LPI Showcase Top Performers: Defenders

<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Overview: </strong></span> On Saturday, July 25th, I attended the Lemming Prep Insider Showcase &amp; observed positional drills, along with 1 on 1’s. The group as a whole was really impressive and loaded with talent from the 2021 class all the way to the 2023 class. There were multiple prospects who attended the showcase who already hold FBS offers and even more who are bound to pick up some in the near future. Here were the top defensive prospects who stood out on Saturday. <hr /> <strong>DL: [player_tooltip player_id="20837" first="T.J." last="McMillen"], St. Francis, 6’3, 240, SO</strong> Arguably, the most heavily recruited prospect at the combine and he lived up to the billing. I was impressed by his get off and bend for a guy his size. He was a stud during 1 on 1’s and consistently beat the man across from him. McMillen has two FBS offers right now, and many more are coming soon. <strong>DL: [player_tooltip player_id="65768" first="Xavier" last="Slayton"], Crete Monee, 6’2, 220, JR</strong> Slayton was a kid who I had evaluated on film but was looking forward to seeing in person. He showed great burst and was quick to the point of attack. He was slippery all day and had solid counter moves during 1 on 1’s. His junior film will be critical in his recruitment. <strong>DL: [player_tooltip player_id="20892" first="Derrick" last="Parker"], Rich Central, 6’2, 230, JR</strong> I really liked Parker as a tight end going into this event, and now I see his potential as a pass rusher. The kid moved really well and did a good job of putting speed to power. His effort was evident all day, and he showed why he’s a potential division one prospect. <strong>DL: [player_tooltip player_id="20911" first="Kevin" last="Frazier"], Brother Rice, 6’1, 260, JR</strong> This kid, to me, is one of the best defensive linemen in the state. He’s so twitchy &amp; explosive and can fight interior blocks. He consistently won at the point of attack and was an aggressive hand fighter. Definite FBS kid who should see his offer list grow in the near future. <strong>DL: [player_tooltip player_id="20314" first="Tristan" last="Wright"], Curie, 6’4, 230, SR</strong> Wright has a spectacular frame and looks downright cut up. I had yet to see him in person and was shocked by his overall build. The kid played with such a high motor and was relentless the entire 1 on 1 period. He has tremendous upside, and I think his best football is ahead of him. <strong>LB: [player_tooltip player_id="65503" first="Micah" last="Gearhart"], Winnebago, 6’, 200, SR</strong> This is one kid who could have a breakout senior season. Gearhart missed half of the season last year, but still managed to have a solid highlight tape. He showed good lateral movement during positional drills and flashed the explosion that was on film. He showed good straight-line speed and was an issue for running backs coming out of the backfield. He’s definitely a sleeper to watch entering the 2020 season. <strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id="20351" first="Aldo" last="Brown"], Kenwood, 6’, 170, SR</strong> I had watched Aldo before this and was impressed with his closing speed when coming up and making tackles. At the showcase, he showed great hip fluidity and good burst. He did a good job during 1 on 1’s of staying in his pedal and constantly weaved when wideouts stemmed him inside. <img class="alignnone wp-image-38427" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/07/F7BD7658-1F9F-4CAD-A34A-17A35E10C7A0-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="302" height="403" /> <strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id="65538" first="Justin" last="Gniedziejko"], Taft, 6’1, 190, SR</strong> One of the best players at the combine, and probably the most underrated. Justin showed good balls skills and tremendous acceleration. He never got caught in his breaks and was consistent during 1 on 1’s. He played some offense too, completely running by defensive backs. He holds a handful of division two offers, and I think he may pick up some FCS ones in the near future. <strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id="35745" first="Jayden" last="Marquis"], Antioch, 6’, 180, SR</strong> I watched Marquis during 1 on 1’s, and he was spectacular. He showed quick feet, a solid off-hand jam, and loose hips. To me, he’s a true cornerback prospect who has the potential to line up in the slot and play nickel. <hr /> <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Other Prospects Who Stood Out</strong></span> <strong>DL: [player_tooltip player_id="65769" first="Cooper" last="Cerese"], Lake Park, 6’1, 245, JR</strong> <strong>DL: [player_tooltip player_id="20904" first="Paolo" last="Gennarelli"], Saint Charles North, 6’3, 280, JR</strong> <strong>LB: Max Lambert, Marmion, 6’2, 190, SR</strong> <strong>LB: Matthew Schager, Glenbard East, 6’1, 185, JR</strong> <strong>DB: Ty Baker, Prairie Ridge, 5’9, 165, SR</strong>