
Elijah Tarver
Elijah Tarver 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB | 2027
AL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 7A postseason begins- offensive balance and versatility become the difference between an early exit and a deep playoff run. These prospects have shown the ability to dictate tempo, create explosive plays, and carry their units when it matters most</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":"Alex Lively ","_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":"5'10u0022","_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":"James Clemens","_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-690829af93c75"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lively's game is built on polish and precision. The crafty slot receiver routinely manufactures separation with elite route pacing, deceptive head fakes, and the ability to attack cushions. His compact, controlled routes and strong releases against man coverage make him a nightmare in one-on-one situations. Combine that with reliable hands and occasional 50/50 win ability, and Lively has proven to be a chain-moving, matchup-breaking asset when drives need extending.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Alex_Lively08/status/1984722990202826907","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Alex_Lively08/status/1984722990202826907 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1678560"],"_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-690829af93cf4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith plays with a veteran's composure and efficiency. A poised game manager with enough athleticism to threaten defenses on the ground, he thrives by diagnosing coverages and exploiting space in the intermediate range of the field. His pocket mobility allows him to reset and deliver with touch and accuracy, keeping the offense on schedule and defenses honest. If teams overcommit to coverage, Smith has the awareness and wheels to make them pay with his legs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ZachQB15/status/1963761340721365466","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ZachQB15/status/1963761340721365466 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1674220"],"_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-690829af93d5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson embodies the identity of a true power back. His elite contact balance and relentless leg drive make him one of the toughest players in the classification to bring down. Averaging 6.6 yards per carry with six scores, Johnson forces defenses to commit extra bodies to the box, wearing them down over four quarters. He's a volume runner who finishes every carry falling forward — the kind of physical presence that travels in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CJJohnson_2/status/1973223685071970426","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CJJohnson_2/status/1973223685071970426 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1629160"],"_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-690829af93db4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tarver blends power and finesse into a complete backfield weapon. A plus-sized back with nimble feet and one-cut explosiveness, he's proven capable of punishing tacklers or slipping through tight creases for chunk gains. Averaging 6 yards per carry and 80 per game, Tarver has been a model of consistency and late-drive toughness, finishing off possessions with effort and determination especially in the redzone. His blend of endurance, efficiency, and power make him a steadying force entering playoff play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1895342"],"_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-690829af93e05"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Few players in the state are producing like Lawson — 1,404 yards on 167 carries and 10 touchdowns at an 8.4 yards-per-carry clip. His elite burst and exceptional contact balance make him nearly impossible to corral with a single tackler. Lawson's combination of leg drive, effort, and second-gear acceleration allows him to turn routine runs into momentum-shifting plays. Simply put, he's the kind of back who can flip the scoreboard on any snap. This home run hitting along with his rugged style gives the Sparkman offense a focal point to lean on in the post season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BraylonLawson1/status/1969790655812518093","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BraylonLawson1/status/1969790655812518093 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->

As the 7A postseason begins- offensive balance and versatility become the difference between an early exit and a deep playoff run. These prospects have shown the ability to dictate tempo, create explosive plays, and carry their units when it matters most

Alex Lively

Alex Lively

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 165
POS WR
CLASS 2026

Alex Lively

School: James Clemens
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Zach Benedict

Zach Benedict

AL
QB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 190
POS QB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Zach
Benedict QB
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
190
HS
Hewitt-Trussville
|
AL
7A Playoff X-Factors: Offense
Smith plays with a veteran’s composure and efficiency. A poised game manager with enough athleticism to threaten defenses...
Written by Josh White
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Zach Benedict

State: Alabama
School: Hewitt-Trussville
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Christopher Johnson

Christopher Johnson

AL
RB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 210
POS RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Christopher
Johnson RB
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
210
HS
Opelika
|
AL
7A Playoff X-Factors: Offense
Johnson embodies the identity of a true power back. His elite contact balance and relentless leg drive make...
Written by Josh White
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Christopher Johnson

State: Alabama
School: Opelika
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Elijah Tarver

Elijah Tarver

AL
RB
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 200
POS RB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Elijah
Tarver RB
Class
2027
Height
6'1"
Weight
200
HS
Carver
|
AL
7A Playoff X-Factors: Offense
Tarver blends power and finesse into a complete backfield weapon. A plus-sized back with nimble feet and one-cut...
Written by Josh White
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Elijah Tarver

State: Alabama
School: Carver
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Braylon Lawson

Braylon Lawson

HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 190
POS RB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Braylon
Lawson RB
Class
2027
Height
5'11"
Weight
190
HS
Sparkman
|
AL
7A Playoff X-Factors: Offense
Few players in the state are producing like Lawson — 1,404 yards on 167 carries and 10 touchdowns...
Written by Josh White
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Braylon Lawson

State: Alabama
School: Sparkman
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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