Prospect watch: Five players to keep an eye on the 2016 playoffs

K’Lavon ChaissonDE, North Shore6-4, 220 Chaisson’s rise as a top-flight defensive end prospect began in last year’s state playoffs. He put an exclamation point on it with an MVP performance in a state title victory. An athletic defensive end with an ideal frame, Chaisson’s first step is lightning quick and his balance allows him to adjust to the run or the pass. He can play standing out as an edge rusher, drop into zone or play traditional defensive end. He’s at his best when he’s allowed to rush the passer, but he’s improving at the point of attack. His quickness gives interior linemen fits when he lines up inside on passing situations or is used in stunts from the outside. Dadrian Taylor RB, Shiner 5-11, 170 Taylor is a big play waiting to happen. He’s overlooked in a lot of circles because he plays in Class 2A, but he’s one of the better athletes in the state. Taylor needs to add muscle and strength to handle bigger defenders in college, but he runs with more power than his 170-pound frame suggests. Taylor’s main attribute is his explosiveness. He is a blur in space, rarely losing an open field battle against high school competition. He can also catch out of the backfield, which could get him on the field early in college on third down. His quickness is elite and it wouldn’t be surprising to watch him return kicks or punts. Cam RoaneQB, Colleyville Heritage6-2, 196 Roane put up video game numbers as a junior and a senior. He achieves an elite level of efficiency with accuracy and quick decision making. Roane knows where to throw the football, and maybe more importantly, he knows when to throw the football. His arm strength won’t wow scouts at camp, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of making all of the throws. Roane understands that the best way to pick up yards is to get the ball out quickly to his playmakers. That also doesn’t mean he can’t tuck it and pick up a first down if everyone is covered. Sam CrawfordWR, Rockwall6-1, 193 Crawford is already responsible for 17 touchdowns and more than 1,400 yards of offense as a senior. He has 60 catches for 1,165 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging nearly 20 yards a catch with a long of 78. Crawford can stretch the field vertically and take a short route to the house if he gets the space after a catch. He’s quick in the open field and shows a long-stride in the open field. Crawford understands body position and how to high-point a football down the field. His hands are consistent and he’s a solid route runner for a prep receiver. Ondario Robinson DE, Hutto6-5, 238 Robinson is one of the best players in the Austin area. A big defensive end with an outside of chance of permanently moving inside in college, Robinson overwhelms most high school competition at the point of attack. He keeps leverage with long arms and overpowering strength. He’s quick as a pass rusher, gaining the edge with quickness or strength. He’s also a finisher. He rarely misses tackles and quarterbacks rarely escape. His size and athleticism give him an opportunity to play defensive end as a 270-pound five- or seven-technique.