DL Top Performers: Fresno National Preps Showcase Pt.II

<em>Here is part II of the top defensive lineman from the National Preps Collegiate Showcase in Fresno, CA last month. </em> &nbsp; <em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="25407" first="Tovie" last="Martin"], 6’3" 219 Ibs., Clovis HS</strong></em> Extremely high upside prospect that has great natural bend and length, especially for a rising Sophomore.  A still raw and developing prospect, the 2023 Clovis High School product will be one of the top edge rushers in the state by the time it’s all said and done. In Fresno last month, Martin displayed the ability to bend and flip his hips without losing ground and reducing his surface area effectively. On tape from his first year in high school, he displayed good speed/change of direction and used his length to keep defenders away from his body and a strong punch/inside hand placement at the point of attack. The rare combination of length, natural bending ability, athleticism and physicality will soon have Martin on division 1 college radars and real in his first offers. <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10214777/Tovie-Martin">Freshman Year Film</a></strong> &nbsp; <em><strong>Christian Threadgill, 6’3" 180 Ibs., Sierra-Manteca HS</strong></em> The rangy edge defender is coming off a terrific Junior season in which his team had a 11 win season and was one game away from a State Championship appearance against Bakersfield Christian. During his Junior season, Threadgill flashed his first step quickness, violent and quick hands during and at the top of his rush and the ability to convert speed to power while staying gap and fundamentally sound against the run. Also a terrific basketball player, he displays natural hip/ankle flexibility out of his stance and will continue to be able to put on more weight to his frame. High motor player that plays with good physicality and has next level physical and mental abilities. <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11321237/5e139363e97ab10f60b46996">Junior Season Film</a></strong> &nbsp; <em><strong>Zach Swartz, 6’4" 264 Ibs., Saugus HS</strong></em> A very physically put-together prospect with a strong lower body that can play anywhere from 4-3 DE to a 3-tech defender at the next level if he continues to add weight. During his Junior season, Swartz showed his ability to be a very balanced and physical defender that wins with power and his strong initial punch/ability to violently get off blocks. Since his Junior year, he has added muscle and good weight and is posed for a huge senior season for Saugus High School. In Fresno, Zach showed good his ability to bend well for his size while flipping his hips with good body control and balance. College interest should start to pick up for the 2021 Southern California recruit as he enters into his final high school season. <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12715440/Zach-Swartz">Junior Season Film</a></strong> &nbsp; <em><strong>Apollo Jeffs, 6’2" 250 Ibs., Folsom HS</strong></em> Playing for one of the top teams in the country, Apollo helped anchor both the offensive and defensive lines for the Bulldogs last season. Currently ranked as a 2-star recruit and holding one D-3 offer from Lewis and Clark in Oregon, the 2021 prospect can play multiple positions along the defensive line and plays with low pad level and is very technically sound in both rushing the passer and defending the run. At the National Preps Showcase last month, Jeffs showed his ability to change direction/flip his hips without any wasted movement and flashed quick and accurate use of hands at the point of attack. The Folsom High School product should start to see increased college interest as he kicks off his Senior season. <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/2809756/Apollo-Jeffs">Junior Season Film</a></strong> &nbsp; <em><strong>Joesph Ale, 6’1" 350 Ibs., Galileo HS</strong></em> A strong and big bodied interior defender, Ale carries his weight well and wins with strength and leg drive at the point of attack. Since his Junior season, Ale has improved upon his movement ability/hip fluidity and flexibility and projects as an interior player at the next level with possible two-gap ability. Still a raw and developing prospect, in the right system Joseph can help anchor the middle of a defense as he plays with a great motor and physicality. <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9701337/Joseph-Ale">Junior Season Film</a></strong>