CFI Winter Showcase: Defensive Line MVPs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Charlotte Football Insiders (CFI) Winter Showcase provides an opportunity for athletes to compete in front of multiple colleges and universities with the chance to earn an offer to play football on the next level. This Winter Showcase featured over 250 athletes in front of over 40 colleges and universities. Many players stood out to the coaches running the showcase – this article will feature the MVPs for the Defensive Line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Darius Simpkins - Strom Thurmond (SC) - A 6'4 220-pound prospect who is plenty disruptive playing the EDGE position. When he was allowed to turn it loose and pass rush, he shows good speed and technique coming off the edge. I also like his strength playing off the blocks in the run game. 2024 player who will only get better next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Ashton Miller - Mountain Island - This 2023 dominant defensive lineman has committed to Davidson - in him, they are getting a guy that can be stout in the run game on early downs, get out on the edge and rush the passer from a strongside Defensive End position on passing downs - at 6'2 and 255 pounds he is a definite 3 down player! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Braylon Baker - JM Robinson - Braylon is a player I've kept up for the past couple of years, and this year he has started to realize his vast potential. A 2024 EDGE/MLB at 6'3 and 225 pounds, he has a great frame to get bigger and stronger, and already possesses great athleticism for his position. Also has a 3.8 GPA!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Jove Rouse - Berkeley (SC) - A 2024 prospect standing at 6'1 and 262 pounds, Rouse got our attention using a great get-off step in 1 on 1's vs. Offensive Linemen. On film, he is very good at shooting gaps and stopping running plays in the backfield and has a great motor that doesn't stop running. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Cameron Brown - Harding - 2024 EDGE prospect at 6'4 and 215 pounds flashed some very good ability on film last season. Very athletic in space, and his best football is ahead of him in my opinion. He really displayed some elite pass-rushing ability during the showcase and should garner more attention in the camp circuit this upcoming summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='379196' first='Jacoby' last='Martin'] - Richmond County - A good-looking 3-down defensive lineman here at 6'3 and 260 pounds, Martin showed nice technique in 1 on-1's where he both played inside and outside in pass rushing drills. A 2 Time All-Conference player, he also has a 4.3 GPA!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Aidan Smith - Forest Hills - A tough nose tackle and 6'0 and 250 pounds, I think Aidan has a place to play football on the next level as a 2023 player. Helped Forest Hills to one of the best seasons in recent memory. Very quick off of the football and used his hands well in pass-rushing drills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Isaiah Hauser - Nation Ford (SC) - At 5'7 and 215 pounds, Hauser was a great story to see - despite his size, on the defensive line his leverage and quickness made him stand out. He lists himself as a linebacker, fullback, nose guard, and defensive tackle - so he can help someone somewhere for sure, he has some good traits and undersized guys always have those great intangibles, and Hauser has an excellent motor as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->