Tate suffered an injury in practice just before the Grimsley game, and the Weddington offense was much worse because of it. His ability to operate in tight spaces and create separation underneath was key to the offense early in the season, opening up easy throws for a team that needed an “easy button” on offense in the playoffs. After re-evaluating his film, I think Tate could be an early contributor in college.

Kelson is a player I’ve been high on for the last couple of years, and he broke out even more on a bigger stage in his first year at Weddington last season. Playing a lot out of the slot, Kelson can be effective in the running game, quick screen game, and downfield passing game. Kelson can do some special things off of jet sweeps and reverses in the running game from the receiver spot – his speed and agility in the open field are truly next-level. Kelson also has some impressive speed – he can catch some deep balls in space and he won’t get caught from behind. I was so glad to see Kelson to start getting some well-deserved recruiting attention because he is one of those players that can excel at a high level with his size not being a detriment.

I have been a big fan of Kelson for a long time, and with 38 catches and 6 touchdowns this past season – his first for Weddington – he showed a lot of his best traits all season long. Kelson’s quick-twitch ability in the open field produced some impressive highlights and a nice complement to the Warriors’ overall offensive attack. Kelson is also a dangerous threat in the return game on Special Teams. All those assets make him a great fit for this Junior Bowl team.

Kelson has become a very important playmaker in the Weddington passing game this season. The Warriors get the ball into Tate’s hands in a number of ways, and he acts like a human joystick when gets into space. Tate’s playmaking is important to help balance a good Weddington running game led by Nick Diamond Nick Diamond 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB Weddington | 2025 State NC and a good offensive line up front.

Tate doesn’t get the recognition that some of his teammates get, but he’s been integral to Weddington’s early success this year. His impact hasn’t just been limited to the slot as Weddington has done a great job of putting him in stacks and other formations to take advantage of his abilities against man coverage. He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s not afraid to lower his shoulder and run over defenders near the goal line.

I have talked about Kelson a couple of times before, and it was no doubt in my mind he deserved to be ranked as one of the best receiving prospects in his class. It will be interesting to see how the reigning state champions use Kelson, but the one thing I know is whatever he does with the football he will be fast, electricity shifty, and display incredible effort. I think recruiting attention will take a little longer because of college measurables and such, but if a college looks at the tape and sees the incredible athleticism here, they could get in early on getting a steal for their program.