By: Daniel Gunn (@DanielGunn)
What a ride Season 18 has been! First off, I want to congratulate the Kentucky Wildcats and the Miami Hurricanes. Both programs were considered National Championship contenders at the beginning of the season but had to overcome some ups and downs to get here. Let’s take a deep dive into some of the players that helped these schools reach the title game and how they might impact the outcome of the game.
Charlie Sammons, QB, Kentucky
“Sammons is on an unprecedented run in the playoffs, and honestly an unprecedented run since the playbook change. 30 passing touchdowns with only 3 interceptions. He has been a calming presence for our team and he has played like a championship QB.” – Syrok, Kentucky AD
Sammons did not disappoint in his junior year at his new school. Having to take over a role for a legend is never an easy thing to do but Sammons stepped up to the challenge and excelled. Coming into the Championship game, Charlie boasts the second-highest completion percentage and is the only quarterback in the CFSL to have 30+ passing touchdowns and single-digit interceptions.
Not only can he pick defenses apart with his arm, but he is also a threat in the running game with the third most rushing touchdowns by a P2 QB. Look for Charlie Sammons to have a huge impact on this National Championship matchup. If he can keep his calm and cool demeanor throughout the game, like he did all season, this Wildcat offense will be tough to stop.
Miami’s Defensive Line
“The defensive line is the foundation of the defense! Applying constant pressure and forcing movement in the pocket is going to be key for us! Gates, Winston, and White have to be on the top of their game for all 4 quarters!” – JGates, Miami AD
I know this is not an individual player, but how do you choose which line(wo)man will have the biggest impact for the Hurricanes in the Natty? Jay Gates, Laci White, and Daniel Winston arguably make up the greatest defensive line the CFSL has ever seen. Between the three of them, they have racked up 156 tackles, 89 tackles for loss, 51 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. The most impressive of these stats is their 51 sacks which would rank third in the CFSL for total team sacks.
But wait…. there’s more! These 3 players are the anchors for this Miami defense in the running game. The Hurricane’s impressive 12.3 rushing yards given up per game has a lot to do with their trio in the trenches and their ability to shed blockers and hit the runner in the backfield. Miami’s defensive line will have to be in top form in this game for the Hurricanes to take home the National Championship.
Rick Koon, CB, Kentucky
“Rick Koon is a leader by example, he has been at every secondary position and every return position. He is the true meaning of Impact Player.” – Syrok, AD Kentucky
Junior Rick Koon is the definition of a do-it-all cornerback. He can lock down any receiver that he lines up with and can square up against any running back that dares to take him on. Koon leads all cornerbacks in the CFSL in tackles with 72 and is the CFSL leader in interceptions with 8. As good as Rick’s hands are, even he can’t intercept every ball thrown his way but that’s okay, Koon is tied for 11th in the league with 9 pass deflections.
Rick is one of those once-in-a-lifetime players at the cornerback position and he will have to be at the top of his game against the likes of JaMarr Carr and Tyson Steele. Look for him to rise to the challenge and make life tough for Miami’s passing game.
JaMarr Carr, WR, Miami
“JaMarr Carr is one to watch out for. He plays lights out in big games throughout his career. I expect that to continue on Monday.” – JGates, Miami AD
It’s no coincidence that JaMarr Carr finds himself playing in another National Championship. Coming into this championship game at 225 lbs., Carr is a force to be reckoned with and is a huge challenge for any cornerback to stop. Carr is sitting just outside the top 20 in receiving yards per game, mainly due to having to share the workload with two other elite wide receivers. He is touting an impressive 17.5 yards per reception which is tied for fourth amongst receivers with 60+ receptions.
Not only is Carr a fantastic pass catcher on all three levels of the field, but he is also not afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the dirty work that most WRs refuse to do. JaMarr’s 82 pancakes lead the CFSL. Look for Miami’s QB, Mateo Walker, to lean heavily on his top weapon and for JaMarr to make a huge impact in all aspects of this Hurricane’s offense.
Other Players to Watch
Ken Dixon III, WR, Kentucky – 55 Rec, 1,094 Yds, 19.9 Avg, 11 TDs, 1 Drop
Candace Navarro, MLB, Miami – 100 Tck, 28 TFL, 10 Sck, 4 FF, 1 FR, 1 TD
Jameson Weinrich, MLB, Kentucky – 91 Tck, 17 TFL, 2 Sck, 2 INT, 7 PD, 2 FF, 1 FR, 1 TD
DJ Sutton, SS, Miami – 62 Tck, 9 TFL, 3 Sck, 6 INT, 6 PD, 3 FF, 1 TD
