2024 Defenders That Could Have a Big Winter

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Well, the off-season is in full effect and we have quite a bit of time till student athletes strap up the pads. Today, we're looking at some intriguing junior defensive prospects. I was very impressed by what these young men put on film. These guys are by most standards underrecruited at the moment, but that doesn't mean their time isn't coming. I think these guys could have a massive off-season, and some should see their offer lists grow pretty quickly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you have any prospects you'd like for me to watch, please @ them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>OLB: [player_tooltip player_id='185461' first='Se'Von' last='McDowell'], 6'2" 205, Dinwiddie</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An aggressive blitzer with plenty of physicality.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Plays downhill, looking to stuff opposing running backs right in their tracks.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Put up big numbers in 2022, finishing with 100+ tackles, 13 sacks, and 27 TFLs.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Shows terrific range after the ball is thrown.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>DB: Myles Turpin, 5'11" 175, Stone Bridge</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A talented returner who can get the offense into plus territory.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Shows a terrific mixture of instincts and closing speed.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Reads route concepts well and will undercut throws &amp; take them the other way.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Patrols the middle of the field like an outfielder, anticipating throws from the opposing quarterback. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>DE: Freddie Cowell, 6'4" 220, Grafton</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has a 6'8" wing span, perfect for his push-pull technique. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Shows relentless effort chasing down quarterbacks.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Is a tipped pass machine if he can't get to the quarterback.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A well-versed hand fighter.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>DB: Cameron Love, 6'4" 180, Fairfax</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Length, ball skills, and body control make him an appealing safety prospect.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Reads his open line keys and comes down to provide run support.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A bit raw, but has the hips and speed to play man out of the slot.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Will come to balance and shimmy down to make tackles in space. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>OLB: Ryan Matheny, 6' 195, Lake Braddock</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Baits quarterbacks into making poor throws.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Quite sticky in man coverage.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Strong at the point of attack, with the ability to disengage and get off blocks.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Put up ridiculous numbers, including 100+ tackles to go along with 6 interceptions. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>DB: Elijah Reed, 5'10" 160, Freedom</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A terrific athlete who could have a future on either side of the ball.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An explosive cornerback prospect with outstanding footwork.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He easily sorts through route concepts in zone and will make his breaks off the quarterback's offhand.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has an innate ability to make a play on the football while it's in the air.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>Other Names to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>OLB: Demari Phillips, 6'2" 210, Dinwiddie</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>DT: Nic Watson, 6'3" 250, E.C. Glass</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->