Defensive Linemen Steal The Show

<strong>Naples, Florida – </strong>There were some really impressive football talent at the <strong><em>Prep Redzone Showcase</em></strong> at the Paradise Sports Complex, but the defensive linemen may have been the most fun to watch. Whether it was testing or the drills, many were fixed on watching the big, aggressive and athletic defensive tackles and ends who came to compete. But what everyone wanted to see were the one-on-ones, and they were not disappointed. Some of the best battles took place toward the end of the event as the campers and their supporters were close to the action to see some of top rising defensive linemen in the state of Florida. Here is a look at some of those gifted defensive linemen who came to show out: <strong>CLASS OF 2023</strong> <strong>Jahsiah Cooper, 5-11, 295, Orange City University. </strong>From all the way across state, he came to also get his name on the radar screen – and by the time things ended – this is one line prospect who took advantage of the instruction, drills, testing and competition. This defensive tackle prospect is also gaining an edge in the classroom where his 3.3 GPA will open doors as well. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15197548/Jahsiah-Cooper">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15197548/Jahsiah-Cooper</a> <strong>Brock Goodwin, 6-1, 190, Sarasota Riverview. </strong>Another of the many who came to turn heads and put their names on the radar. From testing to drills to the competition, this was someone who did very well – and in the end – benefitted in a major way from attending the competitive showcase. <strong>James McNamee, 6-4, 250, Sarasota. </strong>As he heads toward his final season with the Sailors, there was a need to attend a showcase like this for many reasons. His size and ability to pick things up quickly are definitely an asset. But technique and learning the little things about the position are what you pick up by attending events, and from testing to drills and one-one-one competition, there was no doubt that he left with more knowledge about the position than he ever thought possible. This is someone who just needs to spend this spring getting as many reps as possible and things will work out fine. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13499339/James-Mcnamee">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13499339/James-Mcnamee</a><strong> </strong> <strong>Maurice McClain, 5-6, 198, LaBelle. </strong>While there were some high-profile players on hand from large schools, here is someone who stole the show. A championship weight-lifter for his high school, this is also someone who plays other positions on the field – such as long snapper and even fullback. His testing was impressive and the drills were equally as fun to watch, but during the one-on-one competition, he was singled out several times. This is also someone who has achieved a 4.46 GPA and 1140 SAT in the classroom. Student/athlete! <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15922225/Maurice-Reece-McClain-Jr">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15922225/Maurice-Reece-McClain-Jr</a> <strong>Devin Pein, 6-2, 225, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. </strong>Playing for one of the nation’s premier programs will not guarantee individual success, and that is exactly why coming to Naples was a priority for this gifted football talent, who was impressive from the time he arrived. Testing, drills and competition, he certainly showed why he is one of the top defensive end prospects in the state. Loves competition, but that is indeed all part of this game. One to truly keep your eye on in 2022. <strong>TAPE:</strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16317921/Devin-Pein"> https://www.hudl.com/profile/16317921/Devin-Pein      </a> <strong>CLASS OF 2024</strong> <strong>David “Tank” Pein, 5-10, 268, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. </strong>Like his older brother, this is someone who seeks out competition, attends everything possible and has a work ethic that is unmatched. While his testing and drills were really good, his true measure of talent came in the one-on-one competition where he took on everyone and won a lot more battles than he lost against very talented offensive linemen. Over the next two years, this is a talented student/athlete (3.5 GPA) to keep your eye on. He is a playmaker who is always competing for playing time on a team that has more than its share of playmakers. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15920779/David-Pein">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15920779/David-Pein</a> <strong>Andres Quiroz, 5-11, 245, Miami Coral Reef. </strong>Like so many of the athletes that made their way to Naples, just having the chance to test and learn made the day special for this rising junior, who has the potential to be a solid prospect. Just needs to continue working hard during spring and set the table for the future. <strong>Hunter Zirkle, 6-1, 200, Arcadia Desoto. </strong>The impressive thing about this young man was the way he approached the event. Testing well, doing what was needed to standout during the drills and making the most of his chances in the one-on-ones against some quality competition. His high school needs football prospects like this to continue to elevate the program. The college coaches on hand were impressed at what he brought to the showcase. <strong>CLASS OF 2025 STEALS THE SHOW</strong> With all the talent on hand in every class, it was the 2025 (rising sophomores) who turned heads all day – as they came from as a far away as Newberry and Union County and Miami. Big time prospects who will be heard from this coming season. <strong>Jarquez Carter, 6-3, 280, Newberry. </strong>Was part of a trio of young prospects who came from outside of Gainesville to showcase skills that many do not have at their age. Because he attends events year-round, this is one of the rising defensive linemen who you will hear plenty about over the next few years. Like some of the best Class of 2025 players, he was relentless during every phase of the showcase. More events should have athletes like this and his teammates attend. They elevate the competition level! With all that he brings to the table as an athlete, his work in the classroom (3.6 GPA) is equally as impressive. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16402641/Jarquez-Carter">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16402641/Jarquez-Carter</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="221454" first="Davion" last="Dixon"], 6-2, 280, Miami Belen Jesuit. </strong>Tough not to go overboard when talking about this impressive student/athlete who has been on the radar for over the past year and has never disappointed – dominating varsity competition all season, earning recognition nationally. Attended the showcase – and even though he got the best that the offensive linemen dished out, he stood tall and was easily as great as advertised. Big time young man as well, who gets it done in the classroom with a 3.0 GPA with a very challenging class load. You will continue to hear all about one of the country’s best for years to come. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16373722/Davion-Dixon">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16373722/Davion-Dixon</a> <strong>Dean Gee, DL, Riverview Sumner. </strong>One of the newer schools in the Sunshine State are starting to produce big time talent, and while he played at the junior varsity level for the Stingrays, this is a prospect who will be quick to climb the ladder – as he showed during the showcase, starting with the testing and drills and right through the one-on-one competition, which got heated. Also gets it done in the classroom (4.1 GPA), which opens more doors. <strong>TAPE</strong>: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16234199/Dean-Gee-Jr">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16234199/Dean-Gee-Jr</a> <strong>Phillip Jackson, 5-11, 200, Lake Butler Union County. </strong>When you watch this young man perform during drills, testing and competition, you understand why his high school football team lost just one time this past year. This is a talented, hard-working and passionate prospect who can play on both sides of the ball, is willing to work to achieve and gets it done in the classroom (3.0 GPA). He drove the six plus hours from the Gainesville area to compete and put himself on the map early. Mission accomplished! <strong>Logan McCloud, 6-2, 235, Newberry. </strong>Just like his teammates, this is a rising sophomore who checks all the boxes, and made a huge impression in Naples. Strong, agile, athletic and someone who took full advantage of the opportunity to showcase his skills and versatility. Not only tough enough to play the defensive line, but agile enough to compete at linebacker. He also sports a 3.0 GPA in the classroom. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16402570/Logan-Mccloud">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16402570/Logan-Mccloud</a> <strong>Mykah Newton, 6-1, 235, Newberry. </strong>One of the most versatile of the rising sophomores in the group – having the athleticism to play defensive end, outside linebacker and tight end for a team that is simply loaded with talent. Was another of those gifted young man who stole the show with his aggressive play during one-on-ones as well as testing well and performing the drills like a veteran like prospects. He also has followed his teammates with his work in the classroom, boasting a 3.6 GPA. <strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16402580/Mykah-Newton">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16402580/Mykah-Newton</a> <em>We will be spotlighting many of these prospects all week long, giving everyone a chance to shine!</em> <strong><em>You Can Contact <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/larry-blustein/">[player_tooltip player_id="111610" first="Larry" last="Blustein"]</a> with prospect or team information at: <a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a> .</em></strong>