One underrated player to watch in each 2A region this season

[caption id="attachment_24393" align="alignright" width="207"]Shiner's Dadrian Taylor (Photo by J.D. Bryant) Shiner's Dadrian Taylor (Photo by J.D. Bryant)[/caption] A few special players will float under the radar with 1,400+ high schools in Texas playing football. This is true at the biggest and smallest classifications around the state. In this series, we take a look at a player in each region of each classification who deserves a little more attention. Previously:Class 6A / Class 5A / Class 4A / Class 3AClass 2ARegion I – Jaxson Durham For the first time in years, Region I in Class 2A Division I is up in the air. Canadian moved up a classification, leaving programs like New Deal to compete for a regional title and a chance at a state championship berth. Quarterback Jaxson Durham is New Deal’s hope to claim a district and regional championship. He passed for 2,077 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2015. New Deal sports a strong offensive line and a few weapons for Durham to find in the passing game. The 6-foot-1 quarterback can also hurt defenses with his legs. Region II – Daryel Lozoya Iraan is home of the best offensive line in Class 2A Division II and the main benefactor is running back Daryel Lozoya. The all-state ball carrier finished 2015 with 1,720 yards and 20 touchdowns. His path will be cleared by all-state candidates Wyatt Banner and Shelion Rodriguez. Iraan lost just once in 2015 and returns a large sum of the team, especially on offense. Quarterback Clayton Kent also returns. Lozoya could reach 2,000 yards as a senior. His team is one of the favorites to win Region II. Region III – Mikkah Hackett The term iron-man football is used loosely these days. Do-it-all athlete Mikkah Hackett from Alto defines the term in modern football. Hackett recorded 78 tackles, 11 sacks, four interceptions, 18 catches, 380 yards and five touchdowns as a junior. He’ll likely end the season as the district’s defensive MVP, but his ability to move the chains and score on any touch adds another dimension to the Alto offense. With three all-state selections gone from last year’s team, Hackett’s role on offense will almost certainly increase. Region IV – Dadrian Taylor One of the most exciting players in the state performs in Shiner. Already a UTSA commit, running back Dadrian Taylor is electric with the ball in his hands. As a junior, Taylor rushed for 1,702 yards and 32 touchdowns. He can also catch out of the backfield and is the primary returner for Shiner in the punt and kick game. Slender at 165 pounds, some college recruiters feel his best position is eventually as a slot receiver or a cornerback. He’s a borderline three-star athlete with speed to burn.

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