National Preps Maryland Showcase Preview: Defense

Just like the offensive side, the defense has tons of players coming out to put on a show during the National Preps Showcase. Here are some defensive players to know before the showcase gets started. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Defensive Backs</em></span> <strong>Nigel Henderson</strong>, Calvert Hall, 5'10" 165lbs, 2022 Due to Covid, Nigel only had three games for his junior season. This camp circuit will be a big chance to gain momentum going into his Senior year. As a prospect, Nigel has good size with room to add weight if needed. He has very good speed, allowing him to stay on the WR's hip or recover with ease. He shows good balance and burst when coming out of his backpedal. And is not afraid to come up and make tackles in the run game. These traits will be on full display on Saturday during the drills portion of the day. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="90603" first="Isaiah" last="West"]</strong>, Georgetown Prep, 6'1" 204lbs, 2022 Isaiah has been making the most of his opportunities this summer. He earned an invite to the Rivals Camp Series, after competing at the Rivals Combine. He also recorded the fastest forty time at the combine. This matches with his tape. Isaiah is a great athlete and plays everywhere on the field. He is listed as a DB, but he is an athlete that can play anywhere. His speed shows with the range he has in the defensive secondary. He is also great out of the break when having to make a play in front of him. Saturday should be another showcase that sees Isaiah put on a show. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Linebackers</em></span> <strong>Blake White</strong>, Fort Hill, 6'2" 205, 2022 Blake has been all over the camp circuit this summer. Each stop he is making the most of every opportunity, and Saturday will be no exception. He is a high-energy, two-way player for Fort Hill. On defense, Blake is an effort LB that does not stop despite being tired. He plays with good speed and can put a hit on anyone that comes close. On offense, shows good ability with the ball in his hands. He has a good initial burst through the line of scrimmage and is not afraid to put his shoulder into somebody. The drill portion of Saturday's camp should see Blake build on the momentum of his summer camp tour. <strong>Malachi Mazzetti</strong>, Wicomico, 6'2" 215, 2022 Coming off a Rivals Camp invite, Malachi's summer is off to a terrific start. The hype around him is starting to build, and it is not unwarranted. He has a great initial burst, along with great speed from the DE/OLB position. What stands out more is the variety he has in his pass rush moves. He has a great spin move, that is quick and precise. Also has a good rip move to add to the variety. You pair these things with a high-energy motor, then you have a special player. Saturday will be a great opportunity for Malachi to continue to dominate the camp circuit. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Defensive Line</em></span> <strong>Terrence McCauley Jr</strong>, St. Mary's Ryken, 6'0" 255lbs, 2022 Terrence had a tremendous spring, one which saw him earn his first FBS offer from The Naval Academy. I had the opportunity to see him live against Good Counsel, and I came away impressed by his explosiveness from the interior defensive line. His first step is one of the best in the state of Maryland, which allows him to excel at beating the offensive line. You pair his excellent snap anticipation, with the explosion out of his stance, and you have the prototypical penetrating defensive lineman. The drill portion of Saturday's camp will be the show of the day with so much talent along both lines, headlined by Terrence McCauley Jr.