2023 Stock Risers: December Update

Chris Norcross

December 7, 2021 @ 12:00 PM

As these same players have grown into juniors, and look to enter into their senior year next year, some players have specifically taken the liberty of making a big jump in their production, and play. Because most of these players just completed their second big season as varsity football players, we take their advancement in the way they play the game of football very seriously. Some players remained stagnant, or went backwards in productivity or playing time, thus dropping their ranking in our list. Others, who managed to rise to the occasion, even if it meant beating out their statewide competition on this list, managed to earn themselves the opportunity to be looked at in an even brighter light. Before it is said and done, we fully expect these same prospects to be in a similar position, to be able to continue to climb up the list when given the opportunity, or remain ranked in the same place as before. As this season comes to an end, and their senior year approaches next season, only time will tell. [player_tooltip player_id="34022" first="Madden" last="Sanker"] (OL)- South Paulding Out of this entire list, Sanker’s jump on our new rankings is one of the most impressive. Not only has his stock risen tremendously due to his consistent play, but it has also been due to the way he plays with a tenacious attitude on the O-Line. He finishes blocks to the ground, and he allows for his feet to help him get up the field to throw blocks wherever he is needed. This footwork, and agility for his age is very rare for his 6’5, 280 pound frame. In addition to this, he also does a good job of playing at a good base, and with solid hands that allow him to navigate his blocks. He also moves very fluidly, and plays with good bend, making it very easy to see why he has climbed from 42nd overall, to 7th on our new list. Going into the offseason, we wouldn’t doubt it that he will find ways to continue to improve, and grow his game even more. [player_tooltip player_id="34040" first="Adam" last="Hopkins"] (ATH)- Thomas County Hopkins has also done a tremendous job increasing his stock this season, as he has now gone from 22nd overall, to 8th on our new list. This is due to plenty of reasons, including the fact that he plays both WR, and DB. This positive contribution to his team does not go unnoticed, as he finds ways to create big plays on both sides of the ball. To start, he has great hands, which can also be seen to be pretty strong at the point of the catch. Hopkins tracks the ball well with his eyes, and is able to look it into his hands from various angles. When running routes, he uses his feet to get off the ball quickly, and to gain separation well, which helps him to gain ground early. Because he is so fluid in his movement, and is able to get out of his breaks very cleanly, we expect him to continue to exceed all expectations, especially as his senior year rolls around next year. [player_tooltip player_id="94017" first="Dee" last="Crayton"] (ATH)- Denmark Even though Crayton is listed as an ATH, one can view him as a LB, and a RB. When on the defensive side of the ball, he plays a “thumper” style of football, as he has no problem making big plays on contact. When going to make tackles, Crayton takes great angles, and he wraps up well, helping him to bring opposing players to the ground. On contact, Crayton also does a good job of rolling his hips and using his hands, which is one of the most inconsistent things for players his age to do at a high level. Perhaps, this can be because he plays the game of football very instinctively, which can also be seen when he plays the RB position. On offense, Crayton plays a bruising style of football, as he runs behind his pads, and easily runs defenders into the ground. His power and balance when playing defense easily translates with the ball in his hands, and it is an absolute privilege to see. Because of this, Crayton has seena jump from 41st overall, to 23rd in our new list. [player_tooltip player_id="94019" first="Paul" last="Davis"] (WR)- Hart County Davis has become a very fun prospect to track, and watch this season. His productivity, and development as a WR is very evident. He not only catches the ball naturally, and cleanly, but he also is able to get up the field instantly as well. This comes with great practice, and it seems to be instinctive to Davis at this point of time. He also does a good job at using his feet when running routes, and he is able to do so cleanly, while also getting in and out of his breaks very cleanly. This smooth route running style is very advanced for his age, and the fact that he turns small plays into big gains, is a great sign for his trajectory. Going into next season, he is worth keeping a close eye on, but for now, he has seen his stock rise from 88th overall, to 27th.