Five Under-recruited 2024 DE/OLBs to Watch
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Before I spent five seasons as a Player Personnel Analyst at the University of Texas, I cut my teeth in this business at the FCS and G5 levels for eight years. Working for an FCS program also meant keeping an…
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Continue ReadingBefore I spent five seasons as a Player Personnel Analyst at the University of Texas, I cut my teeth in this business at the FCS and G5 levels for eight years. Working for an FCS program also meant keeping an eye out for high-caliber D-2 prospects as well. If I were working for a D-2, FCS, or G5 program, I’d monitor the progress of these five DE/OLBs. A few of them could turn into P5 steals.
Weston Bicknell | 2024 | DE | Flower Mound HS | 6’5 – 212 | Jr. Season HighlightsBicknell holds a few D-2 offers as well as an FCS offer from Valparaiso. He’s currently committed to Colorado State University – Pueblo (D-2) but they may be in a fight to keep once the season starts. Bicknell has the frame and fight that could make a G5 defensive line coach look like a genius for taking a chance on him. Redshirt him in year one, get him in the rotation the next season, by year three Bicknell could be a ripped 255 pounds with a chip on his shoulder.
Highlights
Robbie Burslem
Robbie Burslem
Robbie Burslem | 2024 | DE | Saint Dominic Savio Catholic HS | 6’5 – 205 | Jr. Season HighlightsBurslem’s highlights show weak competition but he has the frame and athleticism to have D-2 and FCS interest. Evaluators should pay more attention to his traits and not the guys he’s lining up against. With his ceiling and strong 4.0 GPA, he’s the type of walk-on candidate that P5 programs like to stock up on for their scout teams. Could be an ideal fit for an Ivy League program as well.
Jordan Lynch
Jordan Lynch
Jordan Lynch | 2024 | DE | A&M Consolidated | 6’3 – 220 | Jr. Season Highlights Lynch was used as an interior defensive lineman but belongs on the edge. Has the size/athleticism combo to warrant being on FCS and G5 recruiting boards. I was surprised that I couldn’t find any offers for Lynch. Joey Lightfoot was another under-recruited defensive lineman at A&M Consolidated whom I was keeping an eye on when I worked at the University of Texas. UTEP stepped in late and, in my opinion, got a steal when they signed Lightfoot. Lynch could have a similar story.
Jett Thompson
Jett Thompson
Jett Thompson | 2024 | DE/OLB | Reagan HS | 6’3 -210 | Jr. Season HighlightsThompson is a tone-setting, physical linebacker who is also a baseball standout. Projects as an Edge/DE at the next level. I love his toughness and effort. People say that you can’t measure one’s heart and I totally disagree. You can see it in one’s effort and he plays all out. Has D-3 offers but should attract D-2 and FCS offers with G5 interest. With a 4.0 GPA, Thompson fits the profile of an Ivy League prospect or a P5 walk-on who could potentially earn a scholarship.
Dhaylen Stanton Dhaylen Stanton 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Madison | 2024 TX
Dhaylen Stanton Dhaylen Stanton 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Madison | 2024 TX
Dhaylen Stanton Dhaylen Stanton 6’3″ | 230 lbs | DL Madison | 2024 TX | 2024 | DE | Madison HS | 6’3 – 250 | Jr. Season HighlightsStanton’s lack of FBS offers is a complete head scratcher to me. Physical DE with good athleticism and the frame to grow into a DT. Does a very good job of violently creating separation with his length, shedding offensive linemen, and getting to the ball. Dual sport athlete who plays basketball instead of participating in an offseason program, which may explain why he’s not already playing DT. Could easily report to an FBS program as a 275-pound freshman and eventually play in the 300-pound range.