5 Unranked Rising Senior Sleepers
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This is a list highlighting five rising seniors in Maryland who should be on scout’s radars heading into their final season, despite having 0 stars. 2024 6’3″ 180 LB DB – Lloyd Irvin III – Charles Herbert Flowers Lloyd Irvin…
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Continue ReadingThis is a list highlighting five rising seniors in Maryland who should be on scout’s radars heading into their final season, despite having 0 stars.
2024 6’3″ 180 LB DB – Lloyd Irvin III – Charles Herbert Flowers
Lloyd Irvin III has the traits that every defensive coordinator looks for in a defensive back these days. He’s lengthy, isn’t afraid to tackle, and always seems to find his way around the football. Alongside all of those things, the one thing that stands out on Irvin’s film is his hustle and sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability. You can find numerous clips of him chasing down backs and receivers to save big gains or even touchdowns. As mentioned earlier, Irvin’s length and size allow for him to be more physical and disruptive with receivers both at the line and in their routes. His frame reminds me somewhat of a Antonio Cromartie or Richard Sherman for all you throwback lovers. For as much as I love Lloyd Irvin III’s game at outside corner, I believe where he would truly excel is at safety. While watching the tape, you can notice that Irvin shows more comfortability playing in a zone as opposed to man, which he still excels at nevertheless. That mixed with his size and aforementioned tackling ability could be the makings of yet another corner/safety hybrid that both the collegiate and professional levels have fallen in love with.
Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16177746/6334425a6899190ed874fe53
2024 5’8″ 162 LB WR/DB – Jamaury Thompson Jamaury Thompson 5'8" | 160 lbs | DB Our Lady of Mt. Carmel | 2024 State MD – Our Lady of Mount Carmel School
Though many would consider him undersized for both positions he plays, Jamaury Thompson Jamaury Thompson 5'8" | 160 lbs | DB Our Lady of Mt. Carmel | 2024 State MD plays leaps and bounds above his measurables. Starting on the offensive side, Thompson was used both in the slot and on the outside as the “X” receiver despite him not having the prototypical size typically desired at the position. He has an uncanny ability to find and sit in the zone of a defensive, majority of the time for a first time. After the catch though is where the real fun begins. His explosiveness and “quick twitch” movements compliment well with his urgency of getting upfield after securing the catch. For as much of a playmaker he could be on offense, I believe defense is Jamaury Thompson Jamaury Thompson 5'8" | 160 lbs | DB Our Lady of Mt. Carmel | 2024 State MD ‘s true calling. This past season, Thompson lined up EVERYWHERE in the secondary for the Cougars’ defense. Whether it be outside corner, nickelback, safety or even playing in the box, Thompson is there to make the play. He looks very comfortable at the position, playing with loose/fluid hips that mirror receiver’s every move. His knack for being around the football is ridiculous. This led to Thompson finishing the season with 27 tackles, 2 interceptions and 4 passes defended.
Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15692569/637900d842060906340080d0
2024 6’3″ 215 LB QB – DJ Fronek DJ Fronek 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB John Carroll | 2024 MD – John Carroll High School
Next up is the only quarterback to make it onto the list. John Carroll’s DJ Fronek DJ Fronek 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB John Carroll | 2024 MD is the prototypical pocket-passer quarterback for today’s game. For starters, his large frame allows for him to stand in the pocket and deliver an accurate ball; which he absolutely can do. This size also allows for him to sit in the pocket and go through his reads. Fronek displays great arm strength but also uses his mechanics to put the ball exactly where the receiver needs it to be. My favorite part of his game is not only when he attacks down the field, but HOW he does it as well. When it comes to the deep ball, DJ Fronek DJ Fronek 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB John Carroll | 2024 MD has somewhat of a “rainbow” arch to his passes. The ball seems to just leave his hand, disappear for a slight second and then end up right in the hands of his receivers. Ball placement is also a key facet to Fronek’s game. It almost seems as if he tells the ball exactly where to go and it never disobeys, especially on his back shoulder throws. DJ Fronek DJ Fronek 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB John Carroll | 2024 MD ‘s ability to drop the ball between the sideline and his receiver’s outside shoulder is almost second to none and showed immensely throughout his film. You partner these attributes with a gunslinger release and the capability to extend the play when necessary, I think you have yourselves someone that should be playing on Saturdays at the next level.
Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14424083/63509b8bd2257406f0cda473
2024 6’0″ 215 LB RB – David Avit – Winston Churchill High School
The first thing that stands out to you about David Avit’s game is his size. Not what it says on paper, but how that size is able to translate over into his game and be on full display. Avit is a very aggressive and punishing runner; strong enough to stiff-arm any defensive lineman or linebacker you may choose to meet him in the whole. That strength is also displayed in his knack for pass protection. Waiting for the defender isn’t in David Avit’s vocabulary at all. He initiates any and all contact with blitzing defenders, almost seeming to enjoy that side of the position. Now for as much as power might be included in Avit’s playstyle, that’s only half of the equation. His speed is just as effective. After tossing your linebacker to the side, Avit then has a second gear he can activate. All it takes is for the back to decide where he’s going, plant one foot in the ground and then your watching him sprint to the endzone. Deceptive due to his size, David Avit’s speed is the yin to his strength’s yang. He also displays patience about his running style that most backs his size tend to not rely on. All around, I believe Avit to be a very capable 3 down or even change of pace running back at the next level.
Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13283737/6361bb8cbed6c60ba05553e9
2024 6’3″ LB OLB/EDGE – Sahir West Sahir West 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Mt. Saint Joseph | 2024 State MD – Mount St. Joseph
Plain and simple, Sahir West Sahir West 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Mt. Saint Joseph | 2024 State MD is a Swiss army knife for the Gaels’ defense. Though listed as an edge rusher/outside linebacker, where he recorded 63 tackles, 10 sacks, and an interception this past season, West lined up wherever the team needed him. Whether that be rushing against a tackle, standing over a guard or even lining up as a middle linebacker. Though versatile, Sahir West Sahir West 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Mt. Saint Joseph | 2024 State MD ‘s bread and butter is putting his hand in the dirt and getting after the quarterback. By using his ridiculously long arms, West is able to keep blockers away from his body and not allow them to get a clean block on him. However, if his length isn’t enough, the pass-rush savant has an insane combination of speed and finesse which he can use at his disposal. It’s almost scary how quick his first step and get-off are. This comes in use when West is chasing down ball carriers from the backside of a play. Even a quarterback who thinks they may have the edge when running from the pocket is no match for West’s short-field speed and explosiveness. I expect nothing short of another double-digit sack season for the rising senior.
Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16406807/631e6660f31caa021053712c