Impactful Playmakers: Part 1
Included in this article is an under-rated safety in the panhandle with no offers, two quarterbacks who met in the state semifinals last season, and a defensive back in Center with some nice upside. FS Sylvester Ballard – 6’1″ 190…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIncluded in this article is an under-rated safety in the panhandle with no offers, two quarterbacks who met in the state semifinals last season, and a defensive back in Center with some nice upside.
FS Sylvester Ballard – 6’1″ 190 / Amarillo Palo Duro HS — @SylvesterBalla8
A ball-hawking free safety with unlimited range, Ballard is the most under-recruited DB in the state of Texas. Does a masterful job of reading quarterbacks and anticipating where the ball will be. An excellent kick returner, he’s a threat to take it to the house each and every time he fields one. I’m surprised he doesn’t have his first offer yet, but it will surely come as the 2022 season starts to unfold.
ATH Da’Nijahlon Gipson – 6’3″ 180 / Center HS
A multi-dimensional athlete who excels in the return game – 29 yards per – Gipson shows great instincts and hip flexibility as a safety. He is always making a play on the football and isn’t afraid to come downhill and deliver a big hit. The range is exceptional, making Gipson a great pickup for a smaller program looking to add a big-time playmaker to the back end of their defense.
Currently has no offers.
QB Desmond Woodson Jr – 6’1″ 185 / Marlin HS
Junior Stats: 3,636 yards and 38 touchdowns. 68% completion. 139.3 QB Rating.
A dynamic athlete who led the Bulldogs to the state semifinals a year ago, Woodson can sling it with the best of ’em. He gets the ball out quickly, is very accurate over the middle, and understands how to throw his receivers open. Woodson is too good of an athlete to not have on the field. Because of his size, he may find a college home as a DB. He’s a winner who knows what it takes to lead his team deep in the playoffs.
Attended Junior Day at a few FCS programs. No offers yet.
QB Rodey Hooper – 6’2″ 190 / Hawley HS
Junior Stats: 2,392 yards and 27 touchdowns. 61% completion
Hooper is a small town quarterback with a big-time arm. He’s accurate when rolling out of the pocket to his right, puts nice touch on deep throws, and will step up in the pocket when he needs to. Something that really stands out on tape is the fact that he doesn’t just take off running at the first sign of pressure. He keeps his eyes downfield and finds the open man, even if it’s a simple checkdown to a back or tight end.
Has recently competed at many of the camps across the state.
DE Dylan Ware – 6’7″ 225 / San Saba HS
Junior Stats: 56 tackles, 9 TFL, 8 QB hurries, 2 sacks
There isn’t a whole lot of film on Ware, just a few short game clips. He’s a long, lean playmaker at defensive end that took some gameday visits to a few schools last season. The stats from last season are quite impressive, and I believe he’ll find a college home with a smaller program that wants a high upside, high motor football player.