Aries was the best big man in today’s game in which I had high expectations for him prior – he has taken some big strides from his JR season.  Adding some weight this offseason and listing at 6’0 250, Aries does a great job shooting out low and really exploding out of his stance doing a great job getting penetration right off the snap, creating havoc against interior run game.  His combination of strength and a great get off is giving fits for oppositions trying to run between the tackles.  Aries also does a great job in pursuit, taking good angles to make tackles downfield and outside the tackle box.  On the offensive side, most of the Cowboy runs were schemed behind him as the puller and he did a great job being quick out of his stance, creating massive lanes on runs, being the aggressor on kick outs, and running his feet through contact.  When I found out he leads the team in pancake blocks I wasn’t surprised one bit.  Aries also placed in the State Championship for Shot Put with a PR of 47’10 as a JR. While he could develop into a sturdy interior O lineman, I like his explosiveness as a pesky Nose at the next level.

Uong has been quietly dominant, causing major problems for opposing offenses from the interior. His stat line 17 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, along with 1 forced fumble and 1 recovery, reflects his ability to impact every aspect of the game. Uong’s strength and quickness allow him to penetrate gaps and disrupt plays before they develop. He shows great awareness in pursuit, keeping his pads low and maintaining leverage throughout contact. Uong’s ability to command double teams opens up opportunities for his teammates but he still finds ways to get into the backfield and make key stops. His blend of power and discipline makes him one of 2A’s top trench defenders.