4 Players Who Need to Make a Spring Statement

Hunter Orem, Lake Gibson 2016 QB/ATH – Casey Whitaker departs the program due to graduation. The senior quarterback passed for 1500 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Whitaker was the offensive leader for a 9-2 playoff Lake Gibson team. Now the offense will likely be handed over to rising senior Hunter Orem. 6-2/190, Orem has experience at the quarterback position, but threw just one pass in 2014. He was a primary defensive player which we think he will likely play at the college level. Nice size kid that moves well and would be a prototype outside line backer. For now, Orem wants to prove that he can be a quality quarterback for a consistent program. He needs to prove that he has a big arm, good accuracy and field vision. The ball is in his court. The opportunity is there for Orem to solidify the number 1 position.

Antonio Nunn, Jefferson 2016 WR – Jefferson receivers caught 138 passes last season in 10 games. Of those 138 receptions, Nunn caught 6 passes. Is he ready to be “That Guy” this season? The top 2 receivers for the Dragons thats season will graduate at the end of the second semester. 5 receivers with more receptions than Nunn in 2014 were seniors. It’s lining up for the 5-11/180 athlete to be the top receiver for rising junior quarterback Cade Weldon. The relationship between Nunn and Weldon will improve over the offseason. The challenge is for Antonio to carry the mail. Be the stud receiver Jefferson is accustomed to having. The skill is there.

Josh Snead, Northside Christian 2016 RB – 85 carries and 583 yards last season as the #2 option for the Northside rushing attack. Could this season be the year he doubles the production? Leading rusher Fiante Bell was a senior. Places the responsibility of being the “Bread Winner” in the hands of Snead. 5-8/165, Snead is the average height and weight of area running backs. Tough runner between the tackles with speed to blast past defenders. Will he prove to college coaches that his skill can translate to the collegiate level? That will be the mission Snead will need to accomplish. The way to go about doing that, a big offseason leading into spring football.

Ryan Miller, Trinity Catholic (Ocala, FL) 2017 QB – Four players threw at least one pass last season for Trinity Catholic. Three of the four were seniors. The lone underclassmen was Ryan Miller who now sits in the driver’s seat to become the starting QB for Trinity Catholic this upcoming season. Miller tossed just 14 passes last season. He has plenty to prove to his coaching staff and to college coaches when May comes around. He is very inexperienced but has a few tools. He shows good footwork and movement in the pocket. He will improve his mechanics and his arm strength will improve also as the 6-3 passer matures.