Plant vs. Alonso seems like a no brainer. One program has been a consistent district champion for years. The other struggles to make the playoffs. One program is a state contender year in and year out. The other still searching for that statement win. As the line is thick comparing Plant and Alonso, the line is much thinner comparing each of their stud 2016 prospects.
THE PASSER
Plant and Alonso are fortunate to each have one of the top passers in the class of 2016. Rex Culpepper just finished his first year starting for Plant. A promising junior varsity player, stepped in the shoes voided by Colby Brown. Chris Oladokun will enter his senior season as a 3 year starter for the Alonso Ravens. Took the reigns as a young pup and has not looked back.
WINS
In his first season as the starting QB, Rex Culpepper rattled off 10 straight wins after the first loss of the season. He was arguably the driving force of a progressive offense that loosened defenses up with the run behind a massive offensive line. At the end of the season Rex Culpepper and the Panthers were 11-2. A disappointing second round loss to Dr. Phillips.
Alonso is still looking to connect all the cargo to the engine. Chris Oladokun is the engine that can drive the big birds to the place where they would like to go and 2015 is their last chance with this engine. As a starter, Chris is 8-13 as the starting QB. He is the primary threat on the offense with an inconsistent running attack and a defense that has not had the consistency of a championship team.
BIG GAMES
Quarterbacks are scrutinized for their wins and performances in big games. Naturally, we like winners. We like QBs who win games. The reality is, at the high school level there is a big difference in overall talent level on a team. Let’s keep that in mind. Culpepper passed for 2,016 yards this season, 138/219 20 touchdown passes and 8 interceptions. In the biggest games of the season, Rex was good and sometimes great.
09/12 W 37-10 Gaither 12/19, 154 yards TDs
09/19 W 20-6 Bloomingdale 9/16, 156 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
10/10 W 54-6 Sickles 12/15, 189 yards, 1 TD
11/14 W 29-7 Boone (Playoffs) 19/28, 238, 2 TDs
11/21 L 10-24 Dr. Phillips (Playoffs) 8/16, 95 yards, 2 INTs
Without many of the weapons Culpepper had to his disposal, Oladokun was good. This season he was 120/258 for 1643, 9 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.
08/29 L 12-28 Jefferson 11/38, 185 yards 1TD
10/02 L 21-43 Bloomingdale 19/37, 287 yards, 2TD, 1INT
10/31 L 7-35 Plant 16/27, 205 yards, 1 INT
11/07 L 7-41 Sickles 18/31, 211 yards, 1 INT
When you look at the numbers, Oladokun’s are more attractive by total yards. However, his percentage is lower. When you look again, Culpepper’s attempts are lower, giving him a higher percentage. As a skelton of their 2014 seasons, Culpepper played in more big time games. One could make an argument saying Chris played slightly better in his big games because he was the big threat and offense depended on him more. Depends on the colors you wear to determine who wins this argument.
AS PROSPECTS AND PLAYERS
Rex Culpepper has a huge arm. Strapping young man with size and strength. Oladokun is a nifty pocket passer with agility and craftiness. Both QBs stand above the 6 foot mark; Rex around 6-3, Chris around 6-2. Rex looks like a pretty line backer. Built tough and rugged. Chris, slender and long.
Similarities: Both QBs possess really good pocket presence. They feel backside pressure and slide and move inside the tackles. Each have a great set up. Chris with quicker feet. Both have quiet drops and good body positioning. I love the ball handling from each QB. Good ball fakes to hold defensive box players. Both need to improve accuracy. They can throw long and short balls, but have shown to over shoot both passes also. For the most part, throw catchable balls without forcing it. Each leads their team in a different ways. Our understanding is Rex is one of the hardest workers on the team. First one in, last one out. Our understanding is, teammates gravitate to Chris and follow his lead. Both are very poised under pressure and motivate their teams differently.
Chris Has the advantage in…
Delivery: Oladokun has a much quicker release than Rex. Culpepper’s release resembles record setter, Heisman trophy winner and national championship quarterback Tim Tebow. Chris gets the ball out quick with less of a wind.
Running Ability: If you have seen Russell Wilson’s (Seattle Seahawks) magic in and out the pocket, you have seen Chris. He is a magician making something out of nothing. He can buy time with his feet and is a threat to run at any time.
Rex has the advantage…
Arm strength: The dude looks great. I have stated that 3 or 4 times now. His arm strength allows him to throw with great velocity, tossing tight spirals with zip on his deep intermediate passes.
Field vision: I think field vision should go as a tie. However, the time provided by the Plant offensive line allows for more opportunities for Culpepper to locate second and third receivers. Because he doesn’t get harassed, he can see the whole field and throw some beautiful passes.
CONCLUSION
There is no conclusion. We are just going to let this hang out there and allow the fun debate to circulate as the offseason grows. The fact is, we have two really good prospects and the comparison extends past this article. Who is better? You make the call.
