One underrated player from each 5A region to watch in 2017

With over 1,400 high schools in the great state of Texas that play football in some form or fashion, there’s no way that every deserving player can be recognized properly with all-state honors or a scholarship to play at the next level. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some under-the-radar guys who could make a big impact in the 2017 season. Previously: Class 6ARegion I: Qua Gray, QB Lubbock Coronado It’s hard to imagine that a guy who threw for 4,192 yards and 53 touchdowns is overlooked, but such is life when you play at the 6A or 5A level outside of the metro areas. Needless to say, Lubbock Coronado’s sensational signal-caller and the rest of his team have a chip on their shoulder heading into 2017 as the Mustangs — fresh off a run to the third round last year — feel like they have the weapons to emerge as a serious contender in Region I. Gray runs the Coronado up-tempo attack to perfection and he combines his quick thinking with a quick release and pinpoint accuracy. Region II: Grant Johnson, RB Mansfield Legacy Johnson sacrificed for the team a year ago and moved to a new position (linebacker). He flourished, leading the Broncos in tackles for loss and helping them to their best season in school history. When he saw time at his natural position (running back), he made the most of it, averaging 10 yards per carry. He moves back to RB full-time as a senior and head coach Chris Melson thinks he has the talent and ability to be the best the school has ever produced. That’s high praise considering he’s replacing a Division I running back in Kameron Session, but Coach Melson doesn’t throw high praise out often and when he does, you can bet he means it. And don’t be surprised if in a pinch, Johnson sees some time back on defense as he’s the ultimate team guy and will do whatever is needed to help the Broncos win. Region III: Chase Griffin, QB Hutto With powerful Cedar Park and star QB Mak Sexton sitting in District 19-5A, it’s easy to overlook maybe the most dynamic passer in the Austin area in Chase Griffin. The Hippos signal caller has head coach Steve Van Meter’s spread offense down to a science after throwing for over 3,000 yards and 32 touchdowns as a junior. He combines a great mind for the game with the ability to make all the throws, and even though he’s not a burner, he moves well within the framework of the pocket and can throw it with accuracy on the move. Expect the Hippos to once again be a playoff contender behind a powerful offense as Griffin could put up some monster numbers in 2017. Region IV: Ervin Hawkins, DB Angleton With all the attention in Angleton centered on five-star recruit and Texas commit BJ Foster, it’s still hard to believe a talent like Hawkins can go under the radar. The DB did it all for the Wildcats a year ago, bucking the stereotype of a “soft” corner as he had 82 tackles to go along with three interceptions.  The speedster — who sizes up around 5’10, 175 pounds — is also one of the state’s most dynamic kick returners, as well. He took three punts back for touchdowns a year ago, meaning teams may decide to kick away from him in 2017. His presence on the field alone is worth valuable yards of field position. Coach Ryan Roark’s run-based offense may decide to utilize the versatile playmaker on that side of the ball as well, especially if teams sell out to slow down Foster, who is returning from an injury that sideline him for most of 2016.

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