Langston Hughes Top Returners For The 2021 Season
Last season, the Panthers proved a ton of skeptics wrong, as they pulled off a 11-2 overall record, with a playoff appearance. Even better, the Panthers have a chance of returning to prominence this upcoming season due to the starters…
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Continue ReadingLast season, the Panthers proved a ton of skeptics wrong, as they pulled off a 11-2 overall record, with a playoff appearance. Even better, the Panthers have a chance of returning to prominence this upcoming season due to the starters that they have returning, and their explosive ability to make plays on both sides of the ball. As the season approaches, the stars on Langston Hughes’ team are likely preparing to show out again in 2021, and to make a run at the state championship when it comes playoff time. Below, take a look at a few of the players who will make all of this possible.
Antonio Martin Antonio Martin 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Langston Hughes | 2022 State GA Jr- RB
Martin is not only one of the most popular prospects on the entire team, but he is a future Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket. At 5’11, 205, Martin proves to be the full package at the RB position. Not only does he run low to ground, but he runs with an explosive burst, and power behind his pads. This makes it hard to catch him off balance, and to stop him when he has the ball in his hands. Due to the fact that he can run like a freight train, it is hard for defenders to bring him down on the initial tackle. Martin also does a good job of running with good vision, and he pairs this with his footwork, which allows him to change direction well at the line of scrimmage. With this, he also is underrated in the passing game, as he also does a good job receiving the ball out of the backfield, and taking off with his speed, gaining plenty of hard yards. In 2021, he will undoubtedly be a key piece to the Panther’s success.
Terrence Love- DB
Terrence Love is not only one of the best Safety’s in the state of Georgia, but he is also one of the top Safety’s for the 2023 class in general. This is evident due to his fluid movement skills and ability to cover ground effectively, with little wasted movement. His length, and frame are also ideal for his age, and he will likely be able to add positive size, which will help him in the future as he continues to play aggressively when stepping up to make tackles. Love also plays with a chip on his shoulder, as he delivers a good pop when he makes tackles. In coverage, he has good footwork, and also has the ball skills to make plays when the ball is in the air. He gets out of his breaks cleanly, which helps him position himself well to make plays on the ball, and break up passes. Expect him to continue to dominate next season, and to continue to develop as we all expect him to be able to.
Rodney Shelley- WR
Shelley, who plays in the slot, is a very shifty, and explosive player. To add to this, we think he may be one of the most talented players on the entire roster. Not only does he catch and run well, but he can get up and snatch the ball out of the air, proving that he tracks the ball well with his eyes and can catch with strong hands. He is also smooth when running routes, and does not display much wasted movement. Perhaps what makes him such a great player though is his ability to make plays after the catch, and to be able to pick up plenty of yards. His overall body control, and balance also contributes to this success as well. More times than not, he wins contested situations for the football, and turns it into a big gain. Next season, if he can continue to add weight to his frame, expect him to be able to use this to his advantage when running routes.
Robert Lockhart- WR
Lockhart is also a stud for the Panthers at the slot position due to his ability to win match-ups due to his speed. While he is a bit smaller than Shelley, his ability to be take the ball the distance is undeniable due to his explosive ability after the catch. His twitch, and burst after the catch often times results in 6 points, even if he has to change direction multiple times in one play. This is what causes him to be a nightmare for defenses when he catches the ball out of the backfield, or in space. Lockhart also has good balance, which allows to stay upright through initial contact. Perhaps the only thing that can hold him back at times is his overall size. Regardless, he proves to be a key player for his team and will likely have a big season in 2021. If he can improve in his overall route running ability and the angles in which he can make catches, he can see his game take a jump to the next level.