PRZ Next Southeast Showcase: Top WR/DB Performers

Over the weekend, hundreds of the best middle schoolers in the south made their way to Atlanta for a full day of competition. Out of every group, one could argue that the WRs and DBs were the most competitive throughout the entire event. Here are a couple of prospects that caught my eye and came away from the event as top performers. <strong>WR</strong> - <strong>Dylan Cope</strong> - 6’3 - Alabama - 2026 There was plenty of buzz out of Alabama surrounding Cope before the event even started. As the event unfolded, it was clear why. For starters, his measurables alone deserve a mention. Cope measured in at 6’3, instantly making him one of the most physically impressive prospects at the event. Oftentimes, young players at the size Cope possesses are still raw and are learning how to play in their large frame, but not Cope. He showed plenty of body control and speed throughout the entirety of the event. His footwork is what really made him an even bigger standout at the event. That footwork paired with his fluid running ability made him a super impressive route runner and allowed him to create separation between himself and the defender. In the competition segment of the camp, Cope showed great concentration and made a couple of over-the-shoulder grabs. If this camp performance is any indication, Cope should be someone to monitor on the recruiting trail over the next few seasons. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">This was a really great camp. Thanks for the invite <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNext?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNext</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AlPopsFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlPopsFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneAL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneAL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dcsogoat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dcsogoat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HewittAthletics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HewittAthletics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepsAlabama00?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepsAlabama00</a> <a href="https://t.co/MUcFYQkzTE">pic.twitter.com/MUcFYQkzTE</a></p> — Dylan Cope (@Dcsogoat) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dcsogoat/status/1510448642158649344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>WR</strong> - <strong>Hiszari Gantt</strong> - 5’10 - South Caroina - 2026 Gantt was yet another 2026 prospect at the event that impressed with his athleticism. He showcased his ability to jump, run, and his short bursts of explosiveness. Gantt was a force to be reckoned with in the competition part of the camp. He not only had outstanding hands and caught almost everything thrown his way, but he was arguably the best route runner at the event and his ability to break away from defenders showcased that. Gantt already has received recognition for his efforts. In January, Gantt played in the Under Armour Futures Game in Orlando, a game that consists of the top youngsters in the country. After another impressive showing in Atlanta, Gantt is absolutely a South Carolina prospect that you should remember. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I appreciate the training and reps yesterday at the <a href="https://twitter.com/prepzone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Prepzone</a> camp got a lot of quality work in. Thank you for coverage also! <a href="https://twitter.com/AlPopsFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlPopsFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cjacksonPRZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cjacksonPRZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachdwilliams7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachdwilliams7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OJW_Scouting?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OJW_Scouting</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneGA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneGA</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneSC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneSC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LcOutlaws7v7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LcOutlaws7v7</a><a href="https://twitter.com/DAWGHZERECRUITS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DAWGHZERECRUITS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FlightSkillz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FlightSkillz</a> <a href="https://t.co/0bpTvQCruM">pic.twitter.com/0bpTvQCruM</a></p> — Hiszari ’’Zou’’ Gantt (@ZouGantt2) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZouGantt2/status/1510509767340576770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> DB - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="282897" first="Zelus" last="Hicks"]</strong> - 6’2 - Georgia - 2026 There were a lot of prospects at the event that you could probably classify as "freaks", and Hicks absolutely fits that category. Not only was Hicks one of the most competitive players at the event, but he also showed off his rare blend of size and athleticism. In modern-day CFB, DBs with length are more prevalent now than they have ever been before. Hicks has that length, but he also has the speed to go along with it. Hicks came away with an INT in the competition part of the camp where he jumped the receiver’s route, so he showed off some of his IQ and awareness as well. Tested very well and ran a 4.7 40 time at the event which is very impressive for his age and will only get faster. At the current rate, Hicks is shaping up to be one of the elite DB prospects in the 2026 class. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNext?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNext</a> for the recognition. <a href="https://twitter.com/SkrrtLab?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SkrrtLab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tballardqbcoach?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tballardqbcoach</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HustleInc7v7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HustleInc7v7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MattDeBary?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MattDeBary</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DemetricDWarren?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DemetricDWarren</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/antkingsmith?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@antkingsmith</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ncsa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ncsa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RecruitGeorgia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RecruitGeorgia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GPBsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GPBsports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BrooksAustinSI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrooksAustinSI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AlPopsFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlPopsFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/nrlOiDMeQX">pic.twitter.com/nrlOiDMeQX</a></p> — [player_tooltip player_id="282897" first="Zelus" last="Hicks"] (@Zelus_Hicks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zelus_Hicks/status/1504262701157163010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <strong>DB</strong> - <strong>Shedrick Diggs III</strong> - 5’4 - Georgia - 2027 Diggs might have not been the most physically impressive prospect at the camp, but he didn’t let that define him. He was one of the most twitchy and explosive prospects at the showcase, and we saw that translate to all phases during the camp. One thing that caught my attention was his ability to telegraph passes and break on the ball. Despite his size, he was one of the most physical players in the DB group and showed that off during the competition part of the camp. Diggs did a great job of playing through the ball and being physical without getting flagged. All in all, despite his size, Diggs has a rare combination of speed, physicality, and football IQ that can carry him a long way. As far as consistent performers, Diggs was one of the best prospects at the entire event. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">2027 DB Sheddrick Diggs III out of Gwinnett County has been one of the faster prospects at the event thus far…<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNext?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNext</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PRZNextSoutheast?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PRZNextSoutheast</a> <a href="https://t.co/TJADAV2QX1">pic.twitter.com/TJADAV2QX1</a></p> — Connor Jackson (@cjacksonPRZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/cjacksonPRZ/status/1510265912846430209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>