Roster Preview: Hightstown High School, Part I
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After discussing some of his team’s top talent with Hightstown Head Ryan Fullen I went ahead and watched the highlights for each of the prospects discussed. Below are my first evaluations of them based on their current available highlight film.…
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Continue ReadingAfter discussing some of his team’s top talent with Hightstown Head Ryan Fullen I went ahead and watched the highlights for each of the prospects discussed. Below are my first evaluations of them based on their current available highlight film.
Lewis was a prospect I initially identified as a standout during the AVC Football Mega Camp. I suspected that he was a burner who could change directions on a dime after seeing him in person; however, after finally watching his film I can say my initial evaluation was solid, but his film only built on what I witnessed.
Defenses must get in Lewis’ way, for if he hits a seam at full steam nobody is going to touch him as he gashes teams up the middle or to the edge. Lewis has the speed to beat entire defenses around the corner, but then has a nice little side-jump type move he hits to evade over-perusing defenders. He catches the ball with his hands and adjust to poorly thrown balls as he stretches the field vertically. Lewis high points the ball very well and is unafraid of contact, often making tough catches in the midst of contact. For being more slight in size, Lewis does a great job keeping his feet moving through contact and will occasionally use the stiff arm to create space for himself.
Defensively Lewis is aggressive in run support, flying up to anything on his side of the field while obliging to his force responsibilities. He also appears to be a strong tackler.
Because he is a bit smaller in side, I am unsure where he will play in college. That said I think he has enough solid offensive and special teams film; however adding the same level of game-breaking defensive film will only aid him in his collegiate pursuits.
Serrano is a hustle-and-effort type of blocker. In an offense that seems to go east-west a lot, Serrano moves well in space and plays with his head on a swivel, while first looking inside of course, as he blocks opposite color. He does a nice job keeping his feet moving on drive blocks. Serrano seems to be Hightstown’s primary puller and always pursues the play and is always around the ball carrier. It appears that Serrano works to finish his blocks too, as he is not satisfied until his opposition is on the ground. One thing I would encourage Serrano to continue to focus on is refitting his hands for inside leverage. With the way he moves his feet, if he can control the defense’s chest plate defenders will be going for a ride.
Highlights
I would describe Montgomery as a “peek-a-boo” runner because you see him one second and cannot find him the next. Partially to his size, but mostly to his athleticism and skills, Montgomery looks to get to the outside and then cutback to the inside in the smallest of seams he thinks he can eek through. Most impressively he does this without losing much speed at all. He runs with low pad level, which enables defenders to bounce back on him as they attempt a tackle. Should they tackle him, he runs with forward lean and always seems to fall forward for that extra yard. Lastly, Montgomery sets up his blockers well. Given that he often beats them to the spot because of how fast he is, he is forced to slow down, hides behind his offensive lineman, then pops out the opposite gap you would expect him to before hitting full speed again en route to big gainers. Montgomery’s film will be more complete if he displayed more of his skills as a pass catcher out of the backfield and picking up blitzers.
A defensive and offensive tackle, Sexton does a nice job of not getting moved from his spot on defense. He works to extend his arms and create separation so he can rip into either gap and make a play on the ballcarrier. Offensively Sexton knows to create separation in pass protection and enjoys road grading defenders until the whistle blows. He also has quick feet to handle speed rushers, disallowing them to gain the edge and bend the corner. Versatility is part of Sexton’s game as well, as he has a few clips of him playing shotgun center as well. I would like to see Sexton bunch and recoil when in pass protection and play with lower pad level on defense for him to go from dominant to game-wrecker potential.
After a tough quarterback competition this summer, it appears as if Vinson has earned the job. Vinson can scamper better than most quarterbacks. He makes nice reads when running option and moves fluidly in the open field. The presence of Vinson’s legs puts defenses in a bind when he rolls out – especially given the fact that he can deliver an accurate ball when throwing on the run. As a passer, Vinson has enough arm strength to be more than effective and has a quick release that gives following defenders a hard time reacting in time before the ball arrives. Most pass drops seem to be predetermined throws, however Vinson certainly has the pure athleticism to play somewhere on the football field in college.