Under Armour Next HS Camp, MD: PCL Defenders Represent Philly
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The Philadelphia Catholic League was well represented at the Under Armour Next HS camp last week in Towson, Maryland. Almost every position was represented with a Philly native, especially front seven defenders. Consider me a proud Philly scout, seeing these…
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Continue ReadingThe Philadelphia Catholic League was well represented at the Under Armour Next HS camp last week in Towson, Maryland. Almost every position was represented with a Philly native, especially front seven defenders. Consider me a proud Philly scout, seeing these six go to work against some of the best in Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey was a joy to watch.
Jordan Montgomery Jordan Montgomery 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Roman Catholic | 2023 State PA | 6’2, 230 | DL/LB | Roman Catholic | 2023
We begin with Jordan Montgomery Jordan Montgomery 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Roman Catholic | 2023 State PA , one of many stud defenders that Roman Catholic deploys. Ideal build that provides plenty of versatility, which might be the most valuable trait Montgomery can bring to a defense. His film gives you a little bit of everything, edge play to rush the passer and stop the run, coverage play, and hands at linebacker, athleticism in the open field. All of this was also on display at the camp, proving that his play in-person matches what you see on tape. Not that the young man is overshadowed at RC, their roster is absolutely loaded, leaving me to wonder what teams are waiting on this offseason. Montgomery is holding offers out of Temple, Maryland, and Syracuse dating back to last summer. Let’s hope he heats back up.
James Heard | 6’2, 220 | DL/OLB | St. Joseph’s Prep | 2023
I thought James would come away with another MVP after his stellar performance at this camp. Didn’t happen, didn’t matter. This young man proved why he is one of the best pure edge rushers in the entire state regardless of class. The balance and body control Heard shows off are elite. What really impressed me was his ability to maintain his leverage and lane against seriously powerful offensive lineman at this camp. We all know of Heard’s awesome speed and bend around the edge, but if he can withstand punches from elite power tackles there is no limit to his potential. All the attention Heard receives is earned and deserved in my eyes.
Darold Dengohe Darold Dengohe 6'3" | 280 lbs | DL LaSalle College | 2023 State PA | 6’3, 270 | DL | LaSalle College HS | 2023
Was happy to see Dengohe at this camp. Recruitment has seriously heated up since the commencement of his junior season at LaSalle which is a relief. Thought this young man was vastly overlooked but glad to see Power Five’s are catching on. What’s intriguing about Dengohe has always been his ability to dominate at multiple techniques, inside or out. Capabilities to rush the passer and stop the run should make him a coveted piece for teams around the nation. Dengohe was as advertised, although we didn’t get to see too many reps at the edge. Dengohe did most of his work inside, showing off some real power in his legs all throughout the camp. His work in the weight room is noticeable since the last time I saw him live.
Eric Gardner | 6’2, 240 | DL | Archbishop Wood | 2023
If one PA prospect had to take the spot for best performance I would have to go with Eric Gardner out of Archbishop Wood. Dominant in drills and 1v1s. Gardner’s situation is similar to many in this post, often the man overlooked in his defense. His versatility is similar to Dengohe’s with a bit more upside to break a game open. Garnder can do it all, rush the passer or kick inside and clog running lanes. His 1v1 session at this camp was teach tape to younger lineman on how to utilize their hands when penetrating. Too quick off the ball, hands too quick and powerful, incredible lower body strength and balance. Gardner was winning the majority of his reps with speed and quickness, yet from watching him live, I know he can win with power too. Stock is rising.
Tyrese Whitaker Tyrese Whitaker 6'2" | 235 lbs | DL Northeast | 2023 State PA | 6’3, 230 | DL/LB | Archbishop Wood | 2023
Here’s a powerful young man who, in a piece full of versatile prospects, projects to be equally as dominant at both outside linebacker and defensive end. At events like this one, you can sometimes tell which prospects are just football players, athletes whose attitude and mentality really turn on when the pads are put on. Whitaker showed off his motor and drive in each rep this camp. I think he did as well as he could have during testing, where you’ll see the real dominant defender is this Fall, lined up for ABW.
Koren Robinson | 6’1, 280 | DL/OL | Neumann Goretti | 2024
Deshon Dodson | 6’5, 270 | DL | Neumann-Goretti | 2024
Here are two Neumann-Goretti sophomores who are ready to take over the Catholic League this Fall. Excited to be able to watch them work up close. Dodson is an absolute physical presence. One look at the young man and you think you’re going up against a 6’7, 300-pound giant who is going to overwhelm you with power. Next thing you know he looks like a 6’4, 220-pound edge rusher after the snap, who can beat you with speed and bend around the edge. This is why Dodson is a national recruit, he might have been the most complete package at the event. Hard to poke holes in his game, as there almost isn’t any flaw from an evaluator’s perspective. Koren Robinson, who we are very excited to have at our camp this May, will often leave evaluators scratching their heads, might I say in a good way. The young man is a beefy 280-pounds but you couldn’t tell when the kid ran through agility drills with his position group. He’s a talent that shouldn’t be restrained to one position or technique. Robinson consistently surprises when you least expect him too. Can he compete against more athletic linemen inside? Is his height/weight combination ideal? Can he utilize leverage to his benefit? His film answers all of these questions to a resounding yes. Looking forward to seeing him compete at our camp.