2024 Rankings Risers/Newcomers: DL
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In-depth analysis of the 2024 DL rankings risers and newcomers. Deshawn Warner AZ #7 DL #4 HEIGHT 6'4" WEIGHT 225 POS DL CLASS 2024 View Profile Deshawn Warner State: Arizona School: Desert Edge Warner’s recruiting skyrocketed in the offseason pulling…
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Continue ReadingIn-depth analysis of the 2024 DL rankings risers and newcomers.
Warner’s recruiting skyrocketed in the offseason pulling in 10 offers from a variety of Power 5 and Group of 5 programs including Nebraska, Arizona, Washington State, Oregon State, and Iowa State. At 6’4” 205 lbs. he’s got an athletic frame with length and growth potential to add weight. He’s an attacking defender that uses his speed and bend to beat blockers off the edge and disrupt plays as they develop. Good feel for the game and awareness as he diagnoses plays and locates the ball, he’s patient and shows good eye discipline. Good effective use of his hands to fight off contact and shed blockers freeing himself up to make a tackle. Area of improvement for him would be to play with better leverage, tends to get too high at the POA and sacrifices his some of his strength. Strong skillset to build with tons of potential as he progresses.
Willey has been a key piece to the Verrado defense since his freshman year and even set a school record for TFL’s in a season with 20 and tied the record for sacks with 13 as a sophomore. He’s an active defender with a long and lean frame at 6’3” 200 lbs. He’s a plus athlete that fires off the ball with a quick/explosive first step to gain positional leverage. Shows good short area speed and lateral agility to redirect to the ball carrier and close space in a hurry. Strong and reliable tackler that wraps up to the ground and finishes every play with effort. Flashes good natural strength both on the field and in the weight room but would like to see him continue to add weight/size to his frame in preparation for the college level. Voted first team all-region as a sophomore and would expect for him to build on that in the 2022 season.
A lot to like about Jones’ skillset with his combination of size, length, and athleticism at 6’3” 215 lbs. He’s a tough block for anyone coming off the edge with speed and power. He flashes excellent initial quickness off the ball while doing a great job setting the edge and flipping his hips to collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. Plus body control and coordination to execute different moves to beat his block including rips, spins, dips, and long arm techniques. Has the speed and acceleration to chase and make plays sideline to sideline. Good use of technique and fundamentals especially with his hands. Recruiting took off after attending the University of Redlands camp and has since pulled in seven offers but is still under recruited. Those offers include Washington, NAU, SDSU, Fresno State, Colorado State, UNLV, and San Jose State. Extremely high ceiling as he continues to develop and would expect him to continue to rise up rankings and recruiting boards at the major D1 level.
Highlights
Dukes is a versatile prospect at Coolidge that shows he can be effective from multiple spots on the DL. At 6’3” 265 lbs. he’s able to be a strong force in the middle as a run stopper or use his athleticism to rush the passer. Possesses a strong lower half that allows him to generate explosion and use his initial quickness to gain penetration right out of his stance. Flashes good all-around and natural strength in both his hands and legs to stack and neutralize blockers at the POA. Can also anchor down to fill a gap and be a space eater in the middle. High motor guy that is relentless in pursuit and shows good mobility in the short area. Good foundational skillset to build on and develop.
At 6’3” 215 lbs. Markham is an impressive dual-sport (football/baseball) recruit. Possesses a well-balanced and built frame with length and growth potential, especially as a junior. Shows functional athleticism/mobility with natural strength and power throughout his body. He’s physical at the POA and flashes good reactionary quickness as he diagnoses run/pass. Well coached, he shows a good technique and understands his assignment as an edge defender. Active with his hands to maintain separation from blockers and shed to make a tackle on the ball carrier. Displays good contact balance, body control, and leverage at the contact point. Picked up an early offer from Idaho State but recruiting is just beginning and has the potential to take off with a strong junior season.