Five 2023 Defensive Prospects Who May Be On The Verge Of Offers
We’ve already provided our guesses of prospects in the Class of 2023 who we believe may be on the doorstep of getting offers on the offensive side of the football. Now, it’s time to go on defense. These are five…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve already provided our guesses of prospects in the Class of 2023 who we believe may be on the doorstep of getting offers on the offensive side of the football. Now, it’s time to go on defense.
These are five 2023 prospects we believe will have offers as the camp circuit heats up this summer thanks to their production over the last two seasons. Some of these guys are starting to get the attention they deserve as Junior Day visits are in full swing.
Tim Castain Tim Castain 6'1" | 240 lbs | DL Oceanside Collegiate | 2023 State SC (@CastainTimothy), DL, Oceanside Collegiate (@OceansideFootb1)
Castain is described as a guy who will “reset the LOS” and based on the film, it’s easy to see why. Castain easily defeats one-on-one blocks and gets into the backfield with ease as he finished with 42 TFLs in 2021. He has good speed off the edge at his defensive end position where he’s able to maneuver around opposing linemen.
DJ Barksdale II DJ Barksdale II 5'10" | 175 lbs | DB South Pointe | 2023 State SC (@barksdale_dj), DB, South Pointe (@footballsphs)
The two things that stand out Barksdale on film is his ability to play center field at his safety position along with making tackles in the open space. He tracks the ball well and reads the eyes of the quarterback. He can come up and make big hits without interfering. Barksdale and the Stallions won the 2021 4A state championship and he finished the 2021 season with 5 INTs, 7 PBUs and 54 solo tackles. He also plays basketball.
Josh Saddler (@joshuasaddler5), LB, Ridge View (@RV_FB_Prospects)
Saddler sets the edge extremely well at his OLB position and has a high motor. He’s also able to use his length to his advantage. If he’s not able to get into the backfield to directly impact a run play, he’ll eventually make his presence felt as he hustles to the ball to make a play. He is a great student in the classroom with a 3.1 GPA.
David Copley David Copley 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Camden | 2023 State SC (@David_Copley16), DL, Camden (@FootballCamden)
Copley is another strong edge setter who can consistently put pressure on the opposing quarterback. He has great speed off the edge which allows him to come off the corner hot and get pressure. His team fell short in the 3A state championship game but he finished the 2021 season with 46 tackles, 12 TFLs and 7 sacks.
Cameron Avery Cameron Avery 6'0" | 220 lbs | LB Cane Bay | 2023 State SC (@CameronAvery40), LB, Cane Bay (@CaneBayCobrasFB)
Avery was fun to watch on film because of his ability to attack downhill – and he doesn’t miss either. Once the ball is snapped, his mentality is to get to the ball carrier as quickly as possible. He finished the 2021 season with 138 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. He is an outstanding student with a 3.6 GPA.