Hot 2024 DB Prospects In The 704? February Edition
In studying the 2024 class, I noticed there are a lot of Defensive Backs getting recruiting attention from a number of Division 1 colleges and universities. Let’s take a look at some of these players here: Sam Neely Sam Neely…
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Continue ReadingIn studying the 2024 class, I noticed there are a lot of Defensive Backs getting recruiting attention from a number of Division 1 colleges and universities. Let’s take a look at some of these players here:
Sam Neely Sam Neely 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB Weddington | 2024 State NC – Weddington
Offers – Marshall, Princeton, Charlotte, Eastern Michigan, Old Dominion, James Madison, Connecticut, Liberty, East Carolina, Wake Forest, App State, Rhode Island
Analysis – Neely is a player I have liked for a while now. He stands at 6’1 and 180 pounds, and while he plays a lot of corner – he also lists inside linebacker in his position skillset, and with the game of football changing the way it is, the speed at the linebacker position is so important along with the ability to play coverage and stay on the field for all 3 downs. Last season, his stats included 3 interceptions and 26 pass breakups. Looking at his film, the first thing that stands out is that he LIKES contact and can tackle well in the open field. Run support should not be an issue with him from the corner position. Secondly – on those 3 interceptions he has excellent ball skills, he looks like he could play some offense with how effortlessly he catches the football. The last thing I like is his one on one man coverage skills – in jump ball situations he highpoints the football well, and forces those previously mentioned pass breakups.
Rondell Carter – Chambers
Offers – Rhode Island, Marshall, Georgia State, Liberty, East Carolina
Analysis – Rondell is the first of three DBs from Chambers High School that we will look at here. At 5’11 and 170 pounds, he plays bigger than his height, and I believe he can play outside or inside on the next level. He likes to play tight man coverage, and he has very good technique playing it. Rondell displays excellent long speed in man coverage and plays the ball well in forcing pass breakups. I also like the fact he tackles well in the open field, it’s rare to find that in corners at the high school level.
Keelan “KJ” Flowe – Chambers
Offers – Rhode Island, Coastal Carolina, Georgia State, Old Dominion, Charlotte, East Carolina, Liberty, James Madison, Marshall
Analysis – KJ is deserving of all the recruiting attention he is getting, mainly because he can play corner or safety equally well on the next level. At 6’0 and 160 pounds, he has put a lot of great things on film from his junior season. The first thing I love is his ball reaction skills – at the safety position playing zone, he shows great recognition when there is a threat in his zone, shows great closing speed, and can jump the route/receiver and make an interception. This is also reflected in his open-field pursuit of making tackles in space, which is excellent due to some of the same traits mentioned previously. Also – I have to highlight his tackling ability – he is not scared and shows great technique, and is physical at the point of attack. Very good player.
Dontrae Henderson – Chambers
Offers – Marshall, Rhode Island, Charlotte, James Madison, Georgia State, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina
Analysis – I’ve seen Dontrae up close a few times in covering games, and there are a couple of things I’d like to highlight here. First off, the improvement between his sophomore and junior years was exponential – and he was already a good player as a sophomore. That speaks a lot about his desire to be great and his internal motivation. Dontrae has excellent technique and discipline – you see that consistently throughout his films, game after game. He is not scared to be left on an island against a #1 receiver and accepts the challenge with the confidence required to be a great defensive back. He has excellent speed and excels with the ball in the air – forcing numerous pass breakups on a regular basis.
Sam Napier – North Meck
Offers – Charlotte
Analysis – Sam I think is a little under-recruited with his only offer from Charlotte currently, but Charlotte was smart to offer him because at 6’1 and 210 pounds, when you look at his film you see a player that is starting to figure things out and he is a very good physical talent. He is disciplined in his zone coverages from the safety position, and because of his football intelligence, he is in the right place at the right time to make game-changing plays. I like his tackling in the open field as well, he is very physical at the point of attack. I am excited to see how he progresses during camp season coming up this summer.