2024 Defensive Players to Lookout For Part I
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This group came in last year and made names for themselves. Some were already a full year letterman from their freshman season. This bunch is also loaded with defensive lineman who know how to play their position. This class also…
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Continue ReadingThis group came in last year and made names for themselves. Some were already a full year letterman from their freshman season. This bunch is also loaded with defensive lineman who know how to play their position. This class also has a lot of LBs who have a chance to make big names for themselves. I took some time to watch film on this group and here are a few names that stood out.
Kamarion Franklin Kamarion Franklin 6'6" | 255 lbs | DL Lake Cormorant | 2024 State MS , 6-5 250, DL, Lake Cormorant
Kamarion just earned his 5th star recently and it is well deserved. This is a bad boy out of Lake Cormorant. He has all the tools to be great on the next level. Before he gets there he has two more years to be a menace in the Magnolia State. Kamarion gets off the ball very well. He is explosive from the snap and he takes no time getting to the QB. He is very long and has a great build. He also moves very well. He is a scary site for QBs when he is closing in on the pocket. We all know what he brings to the table. That’s why he has 5 stars. He needs no reintroduction.
Jeffery Rush Jeffery Rush 6'2" | 230 lbs | DL Pascagoula | 2024 State MS , Jr, 6-3 255, DL, Pascagoula
This young man holds it down for the coast. He’s a guy that you become a fan of soon as you watch his film. He has a very high motor that stays rolling all four quarters. He has a lot of size that helps him win battles. When you have a heart like this kid it isn’t hard to become victorious on the line every play. He uses his hands and long arms to defeat offensive lineman. He does a great job having very quick hands when the football is snapped. He is not playing around in his pursuit to get a sack. He also does well in the rushing game. He knows how to be disciplined while staying at home when the play is going away from him. He also knows how to shoot those quick hands quickly to get off blocks and make tackles on run plays. He recently received his first SEC offer from Ole Miss. He is a power 5 guy, so look for more big time offers to come this upcoming season.
Jamarcus Thompson, 6-1 220, DE/OLB, Leake Central
Jamarcus is a bad boy standing up on that edge. He is very explosive and knows how to handle his own when he is standing up on the line. He is not a guy your running back wants to see you miss on a running play. He will absolutely unload on the ball carrier. Thompson is another guy that has a high motor that he carries with a chip on his shoulder. He is an absolute monster when he is on the field. This kid can get a push in off two feet like he is exploding from a three point stance. I can see him fitting very well with a school that okays a 5 man front with two edge guys who can play the hybrid LB position. He can also be taught to plant his hand in the ground and come off the edge. He is a guy that needs to be talked about. His team may not win many games, but keep your eyes on this kid. He is one to know.
Braiden Clayborn Braiden Clayborn 6'3" | 200 lbs | DL Provine | 2024 State MS , 6-3 210, DE/OLB, Provine
Braiden is another guy that excels standing up on the edge. He makes a lot happen of things happen for the Provine defense. He is very long and has the build to use his length to his advantage when playing the edge. He is very strong and can hold great ground when he is playing the edge. He gets to the QB and knows how to pack a mean punch when playing against the rush. I would love to see him get better technique. He does not want to always rely on his athleticism. Sometimes he let’s the offensive lineman get too close on him before he makes his moves. The stronger more experience guys know how to lock on and drive you out of the picture. Also on his rush at times he tends to go too far up field. Good mobile QBs will step up and quickly escape when you give them situations like that. He fixes those two things and he is headed to have a very big 2022 season.
Tylan McNichols Tylan McNichols 6'1" | 200 lbs | DB Newton County | 2024 State MS , 6-1 205, ATH, Newton Co
Where do we even start with this young man? He is all seven letters of the word amazing. He does so many great things for Newton. They should go ahead and give him key to the city. He is a threat wherever he lines up on the field, but we are here to talk defense so let’s do so. When Tylan lines up at safety he is dangerous to any opponent. He runs a 4.5 in the 40 so you don’t want to make many mistakes. He knows how to come up and be a major force in their rushing defense. If he picks a pass off he has all the skills to take it to the house. Tylan is not just one of the best in his class. He is one of the best in the state. This kid can truly ball out.
Christopher Jones Christopher Jones 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Hartfield Academy | 2024 State MS , 6-0 210, LB, Hartfield Academy
Jones gets it done for Hartfield Academy and he sets the tone for their defense. He is a guy that pumps up the rest of his teammates. He is very crucial when he is sent on a blitz. I love the way he breaks down and makes sure tackles when he is in the open field. He isn’t always concerned with getting off a big blow. That shows a lot of discipline and selflessness. He is a guy that wants to win, but also wants to see his teammates succeed. He also knows how to shed blocks in the rushing game. He gets off them very fast and finds the ball carrier. He does not have much film out, but this kid is going to make a big name for himself.
Brentston Edwards, 5-10 165, DB, West Point
This is Brentston’s first year starting and he is expected to help the Greenwave secondary a lot this season. He is a guy that knows how to cover and should be instrumental in their passing defense this season. He has a smooth back pedal and breaks on the ball very good. He also likes to come up and make some contact. There is not much film on him, but he is expected to have a breakout year this season.