Spring Defensive Stock Risers: Norcal’s Rising Seniors

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["273658"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":782352,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644162f7898d7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cusano is a big time inside backer in the 2024 class across Norcal, and has solidified himself as one of the regions top players, regardless of position. He is a tough and physical throwback plug that is a big time hitter in the box, explosive in the short area with closing speed and covers a ton of ground outside the tackles. He can rush the passer from various angles and shows a quick use of hands at the POA while able to redirect quickly in backside pursuit and cover bigger backs and receivers. Cusano has had a very busy Spring and collected offers from WSU, Utah State, Air Force, Army and SDSU, with other power five schools most likely close to offering as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/cusano_frank/status/1647299742014275586?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/cusano_frank/status/1647299742014275586?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["115466"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644162f789962"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cunningham has had a busy Spring collecting offers from Columbia and Army, and others should follow suit. He is a long and explosive/rangy inside linebacker that can come off the edge and provide a nice pass rush while very technically sound with his hands and balanced against the run and pass. He flashes closing speed in the backfield, explodes through contact at the POA and is a high motor kid that can redirect and sniff out screens/draws. Playing against the best talent in the state, Cunningham has had a impressive high school career and is one of the best linebacker prospects the region has to offer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DrewCunningham5/status/1608245066438418433?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DrewCunningham5/status/1608245066438418433?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["115431"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644162f7899c1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whitten is one of the best all around defensive backs in the state and has a knack for the ball while seemingly always making big plays and forcing turnovers. From his corner position, he has a quick trigger/closing speed and quickly diagnosis plays while bringing a big thump at contact and able to knife tackle in the open field/is not afraid to bang in the box with bigger ball carriers and blockers. He flashes fluid hips in transition and shows recovery speed when trailing while physical with his hands at the LOS when pressed. Projecting as a safety at the next level, he is a no brainer FBS talent that holds offers from Cal and Colorado while recently picking up BYU last week. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/RyanWhitten/status/1588341965023633409?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/RyanWhitten/status/1588341965023633409?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->