2022 Statewide Players To Watch – Week 1
Welcome to the 2022 edition of Statewide Players To Watch! Over the next several weeks, we’ll be taking a look at players you should keep your eye on as we head into the upcoming 2022 season in August. This week,…
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Continue ReadingWelcome to the 2022 edition of Statewide Players To Watch!
Over the next several weeks, we’ll be taking a look at players you should keep your eye on as we head into the upcoming 2022 season in August. This week, we’re taking a look at a dynamic quarterback who can make plays with his arm and legs, a patient running back who can excel on the other side of the ball and two defensive backs who make life for the quarterback difficult. Let’s dive in!
2024 Blackville-Hilda QB Mckenzie Atterberry (pictured above)
Twitter: @MickenzieJr
Analysis – Although he’s a young player, Atterberry has impressive pocket presence and footwork to be able to step into his throws. The spiral on his deep balls is long as he is able to be accurate to where only his receiver can catch it. He is athletic and can make plays on the zone read, especially when he turns the corner and finds a lane.
. 2023 Camden RB/OLB Aiiji Gray – Twitter: @aiiji_lit
Analysis – Gray is a patient running back who shows off his speed and power once he gets out into the open field, as we saw from the first play on his film. At the outside linebacker spot, Gray is instinctive and can anticipate where the quarterback is going to go with the ball. He doesn’t wait around to react to a live ball, either.
2023 Carolina DB Javius Burton – Twitter: @TheJaviusBurton
Analysis – Burton is an effective run stopper who can come up in the open field and make tackles. He can also stay stride for stride with his receivers and while he may not pick it off, it was rare to see the ball be completed when we were watching his film.
2024 Clinton DB Zaravion Johnson – Twitter: @ZaravionJ
Analysis – Good luck trying to complete passes when Johnson is defending you one-on-one. This is where he excels as he has great extension and length to jump high in the air and pick balls off. He doesn’t have to play press coverage because his technique is excellent. He also hustles to the ball, like we saw on his film where he ran down a runner that was headed for the end zone.