Varsity Newcomers to Watch: Interstate Central Eight Conference
The season is set to start at an unconventional time in the spring because of covid. This gives the incoming sophomores and juniors to further develop themselves before the season starts. Today we will be taking a look at the…
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Continue ReadingThe season is set to start at an unconventional time in the spring because of covid. This gives the incoming sophomores and juniors to further develop themselves before the season starts. Today we will be taking a look at the Interstate Central Eight Conference and the Varsity Newcomers to watch.
Brandon Hampton #40 – Class of 2021 – MLB, FB – Manteno
Hampton was a solid contributor to Manteno’s defensive efforts throughout the 2019 season. he has 23.5 tackles (20 solos), 7 assists, and 2 TFL. Hampton sheds blocks at the point of attack effectively allowing him to get his eyes on the ballcarrier. He is a good tackler who squares up and wraps the ball carrier up driving him to the ground. Eyes are set upon Hampton to reproduce and become one of the key stars on this Manteno defense.
Dawson Piper #20 – Class of 2023 – RB, OLB – Peotone
Piper played most of his games on JV in the 2019 season where he tore up his competition. He did have 2 carries for 6 yards in Peotone’s last playoff game. Piper has great vision allowing him to see cutback lanes to burst through allowing him to get past the second level and into the endzone for easy touchdowns. He is a stellar North-South runner who is not afraid to put his shoulder down and run people over. Dawson Piper is going to be a household name to watch for Peotone’s football team, I would not be surprised if he makes the all-star team as a Junior and Senior.
Allan Richards #20 – Class of 2022 – OLB, K – Wilmington
Richards was a key player on Wilmington’s defensive unit in 2019. He recorded 58 tackles (8 solos), 4.8 tackles/game, and 5 sacks. His 40-yard dash was a 4.8 which shows in his closing speed when he runs sideline to sideline at OLB position. He is also a good tackler who squares up and wraps up when making contact with the ball carrier. Richards looks to improve upon his high tackle rate in the 2020 season.
Nick Seplak #28 – Class of 2022 – RB, OLB – Coal City
Seplak plays a vital role in Coal City’s defensive unit. In 2019nhe had 35 tackles (25 solos), 3.2 tackles/game, 2.0 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries. Seplak switches between OLB and being on the line as a DT depending on the down and distance. He has good timing of his blitzes, is a good tackler, and sheds blitzes allowing him to blow up the backfield. Seplak’s fast read & react time with his high motor designates him wreaking havoc on opposing offenses for years to come.
Cody Lunsford – Class of 2022 – RB, WR, OLB – Herscher
Lunsford is an all-around athlete getting things done on both sides of the ball. In the 2019 season, he had 606 total rushing yards, 4.8 yards/carry, 125 carries with 67.3 yards/game, 8 rushing TD’s, 14 receptions for 164 yards averaging 11.7 yards/catch finishing with 867 all-purpose yards. On the defensive side of the ball, he had 48 tackles (37 solos), 3.0 TFL, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery. He has the speed to burst past the second level and with his elusiveness it is hard for defenders to take him down. Lunsford does it all for Herscher and is going to be a top player in this conference for the next few years. Don’t be surprised if he breaks 1,000 all-purpose yards this upcoming season.
The season can’t start soon enough, these five players can have a breakout season and all will play a key role in their team’s game plan. Time will tell which one of these five players will have the best record against one another and which one has the best breakout season.