Model Blue Devils vs Pepperell Dragons: Defensive Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quite a few players in this Floyd County matchup with next level potential. The game was a defensive battle in the first half with the score tied at 6-6 at the halfway point. The Blue Devils pulled away in the 2nd half to go on to a 29-6 win over the homestanding Dragons. Here are the defensive standouts from Friday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Model Blue Devils</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Javon Samples-LB-2024</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'9 200 Senior LB brings it. Solid build with strong lower body. Has deceptive speed and combined with his power can lay some licks. Good vision and closes on the ball carrier in a hurry. Comes from good football genes, his brother is a Freshman at Cumberland U. Had 7 solo tackles with 2 tackles for loss. Rarely leaves the field and had 5 touches on offense including a 16-yard TD reception. Multisport athlete that is worth evaluating at the NAIA or D3 level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TheJavonSamples/status/1690537149244837888","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/TheJavonSamples/status/1690537149244837888 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='896584' first='Jeremias' last='Heard']-DL-2025</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 4-star Tennessee commit passes the eye test. The Junior DL is listed at 6'9 275 and is easy to spot during warmups. Converted basketball player that is still raw on the football field but with his size has huge upside potential. Athletic big man that usually demands a double team. His long wingspan was on display Friday, blocking a Dragon punt that set up a Blue Devil TD. He added 3 solo tackles with a TFL. Had a 20-yard reception on offense from the TE spot and handles the punting duties for the team, booting a 56 yarder that pinned Pepperell at the 1. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/NwGaFootball/status/1578717078827433984","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/NwGaFootball/status/1578717078827433984 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Riley Chapman-LB-2024</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Might be the shortest guy on the field but don't let that fool you. This guy is as tough as they come and a good example of an old school football player. Compact frame with good leg strength and speed. Had 5 solo tackles on the night and assisted on many others, always around the ball. Multisport athlete. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pepperell Dragons</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Erik Jensen-LB-2024</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'2 210 Senior has stood out to us every time we have seen him this offseason. Has a high motor and is always around the ball. Strong athletic build and is a sure tackler on contact. Had 8 solo tackles Friday night with a TFL and was constantly in the backfield pressuring the QB. The Dragon Team Captain is a 4 sport athlete and carries a 3.7 GPA. We saw him at the Shorter Camp this Summer and he put up good numbers in the agility drills and 40yd dash, earning a post camp offer from the Shorter staff. 1st Team All Region in '22 and has the potential to be the Region DPOY this year. Good prospect to evaluate for high academic schools. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Erikj05/status/1593677595945578496","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/Erikj05/status/1593677595945578496 </div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong><em>Cory Moten Jr-DB-2024</em></strong></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'9 Senior DB/WR has a good 1st Step and is quick getting off the ball. Good 1 on 1 coverage DB that uses his quick hand speed to break up passes against taller receivers. Was quick coming off the edge Friday night. Blocked one Field Goal and might have gotten his hand on a second one. Multisport athlete that runs track and placed in the State last year on the mat. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CoryMotenJr4/status/1687830148706385920","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/CoryMotenJr4/status/1687830148706385920 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Braxton Bragg-DE-2024</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6'4 250: The Senior DL plays with a mean streak. Had 3 solo tackles on the night and a couple QB pressures. Quick off the line of scrimmage and is tough to block. Moves well and has the speed to chase the QB from sideline to sideline. An under the radar player on the local scene but is primed to have an outstanding senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/NwGaFootball/status/1656117884144308224","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/NwGaFootball/status/1656117884144308224 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->