Giant Skillz National Showcase Top Defensive Performers

Photo: Team NIL

Michael Huntley February 22, 2022 @ 10:30 PM

The Giant Skillz National Showcase camp was held in San Juan Capistrano over the weekend and some of the top linemen in the nation were on hand. Here were some of the defensive linemen from California who stood out to me and other scouts at the event: Jeramy Calvillo, Central (Fresno), 2023 Calvillo caught my eye on the first day of the showcase during the one-on-one portion of the day. He has excellent power rushing moves but the thing that made him stand out was his control of his body. Some power rushers just barrel forward and can be taken down easily, but Calvillo was balanced and good with his hands. Most of his film is as a guard on offense where he also shows good balance and strength. He isn’t the biggest interior lineman prospect but could be a solid 3-technique and is worthy of some college looks.

New Pr 495💪@GHoward_Scout @BrandonHuffman @U50_Linemen @_CGFootball pic.x.com/9cSfIkxyfl
— Jeramy Calvillo (@JeramyCalvillo8) December 13, 2021

Defensive lineman Jeramy Calvillo (2023) of Central High in Fresno at the @giant_skillz National Showcase. Impressive power rush moves and has quick feet. @PrepRedzoneCA @JeramyCalvillo8 pic.x.com/chXZx1Bx31
— Michael Huntley (@mikehuntley63) February 19, 2022

La’Mario Claiborne La’Mario Claiborne 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL/TE Heritage Academy | 2025 State AZ , Damien, 2025 Claiborne is incredibly advanced for a freshman turning sophomore. Most defensive ends, mainly young ones, go into a play with a plan and if it fails, they lose the rep. Claiborne seems to read the tackle, make a quick decision and adjust on the fly. He won most of his reps during the one-on-ones on day two and the only guys to beat him were some of the top guys in the camp. He is one of the highest upside guys in the class of 2025.

Great Day today went 10 out of 14 reps today in Day 2 Giant Skills Athletics SoCal regional Showcase Camp Today @mikehuntley63 @GregBiggins @RTaylorFBscout @GHoward_Scout @NPShowcases @Giantskillz_RML @giant_skillz @DamienFootball_ @PrepRedzoneCA @PrepRedzone @Rivals pic.x.com/Yb05vLibOD
— La’Mario Claiborne (@LaClaiborne) February 21, 2022

Nathan Gonzales, Warren, 2023 Gonzales is one of those guys who could be an outside linebacker at the next level, or decide to put on 30 pounds and be a defensive end. He is a solid edge rusher who is best when attacks the outside shoulder and either beats the guy with speed or rips inside. Sometimes he is a little hesitant with his footwork which takes up too much time, but when he makes a decision and gets after it, he is very promising.

Got in some good 1v1 work this weekend at the ⁦@giant_skillz⁩ Showcase ‼️Thank you for giving me the opportunity to get better 📈⁦@CoachPearson_⁩ ⁦@COACHSTACEDC⁩ ⁦@coachL130⁩ ⁦@Lonestarr18⁩ ⁦@GregBiggins⁩ ⁦@RTaylorFBscout⁩ ⁦⁦
⁦ pic.x.com/3vyqlvO6ar
— Nathan Gonzales (@GonzalesNate48) February 21, 2022

Sua Lefotu Sua Lefotu 6'5" | 290 lbs | DL St. John Bosco | 2023 State CA , St. John Bosco, 2023 Lefotu is fun to watch because he is so versatile. He could be a defensive end but he looks really good as a 1-technique. He is very strong moves laterally well enough to get by pretty good interior offensive linemen. What made him stand out to me was his hands and his ability to easily swipe away the offensive lineman’s arms to get leverage. Lefotu has offers from Michigan State and Nevada.

🐊 🍴 pic.x.com/WOB10wXvAP
— Sua Lefotu (@SuaLefotu) February 21, 2022

Journey Tala, Lincoln, 2025 Tala is massive for a freshman turning sophomore and caught the eye of other coaches and scouts I talked to. He can play both sides of the ball and probably projects better as an offensive lineman at the next level, but he was impressive as an interior pass rusher. Sometimes he relies on his size and strength to get pressure and needs to improve his hand fighting skills, but he has all the tools to be a national recruit by the time he becomes a senior.

Coaches…

Better get on @TalaJourney asap… this freshman (6’4 335) is poised to have a huge sophomore season!!! @THEHIVEFB @Smith_prodotype pic.x.com/vD96rr4vIb
— San Diego Spotlight (@SanSpotlight) February 22, 2022