2023 Prospects On The Scene
This past season, several 2023 prospects were valuable contributors for their teams. Here is a profile of some players that had outstanding SOPH seasons. Their early trajectory projects them as college prospects. This will be a continuing series, as Prep…
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Continue ReadingThis past season, several 2023 prospects were valuable contributors for their teams. Here is a profile of some players that had outstanding SOPH seasons. Their early trajectory projects them as college prospects. This will be a continuing series, as Prep Redzone looks forward to evaluating and reporting on 2023 football players from the Hoosier State.
DL: Joshua Mickens, Lawrence Central HS, 6’4, 225
Joshua is a member of a deep, talented group of underclassmen for Head Coach Will Patterson and Lawrence Central. Joshua has been a member of the varsity basketball team during his first two years of HS. He has been on a tear recently, including scoring 20 points against a talented Ben Davis front court. This prospect has also already earned two letters in football. Watching his SOPH football tape, there really isn’t much Joshua can’t do. He looks every bit the part of a high-level defensive end. On film, you will notice him making sack/strips, and supporting the run against premier programs like Carmel, Warren Central and Lawrence North. This prospect possesses a ton of upside, and from a football perspective-it is all in front of him.
OL: Edward Hartig, Reitz Memorial HS, 6’6, 280
In yesterday’s initial 2022 OL preview, we reported on Barry Duff from Reitz Memorial. Barry plays right tackle for his team. In watching the film, the right guard also jumps off the tape. That prospect is Edward. Barry and Edward combine to make a formidable, talented tandem. For a young offensive lineman, Edward is about as impressive as it gets. He plays with nice power, awareness and vision. His eyes are up, and he plays with great knee bend. He can pull, trap, scoop and has a knack for getting to the second level. While Edward is currently playing guard, he appears to have the movement skill and athleticism to kick outside to tackle. Prep Redzone is of the opinion that over the course of time, Edward will be on every college football program’s radar.
LB: Samirion Ford, Lawrence North HS, 5’11, 195
Samirion has been playing varsity football for LN since his freshman season. He is a hybrid linebacker/safety. This prospect supports the run and excels in the box. He also has the natural ability to drop into zones, flip his hips and cover the pass. Samirion is a member of the wrestling team, and those skills translate very well to the football field. He is tough, physical, and nasty. He plays with a lot of power and pop. He plays the game of football with maturity well beyond his years. This prospect is also competing against some of the top talent in the Hoosier state on a weekly basis. Samirion’s skill set and football attitude project very well to the collegiate level. It’s hard to find prospects that display this level of versatility, maturity and toughness.
DB: Anthony Leadford, Pike HS, 6’2, 170
As a SOPH, Anthony was a key contributor for Pike’s secondary. He is blessed with outstanding size for the position. Anthony can play corner, and he can also easily project to safety. This prospect is comfortable in press/man coverage. He also has the eyes, anticipation and awareness to play zone. He is very tough in supporting the run. Anthony displayed athleticism and coverage ability to contain some of the most explosive playmakers in the state. Prospects like this “don’t grow on trees.” Anthony’s combination of size, athleticism and awareness will intrigue college football programs at every level.
ATH: Jayden Pinkston, Tindley HS, 6’4, 180
It would be unfair to just say that Jayden participates in basketball. He is a legitimate hooper and a true stat-stuffer. Jayden is also a member of Tindley’s football team. This prospect plays both wide receiver and safety. The basketball skills and natural athleticism translate to the football field. As a wide receiver, he can work short, intermediate and hit home runs. He is an intimidating physical presence. He displays nice run-after-catch ability. On defense, he roams the back of the secondary: “Deeper than the deepest.” The natural athleticism, anticipation and awareness are also prominent on his defensive film. It will be interesting to see how Jayden’s prep career unfolds. This prospect might end up on the collegiate hardwood. With that said, college football programs of every level will be lining up to work with and evaluate Jayden.
ATH: Aycen Stevens, Decatur Central HS, 6’4, 200
During his SOPH season, Aycen played some quarterback and linebacker for his team. This is a big, athletic and versatile prospect. He can be a developmental quarterback. He has arm talent and provides dual-threat capability. Colleges can always work with guys that can run, catch and throw. He could also factor as a developmental tight end. Prep Redzone is of the opinion that the most value might be provided by Aycen’s skill on defense. He has outstanding size, and looks every bit the part of a high-level linebacker. This prospect’s natural skill set and versatility project to both an even or odd front. Aycen can play linebacker in an even front, and he has the ability to grow into a defensive end. Aycen’s size and talent can also project to an odd front linebacker. Those prospects are hard to find. Aycen comes from a football family, and he plays like the game is very important to him. Look for this prospect to rocket up college football programs’ recruiting boards over the course of his prep career. He is very, very talented.