Spotlight: PRZ Prospect Tour – Defensive Standouts
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As we continue with the Spotlight series, we flip our coverage to the defensive side of the ball. There were a number of players who stood out in both the testing period and during 1-on-1s, but these were the defensive players…
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Continue ReadingAs we continue with the Spotlight series, we flip our coverage to the defensive side of the ball. There were a number of players who stood out in both the testing period and during 1-on-1s, but these were the defensive players who I felt had the strongest showcase. Let’s take a look.
Spotlight Players
Gunnar Clary Gunnar Clary 6'2" | 200 lbs | DL Eaton | 2025 State CO , Eaton Reds (LB)(Fr.)(32) – Despite only being a freshman, Clary was easily one of the top LBs at the showcase on Saturday. During the testing period, Clary clocked a 4.86 40 yard dash average, a 4.67 shuttle, an 8’10 broad jump average, and a 7.78 L-drill average. During 1-on-1s, Clary was just as impressive, winning with an explosive first-step, excellent balance when breaking down on the ball carrier, and great closing speed. Watching Clary’s freshman season on tape, all of the traits he showed on Saturday translate to the field. The first thing that jumps out about Clary is the incredible power behind his pads that he plays with. Extremely physical LB at the point-of-attack that runs through contact with the ball carrier, routinely stopping all forward progress. Downhill runner that has a very explosive first step out of his stance that allows him to fill his run fits quickly and maintain his gap responsibilities. Very strong LB that can quickly stack and shed opposing blockers to pursue the ball carrier. Versatile chess piece defender that can play the Mike, Sam, and Will LB positions at a high level while also being a high level edge defender that can get after the passer or set the edge in run support. His versatility also extends to scheme fits, as he was asked to play both the role of a traditional 4-3 defensive end as well as the role of a stand-up edge in a 3-4 scheme, with him being more than capable of consistently playing both at a high level. Displays a good combination of hand-technique/placement and an ability to convert speed-to-power making him a lethal pass rusher. While Clary doesn’t have an official ranking in the class of 2025 because the rankings haven’t been released yet, he should easily be one of the top defensive players in his class.
Jake Stonebraker Jake Stonebraker 6'1" | 200 lbs | ATH Douglas County | 2024 State CO , Douglas County Huskies (LB)(So.)(24) – Much like Clary, Stonebraker is an underclassman LB who really separated himself from the competition at the showcase. During the testing period, Stonebraker clocked a 4.76 40 yard dash average, 4.35 shuttle time, an 8’8 broad jump average, and a 7.69 L-drill average. Stonebraker continued to make his presence felt during 1-on-1s, winning with a combination of an explosive first step, great foot speed while in pursuit of the ball carrier, and the lateral agility to match the more elusive RBs at the showcase. All of Stonebraker’s traits during the testing period and 1-on-1s easily translates to the field, as Stonebraker shows incredible explosiveness and physicality in all phases of the game. Incredibly aggressive defender with an exceptional motor that shows up when pursuing the ball carrier and at the point-of-attack. Physical defender that brings a ton of power behind his pads when making contact with the opposing blocker or ball carrier. Explosive, downhill run defender that can quickly fill his run fits or set the edge on a ball carrier trying to bounce outside. Displays excellent versatility in pass coverage, as he’s able to drop into underneath and intermediate zone coverage, buzz the flat, and go man-to-man against most opposing TEs and RBs all at a very high level. Ball hawk of a defender that always seems to make a play on the ball whenever he’s in the general vicinity, whether intercepting a pass or forcing a fumble. Stonebraker currently isn’t ranked as the official rankings for the class of 2024 haven’t been officially released, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to believe that Stonebraker is one of the best players in the class. He’ll certainly be a fun name to follow if he continues to develop.
Payton Wainwright, Columbine Rebels (LB)(Jr.)(38) – Wainwright was easily one of the top upperclassmen defenders at the showcase, as he impressed during all phases of the showcase. During the testing period, Wainwright clocked the fastest 40 time average of all LBs and one of the fastest of the camp as he ran a 4.58 40 yard dash average, a 4.4 shuttle time, a 7’11 broad jump average, and a 7.34 L-drill average. During 1-on-1s, it was much of the same as Wainwright quickly established himself as one of the top defenders at the camp with his incredible athleticism, closing speed, and explosiveness. When you watch Wainwright on film, you can see his incredible athleticism easily translates to in-game scenarios as well. Displays elite closing speed while crashing downhill to fill his run fits/gap responsibilities and while in pursuit of the ball carrier. Incredible first step explosiveness out of his stance allows him to blow past opposing blockers almost entirely off of his first step alone. Extremely physical and aggressive defender that consistently wraps up and drives through contact with the ball carrier. Shows good hand placement, technique, and strength when stacking and shedding the opposing blocker. Great lateral agility combined with his outstanding athleticism allows him to routinely tackle the ball carrier in 1-on-1 scenarios in the open field. Smart, savvy LB that knows how to set the edge on a ball carrier without over-pursuing the ball carrier. Shows good ability in man coverage, being fast enough to cover almost any TE or RB out of the backfield and also being able to even match up with most slot receivers. Good zone defender showing a solid understanding of keeping the offense in front of him and not covering grass. Projects as a safety at the collegiate level. Wainwright is currently unranked in the class of 2023, but I’m not entirely sure why. He certainly displays the traits and production of a future collegiate football player. While he has a smaller frame for a LB (5’11, 180 lbs), that seems like a moot point considering he’s more than capable of playing safety at the collegiate level with his size and overall athleticism. With that being said, whatever college program takes a swing on him is getting a great player.
Corey Jordan, Regis Jesuit Raiders (DB)(So.)(4) – Despite coming in with a lower profile, Jordan was easily one of the top two DBs at the showcase. During the testing period, Jordan clocked a 4.99 40 yard dash average, a 4.68 shuttle, a 7’10 broad jump average, and an 8.21 L-drill average. During 1-on-1s is where Jordan really made his presence felt, as he was able to consistently lockdown opposing receivers with a combination of excellent technique, lateral agility, and physicality. When you watch Jordan on film, you can see the first thing that stands out about him is his near flawless technique. Fundamentally sound DB that is rarely caught out of position or biting on double moves by the opposing receiver. Tall DB with long arms that routinely wins in press coverage against smaller receivers. Aggressive DB that doesn’t shy away from contact with bigger receivers, blockers, and ball carriers. Shows good ability to crash down and support against the run with his combination of physicality and willingness to drive through contact with the ball carrier at the point-of-attack. Is at his best when being asked to play deep zone coverage, either on the boundary or as a deep-middle safety, to keep the offense in front of him allowing him to read and react to the QB. Deceptive athleticism that doesn’t show up in the numbers column but certainly shows up on the field, as most receivers have a difficult time creating separation against him. Jordan doesn’t currently have an official ranking in the class of 2024 because the rankings haven’t been released yet, but he should definitely see his name there when the rankings are officially released. He’ll be a fun DB to follow the next two seasons with the Raiders.
Avant Wright, Mesa Ridge Grizzlies (DB)(So.)(23) – Much like Jordan, Wright was easily one of the top DBs at the camp and it’s pretty remarkable that the two most impressive DBs from the showcase were both sophomores. During the testing period, Wright clocked the fastest 40 time average of any player overall at the showcase with a 4.47 average time as well as a 4.41 shuttle, an 8’9 broad jump average, and a 7.58 L-drill average. During 1-on-1s, it was more of the same for Wright as he consistently shut down just about every opposing receiver with a combination of elite athleticism, change of direction, and technique. Unfortunately, there’s no tape of Wright online, so I can’t really provide an explanation of how the traits he displayed at the showcase translate to a game environment. With that being said though, Wright was unquestionably one of the top DBs at the showcase and I have zero doubt in my mind that those traits will be on full display these next two years of his prep career. He will absolutely be a name I follow through this year and next.
Isaac Engle Isaac Engle 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Highlands Ranch | 2023 State CO , Highlands Ranch Falcons (LB)(Jr.)(9) – I would be lying to you if I said I was surprised to see Engle perform as well as he did at the showcase as I’ve written about him many, many times over the course of the 2021 season and into this offseason. During the testing period, Engle clocked a 4.77 40 yard dash average, a 4.47 shuttle time, an 8’11 broad jump average, and a 7.58 L-drill average. Transitioning to the 1-on-1s, Engle continued to show out as he routinely won with his combination of effort, balance, and pursuit. When you watch Engle’s junior season on tape, you can see all of his traits translate to the field as his relentless motor is the first thing that stands out. High energy LB that never gives up his pursuit on a ball carrier, even when working backside and chasing ball carriers that are well down field. Great physicality at the point-of contact with would be blockers, using a combination of a low pad level, good hand placement, and strength to shed blockers and make the tackle or continue his pursuit. Rarely takes bad angles, often chasing down faster ball carriers because of this trait alone. Good understanding of gap responsibilities to fill would-be running lanes and take away space for the ball carrier. Engle is currently unranked as a LB in the class of 2023 and the Falcons’ struggles the past few seasons could provide some explanation for his under-recruitment. Regardless, for a player of his skill level that has the production, tape, and frame (6’1, 205 lbs) to match to be completely unranked is shocking to say the least. Engle absolutely fits the mold of a collegiate LB and will look to continue making a name for himself in recruiting circles. He’s certainly deserving of more buzz.