Under the Hood: McLain Titans
We take another look at Tulsa Public Schools but this time at McLain High School under the direction of Coach Willie Ponder. We like to take a look in depth at TPS schools to learn more about their program and…
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Continue ReadingWe take another look at Tulsa Public Schools but this time at McLain High School under the direction of Coach Willie Ponder. We like to take a look in depth at TPS schools to learn more about their program and look at some prospects that you need to keep an eye out for. Below, you will find 5 players from the Titans that you can watch for on this upcoming football season.
Micah Simmons – 2024 Athlete
The first Titan that we will take a look at is Simmons which can play safety, cornerback, and wide receiver out of the class of 2024. Simmons is a good-looking prospect with decent size that can make some big-time plays. He doesn’t shy away from going up and grabbing the ball out of the air. He does a good job of attacking the ball carrier and getting downhill without hesitation. He looks fluid when he has the ball in his hands and is a playmaker for the Titans in all facets of the game.
Jordan Roberson – 2025
Roberson will pass the eye test when you first take a look at him. This young offensive lineman took every snap this past football season at guard or tackle. Roberson has taken advantage of the weight room this offseason and you will be able to tell a huge difference in his explosiveness. He has shown coaches that he can take more responsibility in the run/pass game with a year under his belt and more confidence in being in the weight room. Roberson showed some flashes of being a good young prospect last season. He went through the grind of a full football season this past year, but most importantly, learned how to handle the learning curve. With another year under his belt, we look for Roberson to emerge in his sophomore season with the Titans.
Dennis Nolan – 2024
Nolan was a good athlete to be able to watch on film. He comes out of the 2024 class and can play multiple positions for the Titans. At running back, he has a nice glide to him in between the tackles and hits the crease. He shows he has good vision and can get to the second level quickly. Nolan also can play some wide receiver where he does well out in open space. He caught some short routes and turned them into big gains. Not only does he do well with the ball in his hands, he shows that he can block well too. On the defensive side of the ball, he plays outside linebacker. He does well with not over running plays and keeping everything to his inside leverage. This is another Titan to keep an eye out for as the season nears.
Erin Smith – 2023
It was good to see Smith’s highlight tape for the Titans as he plays defensive end, defensive tackle, and on the offensive line. The only 2023 athlete mentioned in this article, is Smith, who is active on the defensive side of the ball where he runs down the line of scrimmage on most plays away. Smith shows some explosion coming off the ball and getting in the backfield quickly. He plays better when he has his hand down in the ground coming off the ball. Smith uses his hands to gain separation from his lineman and doesn’t hesitate to stay on blocks or be allowed to be blocked. He likes to finish his blocks on the offensive side of the ball and can move around in space getting up to the second level. Smith is an intriguing 2023 prospect for the Titans and we look forward in him having a great senior year.
Taizhan Harvey – 2024
The last Titan that we are going to take a look at is Harvey who is another 2024 athlete. Harvey comes to McLain from Crossover Prep and he had to sit out all of last season. He comes into the 2022 season ready to compete for the running back position this season. His head coach, Willie Ponder, stated he is an explosive kid and is hungry to see the field. This offseason, Harvey has been working extremely hard to prepare for the upcoming football season. Harvey had a good spring ball and looks to be a complete running back who can tote the rock and catch the ball out of the backfield. I am ready to watch this 2024 running back in action in the next few weeks for the All City preview TPS holds each year.