Compiling the Register’s annual Hot 150 list of football players to watch was again a passion for me this summer, so much so, I’m not letting it go.
I’m going to keep this feature positive, so I’m going to shine the spotlight on “studs” — ranked players who are having great seasons — and “snubs” — or players exceededing my expectectaions who I ranked low on my list or perhaps not at all.
STUDS
No. 4 Jaylinn Hawkins, Buena Park, WR— Now, the Coyotes’ schedule has been weak — and might not get any more challenging this week with Coach Raul Lara’s Warren stepping into the box with a 23-game losing streak — but Hawkins looks Pac-12 worthy. He has 16 catches for 575 yards and a six TDs. He is tied for the county-lead in the TD catches (with Jake Favreau of Edison) and easily leads in yards. Hawkins took a big hit on a punt return vs. Orange but roared back and hasn’t slowed yet.
No. 39 Chase Parker, Corona del Mar, DE — The senior impressed last season and already has five sacks — tied for the county-lead with Daniel Bailey of JSerra — in two games. The Sea Kings’ stout defense faces a big challenge Friday against high-powered El Toro.
SNUBS
UR (unrated) Zach Taylor, Buena Park, QB — Again, be weary because of the weak schedule but the former St. John Bosco passer has blitzed Orange and Cal for 441 and 517 yards and nine TDs. Coach Anthony White talked positively about Taylor’s season outlook but the junior been off the charts with an average of 479 yards per game. The 10-game projection rivals 5,000 yards and Buena Park figures to contend for a postseason berth. Could Conner Manning’s single-season passing record be in trouble?
UR Draytwoine Shaw, Troy, RB –– I’ll admit it, Shaw wasn’t on my radar … at all. After rushing for 203 yards against Canyon, the junior came back to the pack last week but still had 87 more yards against El Rancho. Shaw and the Warriors will try to go 3-0 on Friday at Cal.
UR Jalen Cole, Mater Dei, CB — The word this summer was that the sophomore was going to be very good. After three picks, including two returned for TDs, last week against Villa Park, maybe I should have listened and found him a spot.
Send your studs, snubs to Dan Albano at dalbano@ocregister.com
