Woody's World: Week 1 of HSFB in Alabama
High school football is officially back, with Week 1 kicking off in Alabama over the weekend. Rivals.com's Woody Wommack was on hand for two games and gives his news, notes and other thoughts from the trip.
RELATED: Simmons' tour of Alabama
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CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
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THE HEADLINERS
Bell is one of the most unique prospects in the 2021 class. A two-sport star who has an accomplished basketball resume as well, Bell has elite size and length. He projects to defense at the next level, with Tennessee likely to use him along the defensive line, but on Friday he didn't play a single snap on defense.
Instead, he lined up at tight end, where he had several catches. The most impressive part of his game though was a few big blocks on the perimeter. The big hits show what Bell could be capable of as a defender at the next level, and he figures to be even more imposing when he adds more weight to his frame.
It was a night to forget for the Vanderbilt commit as he struggled to make much of an impact in the game and was seen limping afterward. Bence will likely play inside at the next level but lined up at a defensive end for Huntsville, but even when he was able to get into the backfield he didn't end up making the plays that presented themselves. Perhaps it was the injury, but in a game where he was one of the most notable prospects, Bence was a non-factor.
West committed to Florida State at the beginning of the summer, after he hauled in more than 20 offers during the spring. On Thursday night, he did most of his damage as a blocker, at least while going against Spain Park's starters. West is a willing and capable blocker and he did a great job finishing them off, often pushing defenders to the second level. After the game was out of hand, he made several catches and showed soft hands. Based on his frame, he looks like he could end up being more of an H-Back type at the next level.
THE UNDERCLASSMEN
Crutcher wasn't on my list of players to watch going into the game but he impressed, scoring two touchdowns in a losing effort. Crutcher has good speed and vision and he's tough to bring down and he fought for every yards on more than a few of his carries. It's tough to project how things might play out in his recruitment over the next few years, but he's a name to file away.
A three-sport star who is currently committed to Tennessee to play baseball, Lawless was Huntsville's backup quarterback. But after falling behind, Lawless got his shot to run the offense and made some pretty impressive throws, albeit against Spain Park's backups. He had a nice connection with West and while he misfired on some throws, it's clear the arm talent is there. It wouldn't be surprising to see him become Huntsville's full-time starter by the end of the year, and potentially grab the attention of college coaches while doing so.
It was a breakout performance for Meredith, the 2022 three-star who holds an early offer from Troy. Meredith was dealing all night, throwing for more than 300 yards and a three touchdowns. He looked comfortable in the pocket and also threw well on the run and he really only made one bad decision the entire night. Based on his performance, it's hard to believe that Meredith doesn't have more offers. If he continues to play like he did in Week 1, schools will surely take notice.
Moss played both ways for Albertville on Friday night and he made plays on both sides of the ball. He made a key pass breakup in the end zone while playing defensive back and also showed his playmaking ability with the ball in his hands on as a wide receiver. Moss needs to add more weight to become a legit prospect, but he showed some nice flashes in the game.
Pegues had a big night for Spain Park, accounting for more than 100 yards of offense and showing an ability to catch passes out of the backfield as well. Pegues has already started to get interest from schools like Liberty, and given his speed and skill set he should continue to see his interest increase.
Ward probably belongs in the headliner portion of this article after his impressive showing in Spain Park's blowout win over Huntsville. He wasted no time making his presence felt, scoring on a deep touchdown pass from Meredith in the first quarter. It was just the start of a huge night, with Ward making several impressive plays and rolling up some big numbers. With good size and playmaking ability it's not surprising Ward already has offers from Georgia Tech, Florida State and Virginia Tech. Ward and Meredith are likely to put up some huge numbers this season.
THE SLEEPERS
Craig didn't have a Rivals.com profile going into the game but after impressing while playing both ways, he finds himself in the sleeper section. Craig was flying around on defense and was one of the few players who flashed on Huntsville's defense on a night when they struggled. He has pretty good size and athleticism and it's really surprising he's still waiting on his first offer. Georgia State has shown some interest and he looks like an FBS player.
Jordan played both ways on Friday night, lining up at running back and defensive back. He made several plays on both sides of the ball, including some big hits on defense. With the ball skills he displayed on offense and the ability to cover ground on defense, Jordan will make a school happy at the next level. Jordan has few FCS offers to his name already and some FBS interest from schools like Troy. It will be worth watching to see which programs might jump into the mix late.