Scouting Deep Dive: Underrated 2023s
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As we expand the features on this site to include full evaluations of every player in the database, we’re releasing several in article format. For the 2023 class, I’ve identified some prospects who I believe are future impact players, but…
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Continue ReadingAs we expand the features on this site to include full evaluations of every player in the database, we’re releasing several in article format. For the 2023 class, I’ve identified some prospects who I believe are future impact players, but may not have the offers yet. In this group are a few of the guys who will get the first full evaluations in the 2023 class.
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Stephan Zayachkowsky Stephan Zayachkowsky 5'10" | 200 lbs | LB Porter Ridge | 2023 State NC , 5’10 195, SS/OLB- Porter Ridge
Length of Scouting: 3 years
College Projection: Group of Five
Strengths: Football IQ, Tackling, Versatility
Areas of Improvement: Size
Analysis: Zayachkowsky does so many different things for his team and his versatility is the first thing that jumps off in his film. He can line up basically anywhere on the defense and make and impact. He’s best suited as a box safety and has the frame to add some more weight and become a “big nickel” that college teams like to deploy against tight ends and bigger slot receivers. His coverage skills are well developed and he’s a hard-hitter. His high tackle numbers are more than stat sheet stuffing as he’s consistently among the leaders in forced fumbles. He’s an impact player from anywhere and even plays a bit of running back as well. His recruitment will pick up or teams will simply miss out. Whoever lands him will have a college-ready safety that will have a chance to play Day 1.
Jayden Shotwell Jayden Shotwell 5'9" | 195 lbs | RB Seventy First | 2023 State NC , 5’9 185, RB- Seventy First
Length of Scouting: 2 years
College Projection: FCS
Strengths: Acceleration, Vision, Strength
Areas of Improvement: Top-end Speed, System
Analysis: Seventy First runs a variation of the Wing T, which could be a factor in Shotwell’s recruiting. That being said, he shows tremendous vision and has great burst through the hole. In the open field, he rarely goes down on first contact, and he always falls forward. He doesn’t have elite top-end speed, but he gets up to speed quickly and has shown the ability to break long runs. To me, he’s a future FCS star or could work his way into the rotation at an FBS school. He’s reliable and has the type of vision college coaches are looking for in a tailback.
Marqies McCombs Marqies McCombs 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Chase | 2023 State NC , 5’10 185, RB- Chase
Length of Scouting: 6 months
College Projection: FCS
Strengths: Strength, Vision, Balance
Areas of Improvement: Top-End Speed, Outside Running, Receiving
Analysis: How a guy could put up the numbers McCombs did as a junior and still fly under the radar is beyond me. He put up over 2800 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns on the ground alone, adding a few more on special teams. He displays tremendous strength both in the weight room (295 bench and 435 squat) and on the field, where he routinely breaks tackles and maintains speed and balance. He’s not the fastest guy you’ll ever see but his speed is more than adequate for the college level and he has great burst to boot. He’s not asked to run much outside zone or catch the ball out of the backfield, but has the skillset to do those things as well.
Josh Iseah Josh Iseah 6'3" | 240 lbs | DL Independence | 2023 State NC , 6’2 225, Edge- Independence
Length of Scouting: 2 years
College Projection: Group of Five
Strengths: Pass Rush Productivity, First Step, Motor
Areas of Improvement: Size, Gap Integrity
Analysis: Iseah is unique in that he plays two very different positions. I love his upside as a smaller edge rusher with a polished set of pass rush moves but he also plays as a run-stuffing middle linebacker. As an edge rusher, he has an impressive first step and gets to the quarterback in a hurry with a variety of pass rushing moves. His motor is relentless and he seems never to tire on the field. Playing some linebacker has improved his ability to cover his gap and he’s continuing to grow. If he puts on a bit more weight, he’s a prototypical edge rusher.
Eliyt Nairne Eliyt Nairne 6'3" | 255 lbs | DL Olympic | 2023 State NC , 6’3 260, DL- Olympic
Length of Scouting: 2 years
College Projection: Group of Five
Strengths: Versatility, Motor, Speed/Power
Areas of Improvement: Size, Position?
Analysis: Nairne is relentless as a pass rusher, with a lot of his sacks of the effort variety. He plays the run well and flashes the ability to both 1 and 2-gap. He can play any position along the defensive line, lining up as far wide as outside the tackle and as far in as 0-technique. That versatility is one of his biggest strengths as he understands his assignments at a variety of positions, but can also be a detriment. He’s a bit of a tweener when it comes to size, so while I love his play at the 3-technique, the way his body develops may limit his ability to play there effectively at the next level. That being said, I’d take him on my team in a heartbeat and he’s a plug and play in a few different alignments. If he doesn’t put on more weight, I’d love to see him end up as an end in an odd front.