Impressed with:
Cyrus Dooley
Brandon, 2014, FB/LB
Fullbacks don’t carry the ball frequently. Instead, teams use their larger physiques as primary “lead blockers”. On most running plays, the fullback leads the halfback, attempting to block potential tacklers before they reach the ball carrier. However, Brandon’s fullback may change that. 2014 prospect, Cyrus Dooley is like a dump truck with bad brakes. Let me start by saying, I am not even sure he is the starter, but it doesn’t matter. I’m just telling you what I saw and why he is now on our radar.
Cyrus Dooley is an accident waiting to happen for any ensuing tackler. The “Brandon Bully” stands a shade under 6-0 (I’ll give him a legit 5’11) and a solid 230 pounds (give or take a few pounds). Note: When the fullback is called upon to carry the ball, the situation calls for gaining a short amount of yardage, and the fullback uses their bulk to avoid getting tackled. While I observed the Eagles practice yesterday, Dooley was carrying the 1st team defense for a chunk of yards at a time. After he finished playing taxi, taking defenders for rides, he would bust one for 40 yards. In Brandon’s defensive unit defense, they were still in the midst of recognizing and reacting to Freedom’s offensive plays, but Dooley was just a beast.
Fullbacks are technically running backs, but today the term “running back” is usually used in referring to the tailback. Although fullbacks are rarely used as ball carriers in traditional power football or spread offensive sets, I can see Dooley carrying the ball for the Eagles 8-10 times a game.
Brandon travels to New Tampa this Friday to battle Freedom. The Patriots are coming off their second loss, most recently 27-7 L to Plant City. Brandon will hit the road after a week of rest recouping from a 54-6 defeat to #1 ranked Armwood. Both teams need a spark to jump start their season. The Eagles need some momentum heading into 7A-8 district play. A wide open district that many would say Plant City and Newsome, pretty much have this in the bag. I tend to disagree. Durant has shown flashes, East Bay is not too shabby and Riverview is not out yet. Both Freedom and Brandon are searching for their first win. If