Hidden Defensive Gems Week 0
Today we talk about some defenders across the state that might be under the radar. Check them out! Travis Bendolph HEIGHT 6'1" POS DL CLASS 2023 Travis Bendolph School: Theodore Bendolph might be the most underrated defensive lineman in the…
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Continue ReadingToday we talk about some defenders across the state that might be under the radar. Check them out!
Travis Bendolph
Travis Bendolph
Bendolph might be the most underrated defensive lineman in the state. With his dominating performance against Baker, he is established as a certified playmaker. Last week he had 16 tackles, two sacks, and two pressures and should’ve made the standout list (my apologies). However, Bendolph was a monster and started the season in an emphatic fashion. He showed an excellent first step and short-distance burst as a pass rusher. He consistently had opposing linemen on their heels. Bendolph also showed the physicality and strength to work through blocks with bull rushes and shreds. This caused him to be a constant disruption throughout the game. Against the run, he used this speed to shoot the gap and make plays in the backfield- showing excellent open-field tackling. Bendolph also demonstrated an extremely high motor and won with his second effort frequently; he ran down a few plays, which is impressive for someone his size. With one of the best starts of any defensive player in the state- look for Bendolph to continue to build and get his name out in the recruiting circuit.
Kadarius Pitts
Kadarius Pitts
Pitts is an old-school nose tackle that will take up space, clog the run, provide a presence in the middle, and allow other guys to eat. He shows great strength when taking on double teams, pushing the pocket in the face of the QB, and simply working off of pure power rushes. However, Pitts’s biggest skill might be his motor. There were multiple instances where Pitts ran down the speedier QB and gave his all on the play, resulting in a sack, a throwaway, and some bad throws. The big fella’s hustle was tremendous and played a role in his team getting a W.
Quinton Reese
Quinton Reese
Reese is an extremely athletic linebacker who flies around the field. With great burst, elite pursuit/closing speed, and instinct Reese is a monster in the middle of the defense. This quickness simply can’t be taught and makes him a movable piece that must be accounted for. He can make plays sideline to sideline, generate sacks and pressures as a blitzer, and get downhill and be a stopper in the run game. Beyond his speed, Reese shows tenacity and strength when fighting off blocks and can disengage from bigger guys when needed. His impressive skill set and aptitude to hit guys with conviction make him one of the better linebackers in the state and the offensive coordinator’s worst nightmare at the second level. Reese is a linebacker to keep an eye on and a prospect who can play at the next level.
Joshua Combs
Joshua Combs
Combs is a corner with track-star speed and playmaking potential. He was clocked at a peak speed of 22MPH per Catapult sports and was the fastest player measured in Week 0. He Uses this tremendous speed to close on the ball in coverage, add value as a returner if he gets his hands on the ball, and track down plays that are out of his range. Outside of the speed, he showed tremendous toughness against the run and a willingness to get downhill and make hits when needed, which resulted in a forced fumble and fumble recovery touchdown against Loachchapoka. With next-level speed, size, and grit, Combs should be a consistent playmaker throughout the season.