Here’s my weekly review of The Register’s annual Hot 150 list of football players to watch this season.
The “studs” are ranked players who are having great seasons and the “snubs” are players exceeding my expectations or who I ranked too low on my list or perhaps not at all.
I’m keeping this positive, so these are my only two categories.
STUDS
No. 59 Riley Whimpey, San Clemente, LB — This senior (6-2, 210) has helped stabilize the Tritons’ defense, which enters tonight’s clash with Newport Harbor allowing an average of 21 points per game. He also has attracted recruiting interest from Utah, Boise State and San Diego State among others.
No. 67 Jake Watkins, Valencia, WR/DB — Watkins made his case with two spectacular touchdown catches last week against rival El Dorado and also added six tackles and interception.
SNUBS
NR (not rated) Osiris St. Brown, Servite, WR — The sophomore brother of Equanimeous St. Brown entered the season with a Pac-12 offer and the confidence of his coach. Still, it was difficult to project how much the younger St. Brown would flourish when the Friars returned some other key weapons, including his senior brother. But the younger St. Brown has proven he is one of the top up-and-coming players in the county, highlighting his early campaign with a spectacular leap-frog over an Edison defender last week. He is tied with another receiver to keep an eye on, Terrell Bynum, for second on the team with 10 receptions entering Saturday’s clash with De La Salle.
No. 86. Matt Gane, Edison, QB — Gane’s play last week against Servite suggested perhaps he should have been ranked higher. He already has thrown for 561 yards and seven TDs (one interception) but faces his toughest challenge tonight in Mater Dei. Gane’s running ability could serve him well. He has also rushed for 4 TDs.
