PRZ Showcase Preview: Defensive Players I’m Excited to See

<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="271204" first="Gus" last="Ritchey"], 6’3 230, Ath.- Northwood</strong> In all likelihood, Ritchey will land somewhere in the top five of our initial 2025 rankings that we’re releasing next month. Ritchey excels on both sides of the ball and I wasn’t sure which group to put him with here. Either way, I plan on having him go through both defensive line and receiver/tight end drills. I expect him, despite his age, to be among the top overall performers and I’m really looking forward to see what kind of vertical, broad and shuttle he can put up. <strong>Jaylen Jones, 6’2 185, DB- Butler</strong> Jones is an impressive 2023 athlete who crazy upside at safety, in my opinion. He has smooth hips and really pops on film. He’s a sure tackler and has great technique. What I’m most excited for is his testing, though. His size-speed combo is what really makes him stand out and I think Saturday’s showcase. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="148630" first="Noah" last="Shaw"], 6’2 195, Hybrid- Asheville</strong> Ed Brooks sent me Shaw’s name about a year ago and we agree that he’s one of the next great defenders from North Carolina. He’s already so athletic as a hybrid linebacker-safety prospect and I think he’ll retain speed as he adds weight. He hits like a linebacker and covers like a corner. Whether he’s a safety or linebacker at the next level doesn’t much matter to me. I’m excited to see him test simply because I like to be wowed. He’ll do it. <strong>Jojo Williams, 6’2 190, DB- Cary</strong> Williams plays a number of different positions for Cary and is a relentless competitor. That will translate well to the drill work and 1-on-1s Saturday. Williams plays with a lot of fire. I think he’ll test well enough to be considered for the top performers list. With a big play or two in 1-on-1s and some solid technique in the drill portion, he could find himself at the top of the list at the end of the day. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105121" first="Jack" last="Baker"], 6’3 195, Hybrid- Lake Norman</strong> If you’re sensing a trend of "big safeties that could probably play linebacker too" then yes, you’re right. We’ll have a lot of them and the competition there should be fascinating. Baker is a great free safety but has the body type to do more and I want to see how he moves in the testing portion. I’m also watching to see how he fares in the drills, especially where it comes to recognizing and reacting. I think he could be a really good linebacker, if he can put up the testing numbers to prove it. <strong>Ephraim Deese, 6’4 220, DL- Forest Hills</strong> Deese is a talented 2-way guy with a great football IQ. I’m excited to see how he tests because he continues to grow and adjust to his body. He’s a great run-stuffer but I think Saturday provides an opportunity to show his pass rushing skills. There’s not a huge group of defensive linemen, so he’ll have an opportunity to stand out on that side of the ball. I think he’s a dark horse candidate to be named a top performer.