PRZ Showcase Preview: Defensive Players I’m Excited to See
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Gus Ritchey, 6’3 230, Ath.- Northwood 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…
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Continue ReadingGus Ritchey, 6’3 230, Ath.- Northwood
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.
Jaylen Jones, 6’2 185, DB- Butler
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.
Noah Shaw Noah Shaw 6'1" | 195 lbs | LB Asheville | 2024 State NC , 6’2 195, Hybrid- Asheville
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.
Jojo Williams, 6’2 190, DB- Cary
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.
Jack Baker Jack Baker 6'3" | 195 lbs | ATH Lake Norman | 2023 State NC , 6’3 195, Hybrid- Lake Norman
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.
Ephraim Deese, 6’4 220, DL- Forest Hills
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.