5 Defense Prospects To Watch
With an opportunity to shine the spotlight on every part of the state year-round, we have the chance to check out some of the best Florida has to offer. By ranking prospects by position, you have the unique opportunity to…
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Continue ReadingWith an opportunity to shine the spotlight on every part of the state year-round, we have the chance to check out some of the best Florida has to offer.
By ranking prospects by position, you have the unique opportunity to give college coaches a perspective that many do not have – by seeing dozens and dozens of football players live in every setting possible. From camp and combines to 7-on-7 events, practices and games, watching these young men in their element provides something that is tough to find.
From character to leadership, we know that those things do not show up on a film, and are perhaps the most important facet of the process.
Today, we check out five defensive difference makers who colleges have already started to check out – and we bring to you:
2023 – Chavarri’s Dumas, DB, 6-0, 180, Palatka. If you talk to head coach Patrick Turner, he will give you plenty of reasons why the Panthers have gotten off to such an impressive start this season. One of the areas that has truly improved is the defensive secondary, and with the help of this athletic and impressive performer – making big plays – the entire culture of this program has turned around. This is someone who is quick, aggressive and has some amazing ball skills. He also makes a solid contribution on the other side of the ball – where he knows how to find the endzone as well. He is a standout basketball player as well.
2023 – Maverick Gracio, DE, 6-4, 230, West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman. Off to a tremendous start so far this season, here is someone who comes off the edge quickly and displays strength, twitch and knowing how to read the flow of plays. His ability to make plays has also helped head coach Jack Daniels and the Crusaders on special teams as well. Had 11 sacks through the first four games. Was an All-State performer a year ago, and as this season continues to unfold, his play will be essential in the success.
2023 – Samuel Haertle, LB, 6-0, 170, Dunedin. Ask any head football coach across the country what is the most important part of playing on the defensive side of the ball and everyone of them will talk about production and making tackles. You can have the size and speed, but if the instincts and technique are not in place, it’s almost a waste of all the physical traits that athlete bring to the table. With this young man, all he does is make plays and is at the center of just about every play run for the Falcons, who continue to find ways to improve and get into the win column. In this quality talent they have a physical presence that is also a leader, which is so essential. His work in the classroom (2.7 GPA) and as a multi-sport (wrestling) athlete is also part of the entire package.
2025 – Logan McCloud, DE, 6-2, 235, Newberry. From the first time we watched this impressive talent before the summer, it was a given that he was special – and showed it in his very first season. Quick, strong and as hard a worker as you will find – and veteran head coach Ed Johnson knows just a little bit about coaching quality athletes. When he went up against seniors and continued to overwhelm them, you could see right away that his progress was ahead of schedule. What also makes him a step above everyone else is his year-round effort to getting better, being a part of a Gainesville area group that continues to improve by competing against one another. His work in the classroom is exactly what you would expect from a talent like this, holding down a 3.5 GPA and drawing praise from teachers and administrators. The total package – and he has really just scratched the surface.
2023 – Tracker Thomaston, LB, 5-11, 180, Freeport. Here is yet another talented and versatile football player who has been the model of consistency for head coach Shaun Arntz and his football team. One of the leading tacklers a year ago, his skill level and leadership has brought this talented prospect to his senior season where he is back at it again – doing what is necessary to win football games and showcase his many skills. An all-area talent, his 163 tackles was among the best in the state a year ago – and if this program is to have success once again this year – they will need him to be in the spotlight again. Is also a running back on the offensive side of the ball.
CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS. https://prepredzone.com/2022/08/updated-2024-florida-rankings/
Have prospect or team information? Send to: Floridakids1@aol.com.