15 football players to watch in 2023

Summer subsides for the rise of fall.

Football is more than just a sport; the players are more than just athletes. They are soldiers, who armor up and assemble in battalions to conquer or defend their home turf each week of the arduous autumn.

After each practice and each game, they collectively fall on a knee in attention to their head coach, the closest position in sports to the general.

Artistic descriptions aside, here are the 15 players in the Southeast Missouri area that we have our eyes on this season.

__Jadis Jones - New Madrid County Central__

Jadis Jones caught 38 receptions for 934 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. After announcing his commitment to Coastal Carolina, this season is all about the Semoball Male Athlete of the Year getting the ball and finding the end zone for the Eagles.

__Jamarion Smith - Portageville__

Jamarion Smith was named Semoball Offensive Football Player of the Year after rushing for 2,392 yards and 33 touchdowns. He also threw a 70-yard touchdown pass last season. Where he goes, the Bulldogs go.

__Rilaynd Graham - Perryville__

Rilaynd Graham took over as starting quarterback in the middle of last season and led the Pirates to a 3-3 record the rest of the way. This time, the offense is now catered to the senior's strengths.

__Mark Panagos - Scott City__

Mark Panagos was also the recipient of the E.E. “Bus” Carr Trophy after surpassing 1,000 yards both on the ground and in the air, totaling 31 touchdowns.

__Zai'Aire Thomas - Cape Central__

Zai'Aire Thomas returns to lead the Tigers' offense after rushing for over 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore. He and quarterback Deklin Pittman combine for a speedy rushing attack at Cape Central.

__Adrian Fox - Jackson__

Adrian Fox split reps at quarterback last season but will be the sole single caller entering his senior season at Jackson.

__Reece Eftink - Kelly__

Reece Eftink rushed for 1,340 yards and 16 touchdowns to lead Kelly to a 5-4 regular season record. The Hawks are counting on the senior saving the best for last this season.

__Christian Schaaf - St. Vincent__

Christian Schaaf was the top passer in the area, throwing for over 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns. The senior signal caller is expected to take St. Vincent to new heights this year.

__Tyson Underwood - Scott City__

Tyson Underwood rushed for over 1,200 yards on a torn labrum last season. Now totally healthy and stronger than ever entering his senior season, he and Panagos are expected to lead the Rams deep into the playoffs.

__Logan Hite - Poplar Bluff__

Logan Hite racked up 135 tackles, three sacks, and an interception to lead the Mules to their first Round of 16 since 2009. His defense against Cape Central and Jackson's offense will be matchups worth watching.

__BJ Williamson - New Madrid County Central__

Whether it was catching, rushing, or even throwing, BJ Williamson scored a total of 28 touchdowns for the Eagles. He and Jones pair to create one the greatest offensive forces in Southeast Missouri.

__Drake Robinson - St. Vincent__

Drake Robinson was among the leaders in tackles last season with 119. He and Scaaf are cornerstones for an Indians team that went 7-3 last season.

__Mason Adams - Portageville__

Mason Adams was the field general of the Bulldog’s stingy defense last season with 108 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, four pass deflections, three forced fumbles, three defensive touchdowns, and seven interceptions which were the most by any linebacker in Class 1.

__Zane Coon - Jackson__

The success of the Jackson offense in Ryan Nesbitt's first season depends on the protection provided by senior lineman Zane Coon, who recently committed to Southeast Missouri State.

__Deklin Pittman - Cape Central__

Deklin Pittman takes over for longtime Cape Central quarterback Morgan Diamond. Pittman adds a new wrinkle to the Tigers' offense with his ability to run the ball from the pocket.