Five Freshmen on the rise

Jake Lemming

September 14, 2021 @ 11:31 AM

This season is off and running & a strong group of freshmen from around Texas are already making a name for themselves. Today we looked at five in particular that have been standouts on the offensive side through the first three weeks of the season. Look for them to continue to progress as ballplayers as their season unfolds. <hr /> <em><strong>QB: Luke Carney, 6'1", 175, Dallas Christian</strong></em> Overall impressive vertical ball accuracy and timing. Carney shows a quick operation time and steady footwork inside the pocket. He's consistent on called sprint out passing concepts and will place the ball right on his wide receivers numbers. Luke can step up and run when the pocket collapses and create quality chunk plays with his legs. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15807077/6135802f9a913c0a68dea5ac" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <em><strong>WR: Cole Allen, 5'10", 180, St. Johns</strong></em> Through the first three games, Allen has already put together an impressive stat line of 466 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns. He's a terrific return man with plenty of vision and burst. Cole shows great contact balance with the ball in his hands and a nasty demeanor looking to deliver hits to defenders. His ability to see the cutback, stick his foot in the ground and accelerate is uncanny. I think it's still to be determined if he's a running back or slot receiver at the next level. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11781776/613ff948dfd88908b054ac3c" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <em><strong>QB: Kelden Ryan, 6'2", 185, Keller Central</strong></em> You're looking at a patient dual-threat quarterback prospect that will calmly work through his full progression. Ryan is a tough kid willing to sit in the pocket and take a shot from an unblocked defender. His ability to extend with his legs & keep plays alive with his eyes downfield is pretty special. Kelden is comfortable throwing off-platform and doesn't get rattled when under duress. I look forward to seeing his end-of-the-season tape and watching him uncork a few long balls downfield. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16139828/613419f9e97a2106104ebda6" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <em><strong>RB: Da'Shawn Burton, 5'8", 175, Needville</strong></em> On tape, Burton shows excellent change of direction and the ability to lower his shoulder to finish off runs. He keeps his feet churning on contact and is rarely brought down by the first defender. Despite his size, Burton is a physical back that can get it done as a pass protector and as a runner between the tackles. Da'Shawn is a true north and south runner with a knack for finding pay-dirt in the redzone. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16676642/613f93c55eec2c0b94be426f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   <em><strong>QB: Sawyer Anderson, 5'11", 160, Parish Episcopal</strong></em> Sawyer is so poised in the pocket and has some serious velocity behind his throws. He throws a tight spiral and features a quick release. He has the vertical ball touch of a polished veteran, placing the ball where only his target can get it. Despite his size, Anderson has the arm strength to challenge safeties over the top. He even add value as a runner on called quarterback runs.