Mesa Camp Defensive Names to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For those new to the Prep Redzone Colorado scene and interested in a subscription, use code <strong>WESLEY30</strong> for 30% off your first subscription!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The staff at Colorado Mesa University had a busy Friday, hosting a morning camp at Overland High School and then participating in a mega camp in Greeley before finishing the day with another prospect camp at Riverdale Ridge High School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The camp had a solid turnout with a good amount of collegiate-level talent throughout each position group. The afternoon camp had attendees ranging from middle school athletes up to the junior college level, some of whom participated in the camps earlier in the day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This article will highlight eight defensive skills players worthy of attention heading into the fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Defensive Backs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is common for camps to get an influx of wide receivers with a fraction of the members on the side of their defensive counterparts. This camp, however, had an impressive amount of secondary members as it did receivers. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='697552' first='Mason' last='LaBrie']</strong> (2024) from Golden is a versatile defender who can line up at cornerback or safety and make plays. His performance at a camp earlier in the day helped him land an offer from South Dakota mines, and his showing at the Mesa camp was no less impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cherry Creek's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710688' first='Eli' last='Martinez']</strong> (2023) is a safety who also pulled a double-header for camps on Friday. Martinez is a scrappy player with good size and the ideal physicality for a disruptive safety with the experience of a state champion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One player who grabbed attention during the camp was cornerback <strong>RJ Hines</strong> (2024) from Smoky Hill. He has good quickness and top-end speed, but it was his playing style that grabbed the spotlight. His patience and smooth pedals give him an advantage off the line, while his fluid hips and impressive speed allow him to run with dangerous receives. Hines flashed true sleeper characteristics, making him a must-know that should be on every in-state radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1294176' first='Noah' last='Sanchez']</strong> (2025) is a defensive back from Pomona who showed the right amount of scrappiness during the one-on-one portion of the event. Sanchez showed the qualities of a true competitor with the potential to be a playmaker at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Linebackers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among the linebackers were a few known players who lived up to their reputations. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710194' first='Landen' last='Holloway']</strong> (2024) from Denver East stood out during an earlier camp before appearing at this one. His size, explosiveness, and speed make him a head-turner who looks the part while his film backs it up. <strong>Jeremiah Emery</strong> (2024) from Denver South stood out because of his ability to quickly change directions while staying aware of his leverage. He showed sharp fundamentals and a high IQ, moving him up the watchlist for this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='143645' first='Connor' last='Clark']</strong> (2024) from Mountain Range is a player who stands out because of his size and athleticism. Clark started playing varsity as a freshman because of his fearlessness and willingness to initiate contact with anyone, so it should come as no surprise that he shined during the camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Keyshaun Ceaser</strong> (2024 DL) from Thomas Jefferson is not a linebacker, but he was definitely an instant standout during the camp. His imposing size and twitchiness make him a must-see prospect. Caeser's performance at the camp has put him on the list of must-watch players this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->