Players flying under the radar in OKC
As high school football season kicks off this week, numerous players will break out and make a name for themselves while others will pick up where they left off last year.
Many players may be well known across their district or even the state but aren’t getting much recognition outside of that. Some may be diamonds in the rough for colleges looking for an underrated star to put them over the top.
Here’s a look at some of the top underrated players across the Oklahoma City area.
Buddy Bizzell, RB/LB, Carl Albert: The top returning player on Carl Albert’s five-time defending Class 5A championship team, Bizzell is a force on both sides of the ball. He’s quick enough to blaze past defenders and score touchdowns while being tough enough to bulldoze others. On defense, his strength is easily seen at linebacker.
Gavin Freeman, WR/DB, Heritage Hall: A member of The Oklahoman’s 108th All-State football first team at
wide receiver, the senior is electric and is the best player on the field nearly every time he steps on it. Size is Freeman’s knock, but his film doesn’t lie.
Ben Harman, QB, Cashion: All Harman does is win. In his two seasons as a starter, he is 29-1 and led the Wildcats to the Class A state title last fall. Harman, a senior, has improved each season, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him lead Cashion to another deep run yet again.
Casmen Hill, RB, Chandler: Hill rushed for 2,310 yards and 26 touchdowns last season but he continues to fly under the radar in recruiting. The 5
11, 180-pounder was named to The Oklahoman's Little All-City first team last year.
Lebron Jones, RB/LB, Edmond North: A big piece to the Huskies working to turn around the program is Jones. He's powerful and impactful on both sides of the ball. He's one of Edmond North's senior defensive leaders and will be pivotal to their success.
Tryce Lewis, OL, McLoud: At 6foot-3, 295 pounds, Lewis has the size of a Division-I offensive lineman. The junior has been an anchor on McLoud's offensive front in recent seasons and a key piece to their emergence as a playoff contender.
Collin Matteson, WR/DB, Oklahoma Christian School: A breakout star last season, Matteson, a senior, impacts the game on both sides of the ball. Although teams will focus more on him this fall, expect Matteson to continue making game-changing plays.
Tias McClarty, QB, Norman: He's a freak athlete. McClarty has breakaway speed and can instantly change games with long runs. He's also a star in track and field. He placed fourth in the long jump at this year's Class 6A state track meet.
Boyce McIntosh, QB, Community Christian: The dual-threat quarterback threw for 2,600 yards and 25 touchdowns while running for 945 yards and 16 touchdowns yet only has one Division-I offer.
Chapman McKown, RB, Norman North: The quick and shifty McKown split time with then-senior Gabe Trevillison last year and had a big sophomore season. He'll likely have an expanded role as one of the Timberwolves' main offensive weapons.
Noah Peters, QB, Southmoore: The speedy senior can make plays with his arm and legs and will be a huge key to Southmoore having a successful season. His ability to use his legs makes him a constant threat.