Prospects with Rising Stock from the 23 & 24 Class: Defense

Nyjadus Roberts-Holloway | 2023 LB | Starkville HS | 6'2 225 | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15949613/6339fe4115f5900744216637">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15949613/6339fe4115f5900744216637</a>   Great Motor, High Football IQ, Violent Finisher. These are a few of my notes that I have for this 2023 stud linebacker out of Starkville. I was impressed by Nyjadus' approach to tackles and his ability to shed blocks at the point of attack. Mr.Roberts-Holloway is a thumper, but he also has the ability to run sideline to sideline, which is uncommon. His spatial awareness and down hill speed are exceptional and impressive to watch. He is often seen pointing out plays to his defensive front and making sure they are aligned correctly. This lets me know he is a student of the game who studies film, as well as a leader. The most impressive trait of his that popped out on tape was the excitement and joy that Nyjadus shows when he executes and makes plays. You rarely see that type of joy from today's youth playing the game on the HS level. I'm looking forward to seeing how him and the Starkville Yellowjackets finish off the season this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='312401' first='Nathaniel' last='Walker'] | 2024 LB | Amory | 6'0 190 | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15527568/Nathaniel-Walker" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15527568/Nathaniel-Walker">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15527568/Nathaniel-Walker</a>   Speed, Agility, & Great Pursuit are the things that encompass [player_tooltip player_id='312401' first='Nathaniel' last='Walker']'s game whenever I watch his tape. Walker understands fronts and seems to excel at recognizing what looks give him certain plays. Once he analyzes what is going on, Walker uses his speed to get to where he needs to be and stifle defenders with ease. The Junior out of Amory finds ways to make an impact of games that are often immeasurable, whether it is with big plays, big hits, or turnovers. Nathaniel is a guy that can play on all three levels of the defense. In game, he moves a step faster than what his measured 4.6 40 would believe you to think. Which makes sense with his best 5-10-5 being recorded at 4.28. Based on his grasp of the game, skill-set, and work ethic, I can see him being a nickel linebacker that rushes off the edge, assumes linebacker responsibility, and covers on the back-end as well. He has begun getting more traction in recruiting, but he will be a prospect that receives the attention he deserves later on in my opinion. Walker makes plays that most linebackers on the high school level struggle with, consistently. Here recently he has taken unofficial game-day visits to Mississippi State & South Alabama recently. This kid is a prime time player in the making. Remember the name [player_tooltip player_id='312401' first='Nathaniel' last='Walker'].   [player_tooltip player_id='364337' first='Patrick' last='Broomfield'] | 2024 CB/WR | Clarksdale | 6'2 170 | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14192347/6329e54c5ca91d0fc48bfb7a" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14192347/6329e54c5ca91d0fc48bfb7a">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14192347/6329e54c5ca91d0fc48bfb7a</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='364337' first='Patrick' last='Broomfield'] out of Clarksdale is a defensive play-maker that seems to always be at the right place at the right time. The 2024 defensive prospect is your prototypical corner in terms of size and measurables. He is long, rangy and has a decent wingspan. Broomfield has loose hips and changes direction seamlessly. His feet are as light as feathers and he always finds himself in phase and in prime position to make plays on either the defender of the football. Whether in the open field or in run support, Patrick has shown that he is a proven reliable tacker who does not shy away from any contact. His instincts and play recognition are both attributes that he relies on to make plays. Patrick's technique is not to shabby by any means, but there are a few ins and outs that can be polished up, which is to be expected from a high school junior. Mr. Broomfield has been receiving attention and interest from respectable programs in the region such as: Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tulane, Southern Miss, Middle Tennessee, and Arkansas State. None have offered, but if Broomfield continues to put out good tape and have a spectacular post-season, I'm sure that will change in the future.   David Lewis | 2023 ATH | Gulfport | 6'0 225 | <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2JHTqR" data-type="URL" data-id="http://www.hudl.com/v/2JHTqR">http://www.hudl.com/v/2JHTqR</a>   This kid is a prospect that I could see being productive right out of high school depending on what level he plays next year. He is listed as a D End, but I see Mr. Lewis being an OLB/Edge type of defender, assuming he plays defense on the next level. David Lewis out of Gulfport is an athlete who can move well and plays with a passion and intensity on both sides of the ball that is infectious. David bends well and changes direction with ease when making plays out of his defensive end spot. He has the strength and speed to play stand up end or put his hand in the ground. I was impressed by the ability he showed to use his hands and shed blocks to make tackles while on the line of scrimmage or playing on the move. David seems to understand leverage and how to use his skill set to his advantage. His pursuit and ability to chase is similar to that of an linebacker, and this is an attribute that will work heavily in his favor being a prospect slightly below the average size in regards to his position. Heading into peak recruiting season, I would like to see David take that already imposing motor of his to new heights. He is beginning to gain the attention he rightfully deserves. Once he makes the plays he is capable of making in high impact games, it's up for him.

Nyjadus Roberts-Holloway | 2023 LB | Starkville HS | 6'2 225 | https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15949613/6339fe4115f5900744216637