Football is back and tens of thousands of high school football players are on the field making plays for their school.
We've selected a few of the athletes who have gotten us excited with their video uploads to GMTM. Check out the stories behind some of the exciting plays you've seen in your feed below:
Erik Macklin: Morris High School (Oklahoma)
Erik Macklin, playing running back and linebacker/defensive end, made a huge impact in the first two weeks of his senior season. In fact, he had a couple career games on each side of the line of scrimmage in the Morris Eagles’ game against Kellyville HS (OK) and Henryetta HS (OK).
2 Week Game Stats - Defense: 20 Solo tackles (5TFL), 16 Assists, 1INT, 1TD Offense: 102 Rushing Yds, 3TD Week 1: https://t.co/6qXBlMm1FQ Week 2: https://t.co/cQOxLq4SXR pic.twitter.com/qjnkZNnUXO
— Erik Macklin (@erik_macklin) September 13, 2022
On offense, he has rushed for over 100 yards and added three touchdowns in two games. On defense, quarterbacks can’t ignore him and skill players can’t get past him. Macklin has a combined 20 tackles in the first two weeks and added an interception return for a touchdown.
Macklin can certainly expect some more attention from college coaches if he keeps adding to his stat line.
Shelton Sweeney: 8th Grader from Kentucky
At just 14 years old, Shelton Sweeney certainly doesn’t play football like the other kids in his class. With just one broken tackle and a little open space, Sweeney is looking to score on every play and he usually does.
Part of the class of 2027, Sweeney is strong enough to get through defensive lines to the second level and can make defensive backs miss. A little green grass between him and the other team and his speed does the rest.
Elija Mason: Gaither High School (Tampa, Florida)
Elija Mason, a class of 2026 running back from Tampa, Florida, doesn’t stuff his highlight film with long runs and game-changing plays. Instead, he includes something even more exciting for college offensive coordinators - dozens of clips of him dropping his shoulder and getting positive yardage on any down. Inside, outside, or over the top, Mason has the size and speed to make the most out of every carry.
Had my first Varsity HS football game as a Freshman for Gaither High school loved it will keep working. 💪🏽🏈🤠https://t.co/fX4IQxSQXX @Cowboycoach2016 @GaitherFootbal1 @Rivals @Andy_Villamarzo @tampafootballFL @BallersInTheBay @larryblustein @BigCountyPreps1 @FlaHSFootball
— Elija “EM9” Mason (@emason813) August 20, 2022
But, don’t let his consistent 8- to 15-yard gains make you think he’s a quiet player. Remember, these are the first games of his freshman season. With hundreds of carries and catches left in his high school career against the best competition in Florida, the highlights Mason uploads over the next few weeks will be a must-see for recruiters.
Cameron Hines: Captain Shreve High School (Shreveport, Louisiana)
All you need to do is read the video captions in his profile to see what kind of player Cameron Hines can be.
The first video, “Hitch 40-Yard TD”, is an electric touchdown run that came from a bad snap. Captain Shreve’s quarterback picks up the ball that was snapped over his head and wheels around back to midfield before firing a pass to the freshman wide receiver, Hines. Then the real show begin. Hines cuts across the field and breaks away from the defensive backs to make the most of a broken play.
The second video is even more thrilling and it came from a 38-7 Captain Shreve win over Loyola College Prep (Shreveport, LA). In the video, Loyola attempts a long field goal, but the kick comes up short. Who’s back to field the kick attempt for Captain Shreve HS? Cameron Hines. Catching the field goal attempt in his own team’s end zone, Hines sprints back to the line of scrimmage, finds a lane on the right side line, makes a few guys miss and takes it all the way for a 100-plus-yard field goal return.
With ten weeks left in the season, who’s to know what other incredible plays Cameron Hines and his Captain Shreve teammates can create and post to GMTM!
Think you or a teammate deserves to be highlighted next week? Send us a message to nominate an outstanding high school athlete and tune in to see when they are featured!
