Pike Road Season Preview

Josh White June 15, 2022 @ 08:00 AM

The Patriots perfect 15-0 season resulted in a 5A championship. With all the talent on the roster, we might need to do part two of the piece; however, these are the top guys looking to help the team go back to back. [player_tooltip player_id="216861" first="Anthony" last="Rogers"] 5’10 185 RB Rogers is a certified home run hitter as a dynamic running back/ receiver hybrid. With elite speed, burst, and agility Rogers can affect the game whenever the ball is in his hands. As a return specialist, he consistently gives his offense good field position with great vision, acceleration, and quickness. These skills also transfer when lined up as a running back or receiver. As a running back, he can read and react to blocks, burst through the second level, and create massive gains from small creases. When lined up in the slot, Rogers shows solid route running and natural pass-catching ability- making him an ultimate 3rd down weapon. Look for Rogers to be the catalyst of the Pike Road offense. [player_tooltip player_id="132047" first="Malik" last="Blocton"] 6’1 250 As a 3-4 defensive end, Blocton shows elite strength and the ability to play with an interior lineman mentality. Embraces hand-to-hand combat while displaying nuance with swims and rips to get to his destination. He can also long arm blockers to keep the distance and get to the ball carriers. As a run stopper, he plays with discipline when knowing when to get upfield or to stay home and prevent cutbacks. Look for Blocton as an anchor in the run game and a secondary pass rusher that generates pressure and QB hits. [player_tooltip player_id="131910" first="Jaylan" last="Jarrett"] 6’2 270 DT Jarrett seems to be the heart and soul of the Pike Road Patriots. His passion and motor jump off the screen when watching the tape, and he always gets his teammates hyped when making plays in the backfield. As an interior lineman, Jarret shows elite strength and determination. He shows the ability to stand up offensive linemen, use his bull rush and straight power to assert his dominance, and take on double teams to get to the ball. Though he is primarily a power rusher, Jarrett shows a great first step when jumping the count and can occasionally shoot the gap. But lastly and most importantly, Jarrett’s motor when finishing plays ignites the team. He plays through the whistle and is always looking to his assert his will on his opponents. DJ Tolliver 6’0 180 DB Tolliver is an elite ball hawk who simply seems to always be at the right place at the right time. His high IQ and play recognition when diagnosing routes and breaking on the ball jump off the screen. Shows tremendous ball skills when going up for interceptions and knows what to do with the ball in his hands, which is rare for DBS his age. Though he can guard in man coverage, Toliver is an elite zone cover guy who excels when he can read and react to play developing in front of him. This uncanny skill of generating picks and incompletions will definitely affect the Patriots as they look to repeat as 6A champions.