2019 Non-Varsity Players to Watch: Part 2
Dermot Smyth, QB, 5′9, 150, Marist, 2023 A dual-threat quarterback who excels at getting outside the pocket and throwing on the run. He’s a smaller kid, but he doesn’t let his size have any effect on him. He has solid…
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Continue ReadingDermot Smyth, QB, 5′9, 150, Marist, 2023
A dual-threat quarterback who excels at getting outside the pocket and throwing on the run. He’s a smaller kid, but he doesn’t let his size have any effect on him. He has solid arm strength and is accurate at all levels in the passing game. Dermot has a speedy release and can really zing the ball in there. He understands his offense and does a great job getting the ball out on his hot throws. He’ll have to wait his turn behind Darnell Jackson Jr., but I do think once his time comes, he’ll shine for the Redhawks.
Niko Gordon, DB, 5′10, 170, Naperville Central, 2022
Gordon’s ability to make a play on the football, whether it be on interceptions or PBU’s is what stuck out to me most. He always seemed to be around the ball and consistently helped fellow his fellow DB’s when they were beat. Naperville Central also used him as a running back, where he was a natural catching the football. At times, he even split out in the slot and caused a serious mismatch on linebackers and rolled up safeties. I think his potential is through the roof, and I believe he’ll make a big impact on varsity this coming fall.
Jahon Walker, RB, 6′, 180, Phillips, 2022
Mr. Walker is a good-sized back who can run between the tackles, but also bounce it outside if nothing is there. He has a very strong lower half that allows for him to burst through defender’s arm tackles. He’s a talented punt returner who allows his blocks to set up in front of him before accelerating through a seam. He has a vicious stiff arm and can extend runs with his sheer will. His balance could be his best strength. On-film, when you thought he was about to go down, he always seemed to spin out of something or shrug off a defender and continue on his way. Walker is a tough back and will give Phillips a ton of value this fall on varsity.
Owen Prucha, QB, 5′10, 160, Naperville Central, 2022
Owen Prucha is a flat-out gunslinger, equipped with a cannon of an arm. I was so impressed by this kid’s film and his ability to climb the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield. His tape was him constantly hitting his wideouts in stride on deep ball after deep ball. He’s elusive too and is a natural at improvising to get out of tough situations. He added a completely different dimension in the QB running game and showed he could easily split two defenders. Finally, this kid is so poised in the pocket and will sit in there and take a lick to hit one of his targets. When Sam Jackson Sam Jackson 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Naperville Central | 2021 State IL heads to West Lafayette, it looks like they have his replacement.