We want to begin this with KPGFootball watches a ton of film on many different prospects. We meet weekly to break down film of the players we choose to feature.
There is a lot of discussion around the table from people who know what they are seeing and can render fairly brilliant analysis. Ethan Mays’s highlights sparked just such a discussion.
First, Mays is 6-4 and weighs around 210-pounds and plays TE. His action was limited over the course of the ’21 season as he played in only 5-games. His highlights are linked below his picture above right.
The first thing we want you to notice is the athletic gait, smooth transitions, and the good speed exhibited in the highlights. He sells the down block before coming off and wading into open space, catches the football in his hands using his body and length to fend off defenders, and then bulls his way past the marker.
Secondly, notice how punishing of a blocker he is. He punches violently, makes steady connection, and runs his feet through the whistle depositing his mark on the turf.
He looked like a real weapon to us. This brought about the inevitable question, why didn’t he play more football? Was he injured or something?
Well, we called our resident Male High football scout. He told us, “The kid thought himself a basketball player until late in his high school career. Then he figured out 6-4 has more use on a gridiron than in the low-post or at power forward on the hardwood.”
Well, now that makes sense. It explains why we weren’t initially sure who this ’21 prospect was. It explains why he wasn’t routinely listed among Kentucky’s more prized football recruits.
Our Male scout wasn’t done. “This kid’s upside is just incredible. He has the hands and feet one would expect from a basketball standout. He has a huge head and broad shoulders. He has huge hands and feet. In other words, he is a very large frame kid who could put on 40-pounds and no one would notice the extra heft.”
A week or so ago, the big TE from Male High pledged to Centre College. By the time you are reading this, he will likely be signed, sealed, and on the way to being delivered.
There is a lesson to be learned here. First of all, kudos to Centre for recognizing this opportunity. That is why they have won eight (8) or more games six (6) of the last seven (7) seasons.
The other lesson is play everything. Don’t specialize in high school.
Programs are looking for athletes. Don’t be afraid to exhibit the ability to play multiple sports well.
Had this guy played multiple seasons of football at Male. There is no telling what this article might have said about him. As it is, who knows, this kid could have a tremendous career at Centre and end up a draft pick or NFL free agent.
The potential is there. The kid has tons of upside.
This is Coach HB Lyon, reporting for KPGFootball, and we’re JUST CALLING IT LIKE WE SEE IT!
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