Newnan Football’s Top Returners For The 2022 Season
Perhaps one of the biggest returning strengths of the Newnan football team going into the 2022 season is that of their defense. Entering next season, they have plenty of quality starters, and players who witnessed playing time return for the…
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Continue ReadingPerhaps one of the biggest returning strengths of the Newnan football team going into the 2022 season is that of their defense. Entering next season, they have plenty of quality starters, and players who witnessed playing time return for the team, looking to make it to the playoffs again, with the potential to make a run against some of the top teams in the entire state. Whether they will be capable of doing so is to be determined, as there are also plenty of question marks on both sides of the ball for the team.
Ashton Heflin – LB
Heflin, being the first backer on this list, is one of the more talented defensive players who are returning for the Cougars in 2022. To start, he plays with a good bend, and fluidity in his movement. This, paired with his speed and burst, allows him to make his way around the field easily, and position himself well to make tackles in pursuit, and in the box. Heflin also plays with good feet, which is huge for him as he takes his drop steps, and makes reads in the running game. This allows him to react naturally, or even play the hook, curl, and flats effectively when he is lined up on the outside.
Camarion Gates- CB
Going into the 2022 season, Gates will be one of the key returners for the Cougars secondary. While we would like to see him clean up his pedal, we do believe he has a solid crossover run, which has helped him in coverage plenty of times in the past. This, paired with his ability to play with good bend, and an awareness of the game around him, makes him effective in coverage, and when the ball is in the air. We would like to see Gates also improve on his overall footwork, but at this point of time, we recognize that his speed buys him out of his raw ability to play the position. In 2022, look for him to take a leap in his progression.
Caleb Reid – LB / DE
Out of this list, Reid is one of the bigger backers returning for his team, and can also be seen to be a prospect that could translate well to the defensive line due to his 6’2, 205 frame. Despite this big frame, Reid still does a good job of playing well balanced. This includes the ability to drop step well, and be able to make reads on the backfield, and use his length to make tackles more easily. Next year, we want to see him take steps in his progression, including a leap in his speed, as he tends to get outrun by offensive players at times.
Sean Johnson- LB
While Johnson may be a bit low to ground, as he measures in at around 5’10, 190 pounds, he still finds ways to play above his size. He is not only a very aggressive backer, but he also makes great plays, as he has proven to be able to make tackles for loss, and plays in pursuit. In addition to this, Johnson does a good job of rolling his hips on contact, and using his feet to position himself well to make good tackles, and transition his weight into the ball carrier. Johnson also delivers a good pop on contact, making it hard for ball carriers to run through him.