Spring Football: Who opened up our eyes?

This week marks the final spring football practices that most Montgomery County high school football teams will participate in before putting away helmets and pads until late July.

Teams had 15 days to go through 10 practice sessions as well as scrimmages and several local teams found some gems among those working out during the spring.

Here are a few names to remember before the fall who passed head coaches' eye test.

Shatar McClay, rising senior, Northwest High

McClay spent much of the summer sharpening his quarterback skills. No, the 6-foot, 190-pound Viking star isn't making a move to QB, but with starter Hunter Silvestrim playing baseball, McClay held the position down in Sliverstrim's absence.

Eye Test: His arm is strong. McClay had some zip. It's just another wrinkle that Northwest could throw into its offense during the course of next season.

Gus Antoine, rising senior, Northeast High

One of the most explosive athletes in the city. Antoine had a beavy of running back in the the Eagles' backfield last year and fell short of 1,000 rushing yards. But he's capable of eclipsing that mark rather easily. He is one of the fastest on two feet in Clarksville.

Eye Test: Antoine's leadership has been appreciated with new coach Chad Watson.

"He's grown leaps and bounds," Watson said. "He's become not only a leader by example but a vocal one too. That's been big for me and my staff as we gain trust with this team."

Clayton Spencer, rising senior, Rossview

Spencer is a big target at tight end. At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, he represents a safety net for the Hawks quarterback. Most of the military academies have already shown interest, including Navy and Air Force.

Eye Test: His athletic ability at his size a major plus and his ability to absorb new coach Todd Hood's offensive philosophy has shown in practice.

Offensive line, Montgomery Central

The only part of this story that includes an entire group. Coach Jeff Tomlinson was worried that group would be a point of concern. But instead, during spring, they've shown to be a point of strength.

"We have guys like Jackson Bass, Michael Perigo, Daniel Norfleet, Cole Hill, Jacob Scott and Justin Hood who have been outstanding," Tomlinson said. "They've quieted my fears."

Eye Test: It's simply about numbers. With nine offensive lineman that Tomlinson feels comfortable with, that gives the Indians depth and options going into next fall.

Bobby Jackson, rising senior, Clarksville High

Like teammate Jaden Ramos, Jackson has been playing out of position for much of the spring while quarterback Skyler Luna has been busy with baseball. But coach Isaac Shelby has noticed an up-tick in attitude among a team that is coming off a 2-8 season.

Eye Test: Jackson's speed is creating a faster tempo for the Wildcats' offense. He'll use that speed Friday in a scrimmage in Muscle Shoals, Ala.

Reach Prep writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.