Who to Watch on the Gridiron in 2018

SAN ANGELO, TX-- You could look at any team in the Concho Valley and find a plethora of players who will contribute to their teams in a big way.

It’s easy to point out some of the big names that everyone knows, such as Texas Tech pledge Maverick McIvor for Central or Menard running back Christian Salazar.

But here are the five names and positions you should keep an eye on during the 2018 season.

Central Bobcat Offensive Line

With Gunner Couch, Kurt Klausner, Oscar Nino and Rowdy Garza returning to the Bobcat o-line, you could easily make the case this is the best offensive line Brent Davis has had entering his 10th season.

Couch, Garza and Klausner are massive. Seniors Couch and Garza are listed at 295 pounds and Klausner weighs in at 270.

More than just their size, the experience the Bobcats bring back on the offensive line should prove fruitful in 2018.

All four started up front for the Bobcats last year during their 11-1 run. In the spring, the offensive line said they allowed very few sacks and sacks were a very rare occurrence in 2017.

The time the offensive line is able to buy McIvor, with a relatively young receiving corps, will be crucial to the Bobcats hitting the ground running in 2018.

Ryan Decker, RB, Brady Bulldogs

It was tough to find many bright spots for the Brady Bulldogs in 2017, but there were a few. Ryan Decker was one of them.

The senior-to-be rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

He’s also arguably the most crucial of the 10 returning starters on offense for the Brady Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs were placed with Sonora in a wide open District 14-3A DII. There are only three playoff teams from a year ago in that district. With 20 returning starter overall, it’s safe to say Brady will challenge for a playoff spot one year after going 0-10.

Sam Goodloe III, RB, Central Bobcats

The Bobcats needed a genuine running game last year. They looked to have that with Austin Barron before he was sidelined in the Midland Lee game with an injury.

This year is much of the same for the Bobcats. A ground attack is crucial to opening up Central’s offense.

Bobby Pena returns for his junior season after filling in well when the Bobcats were going by committee at running back. But he’s a finesse runner, able to make cuts and elude tacklers.

Central needs a bruising back in their Metroplex district and that’s where Goodloe comes in.

Goodloe is listed at 5-foot-11, 215 pounds. During Central’s spring game in May, Goodloe looked like he fit the bill for the Bobcats.

Kyle Lumpkins, WR, Junction Eagles

Lumpkins is 6-foot-8. You don’t see too many receivers of that size in Class 2A.

That, alone, should be enough explanation.

Coming of a 3-8 season, though, Lumpkins presence downfield is vital to the Eagles’ success in 2018.

He will be the lynchpin for the Eagles and expect him to put up big numbers this season.

Mason Bryan, RB/DB, Miles Bulldogs

Bryan is the kind of player first-year head coach Charles Boles needs to plant his roots.

The 5-foot-8 running back posted 2,000 all-purpose yards a year ago, which includes 1,200 rushing yards.

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine regards Bryan as “an all-around player” because of his 85 tackles on defense and four receiving touchdowns last year.

His performance in his senior season could prove vital to getting Miles back to the playoffs in a six-team district that features five playoff teams from a year ago.