Upcoming seniors to keep your eye on in the SMAC
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Overview: As senior year approaches for the class of 2022, we take a look into some potential standouts looking to make a good last impression on college coaches! OLB: Chad Connolly Chad Connolly 6'1" | 180 lbs | LB Hunningtown…
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Continue ReadingOverview: As senior year approaches for the class of 2022, we take a look into some potential standouts looking to make a good last impression on college coaches!
OLB: Chad Connolly Chad Connolly 6'1" | 180 lbs | LB Hunningtown | 2022 MD , 6’2″, 215, Huntingtown High School
Chad is a physical downhill outside linebacker who displays some coverage skill and sideline-to-sideline burst! Chad seems most at home inside the box playing against the run, where he uses a sound technique to physically stun an oncoming offensive lineman who he then sheds to make the tackle. Chad has also shown bursts of speed in the run game that help him get to the other end of the field, allowing him to fill a somewhat “sideline-to-sideline” role for the Hurricanes! He has also displayed his quick first step as a Blitzer, which he uses to quickly shoot gaps and make plays in the backfield. In coverage, Chad does a nice job of recognizing whether it is run or pass and playing in the middle of the field. He has displayed the speed to stay on the hip of running backs and tight ends, resulting in pass breakups and effectively removing the Quarterback’s bail-out targets. Chad showed off tons of potential in his junior season for the Hurricanes. I believe that after another strong offseason, Chad can step out as one of the SMAC’s elite linebackers.
RB: Michael Craig Michael Craig 5'8" | 170 lbs | RB North Point | 2022 MD , 5’8″, 180, North Point High School
Michael is a running back who displays both explosive speed, twitchiness, and strength. When last seen on the field, Michael displayed tremendous speed and twitchiness, which led to explosive plays in the run game. He was able to be effective in running in-between the tackles, where he used his explosiveness and strength to hit holes and burst through them running through attempted arm tackles. He also showed his speed on the edge, consistently getting the corner on outside run plays. While Northpoint Highschool sat out of the SMAC’s spring season, Michael hit the field as a member of a 7-on-7 team where he was able to really show off his hands and catch radius. I’m excited to see him add that factor to his game when he’s back in pads for the eagles this coming fall. I believe the next time we see Michael, he’ll be making a name for himself as the Northpoint Eagles look to re-establish themselves as one of the SMAC’s best!
Linemen: Devin Winder, 6’4″, 260, Great Mills High School
Devin is an athletic lineman for the Great Mills Hornets on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. When you turn on his film, his high effort play is evident from the start. As a defender, he has shown the speed and strength to line up as both a defensive end and interior 3 technique. He pairs good hand usage, body control, and explosiveness with his high energy play style to consistently beat the block off of the line of scrimmage in both the run and pass game, consistently making his presence felt in the offensive backfield. Devin brings the same energy as an offensive lineman on defense, showing quick feet and an obvious mean streak. As a pass protector, he does a good job of keeping his feet active and putting his hands on the defender, stopping their initial rush. Devin wants to finish his opponents in the run game, never stopping his feet until they are on the ground or out of the play. His speed also allows him to quickly get to backers on zone plays and as a puller. I believe Devin has the potential to play both positions at the next level and is one of the best linemen in the conference going into the next SMAC season!