Santa Monica Football

Three Peat 

As the 2013 high school football season approaches I had a chance to interview one of Santa Monica’s captains William Taylor. Taylor is an electric player for the Vikings. He does not have one position that he plays so he is recognized as an ATH, athlete. He can return kicks, take handoffs in the backfield, catch passes out of the slot, and play defense. Taylor is entering his third year on varsity, which is valuable experience. I had a chance to interview him about this upcoming season, which is his senior year.

     The Samohi Vikings finished their season as the Ocean League champions for the second consecutive year, but suffered a heartbreaking loss in the second round of the playoffs to the Serra Cavaliers. Taylor talked about the loss saying, “It left a bitter taste in my mouth. It was the second straight year in a row where we went to the playoffs and ended up losing by a large margin. Being my senior year, now, I feel like there is something to prove.” His expectations for his team is to win every game, win league, and win a CIF championship. Taylor said, “The Next Step”, is the slogan for this season. I asked him which is the biggest game of the season and he said, “I’m looking forward to every game, but I’m looking forward to playing Valencia because its time to get a win against them for Coach Clark.” 

     Travis Clark, who is entering his fifth year, is the head coach for the Vikings. He helped bring pride and glory back to Samohi and I asked Taylor about playing for him. He said, “Coach Clark is amazing at what he does. I feel like I’m extremely blessed to be able to play and learn from him. I've learned how to play for him, what he expects, and I know how much he truly cares for everyone that's on his team. He can be a little hard on you at times, but it’s only out of love. He wants you to be the best and nothing less because that's what he expects. He's the best at what he does. I feel lucky being one of his guys and our relationship has grown over the years. He is way more than just a coach to me.”

     Finishing our interview, I asked what Taylor has learned playing football since his freshman year. He said, “Since freshman year I've learned how the game of football is actually supposed to be played. I’ve learned what it takes to win. I've learned how to be a teammate, and how to be more of a leader.” Also, he believes every player on his team is a player you have to watch out for.

      Taylor and the Vikings kick their season off on the road at Redondo Union High school September 6^th. Their first home game is September 20^th against Mater Dei High School. 

NCAA

NCAA Impact Players 

          A new season of college football is practically here and I must quote Lebron after his first championship, “Its about damn time”. Schools are wrapping up their training camps, grass is being cut, and classrooms are almost back in session. Each football team is filled with anxiousness and ready to play their first game. With that being said, let’s take a look at a couple of players who I believe will be pivotal to their team’s success. These players have the ability to have big years and take over games. Some of these players may not be nationally recognized, but opponents make sure they are accounted for when they are on the field.

 

1. Ed Reynolds, S

 

A key player to watch for in Stanford’s vaunted defense is senior safety Ed Reynolds. Reynolds benefits from playing with pass rushers Shayne Skov, Ben Gardner, and Trent Murphy. As a result, the safety was one of the top DBs in the country a year ago. He was tied for third in the nation with six interceptions and led the nation in interception yardage. Reynolds is always a threat to score anytime he picks it off; in fact, he made a huge interception in the Red Cardinal’s Pac-12 Championship win over the Bruins of UCLA. In addition, he is a solid tackler in the run game and in the open field. Reynolds does not get a lot of national attention because Stanford is not an ostentatious football team. However, opposing quarterbacks and receivers are aware of where number 29 is at all times. Reynolds is one of the top prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft and should be a finalist for the Jim Thorpe award.

 

2. Todd Gurley, RB

 









Todd Gurley had a freshman season that made you think of another Georgia running back, Herschel Walker. Gurley finished the year off with 1,385 yards and 17 touchdowns. He managed to remain out of the national spotlight because of Georgia’s hard-hitting defense. He finished the year off as a freshman All-American. Gurley is a big back with nifty footwork and a knack for finding the hole. He has enough speed to get in the open field and can take it the distance. Along with his body type, those running back qualities Gurley possesses’ remind scouts of Adrian Peterson. Gurley is poised to have another big year for the Bulldogs and it certainly helps that senior quarterback Aaron Murray stayed another year. This makes it hard to hard to load up the box on Gurley because of Murray’s throwing ability. As a defense it’s like picking your own poison.

 

3. Ka'Deem Carey, RB 

 








From freshman to sophomore year Ka’Deem Carey had the biggest leap a year ago.  As a freshman Carey ran for less than 500 yards, but as a sophomore he ran for 1,929 yards. Most running backs cannot even run for that yardage in two seasons never mind one. He led the nation in rushing and had 23 touchdowns as well. If Arizona won more games he might have been a Heisman and Doak Walker finalist. Carey was still a consensus All-American. He can do it all as a back: run, block, and catch. It will be interesting to see what kind of year he has following this spectacular season. Hard to imagine him repeating the success he had, but that is why they play the game. Barring injury, Carey will be considered a top prospect and a darkhorse in the Heisman race. 

 

4. Marcus Mariota, QB

 








It will be interesting to see how Oregon moves forward without “the wizard” Chip Kelly. Offensive coordinatior Mark Helfrich takes over as head coach as Oregon continues to make another run at BCS Bowl success. Marcus Mariota can propel the Ducks to newer heights with a year’s worth of experience under his belt. As a redshirt freshman, Mariota was very efficient under center completing 68% of his passes, throwing 32 touchdowns, and just six picks. He was lethal on the perimeter as he ran for 792 yards. In the Fiesta Bowl against Kansas State he was the Ducks MVP. Mariota is a pass first quarterback and he likes to get rid of the ball quickly. He will be expected to make big plays this year as the Ducks look to play in the championship game. Mariota has some NFL buzz around him because of the success dual-threat quarterbacks are having in the league. Scouts would love to see another productive season before they can predict his draft status.

 

5. Sammy Watkins, WR

 After a phenomenal freshman season, Sammy Watkins struggled to continue his success as a sophomore. Watkins was a pre-season All-American, but never lived up to those expectations. He never found his groove because he had a suspension early in the year; in addition, he had a nagging leg injury throughout the season. Watkins finished with just 708 yards and four total touchdowns. He will be Clemson’s most featured player on offense now that fellow receiver DeAndre Hopkins is in the NFL. Watkins is a player you find different ways to get the ball to because of his big play ability. The Tigers like to line him up at receiver and sporadically hand him the ball at running back. He is a smooth route runner and has the ability to go over the top of defenders. Clemson should be ready for another big year as senior quarterback Tajh Boyd returns. Boyd and Watkins’ camaraderie will be vital to the Tigers success this season.

NFL Article

Breakout Players Predictions

1. Nick Perry 

 

 

 

 Nick Perry was the Green Bay Packers top pick in the 2012 draft. The Packers felt that they desperately needed another pass rusher to relieve the pressure off Pro-Bowler Clay Matthews. Perry is 6’3 265lbs that is the prototypical body type for a 3-4 outside linebacker. He was set to have a good rookie campaign until a wrist injury cost him the season. Perry played in five games in a pass rusher’s role generating two sacks until he sustained the injury against the Houston Texans. With the 2013 season approaching Perry remains optimistic about the season and believes he is ready to make a big impact for the Packers. Matthews has said that he wants one of the younger defenders to rise to the occasion and become a “playmaker”. Perry certainly has the physical tools and the talent to become just that. If he can live up to those expectations, the Packers defense will reach newer heights.

 

2. Ryan Tannehill

 

 

In my opinion, Ryan Tannehill justified the Miami Dolphins decision to draft him so early in the draft. He has to work on his ball security and decision-making; he had 18 turnovers. On the contrary Tannehill did his best with the limited weapons he was given as the Dolphins QB. His best receiver was Brian Hartline. I know your thinking who? But, heading into this season Tannehill has a bevy of new pass catchers like: downfield threat Mike Wallace, Dustin Keller, Brandon Gibson, and a rookie with potential Chad Bumphis. These receivers should help increase him have more than 12 touchdowns. In addition, Tannehill is in a system he is already been in for three years now. Also, people forget this is only his FOURTH year playing quarterback; he was a former wide receiver. There are high expectations within the Dolphins organization, but the Dolphins season will only be successful if Tannehill improves.

 

3. Chandler Jones

 

 

 

 Chandler Jones started his rookie campaign at a high level causing fumbles, generating sacks, and forcing safeties. Then, Jones was a non-factor late in the season. The rookie out of Syracuse suffered an ankle injury and was not able to wreak havoc in the backfield for the rest of the season.  Nevertheless, Jones had a good season generating six sacks, three forced fumbles, and four safeties. He has the potential to be one of the best pass rushers in the game when he is on the field. Jones has been determined to be a better leader and be the lead defensive end for the New England Patriots. He has been focused on his upper body strength heading into training camp; looking to maintain his quickness as well. If Jones can stay healthy, New England will have a fearsome front eight.

 

4. Rod Streater

 

 

 

 

Rod Streater had a good rookie year for an undrafted rookie. Streater might have benefited from playing under a rookie head coach, Dennis Allen. Anytime there is a new coach that coach will take the time to evaluate everyone on his roster. Streater must of impressed Allen enough to make him a starter. He did not have many big games during his first year, but he was constantly thrown to. Streater ended up with 39 catches, 584 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 15.0 yards per catch average. The YPC average indicates he was a big play threat and he was because Carson Palmer loved throwing the ball downfield. With a year’s worth of experience Streater is expected to have a big year. He is the Oakland Raiders top wideout and should display some confidence given that he is no longer a rookie. Streater has the ability to get downfield and make big catches over defenders. When in the red zone, he will likely be thrown the ball given that he is 6’3.

 

5. Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick might surprise a few people with his name being on this list, but he only played 10 games as a starter. As a 49ers fan, you have got to be excited to watch him play. Kaepernick can throw the ball with tremendous accuracy and can run the ball for a huge gain. People in the organization say he has a tremendous work ethic working before and after practice. Kaepernick played a little reckless behind the center at times, but he never took any big hits like RG3. With a full season ahead of him, we will see if he can maintain his high level of play throughout a 16-game schedule. The Niners are the perennial Super Bowl favorites once again. I am sure they are still bitter about the way last season ended against the Ravens in the big game. Kaepernick must stay healthy and stay consistent in order for San Francisco to bring home a sixth Lombardi trophy in this upcoming season.