5A Early Season “Sure Tacklers” – Part II
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Carson Ratliff HEIGHT 6'1" POS LB CLASS 2024 Carson Ratliff School: Faith Academy Reads plays quickly and is willing to step into the hole and take on blocks to stuff the run; rarely overcommits and ends up running himself out…
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Carson Ratliff
Reads plays quickly and is willing to step into the hole and take on blocks to stuff the run; rarely overcommits and ends up running himself out of the play. Does a good job of keeping his shoulders square to the line. When playing downhill, has enough lower-body strength and explosiveness to avoid getting overwhelmed by opposing blockers in the hole; functional strength is much better than his size would suggest. Gets good extension to lock out opposing blockers, with the knee-bend to compete in the leverage battle. Quick feet to work his way through traffic.
CalibPiner
CalibPiner
High-motor player with more physicality than his size would suggest. Dangerous pass-rusher for the past two seasons. First step is explosive. Able to win with quickness on the edge; can challenge the outside with speed and work his way back in. Active with his hands and has a viable rip move. Good ankle/hip flexibility to work around the edge. Redirects smoothly to the passer.
Has a powerful build with a barrel chest and what looks like good length; looks the part of a linebacker. Used all over the defense; frequently shaded over the slot, but also blitzes and works as a traditional linebacker. Brings desirable energy, physicality, and toughness. At his best, looks like a heat-seeking missile; explosive downhill player who generates pop on contact and can stand his ground against blockers. Shows heavy hands to discard with brute strength. Rangy, high-motor player who pursues to the sidelines and is capable of chasing down ballcarriers in backside pursuit.
Keith Ceasar Jr.
Keith Ceasar Jr.
Overall awareness and motor are solid. Gets good extension to play off of blocks, with good activity to shed. Because of his leverage, actually holds the point of attack pretty well, especially for his size. Flows well laterally in pursuit; can get out to the sidelines and make tackles near the perimeter. Good athlete who can make tackles in backside pursuit. Pretty active with his hands as a pass-rusher; flashes the ability to cover ground with his first step and use a rip to get around the corner.
Ellis Mcgaskin
Ellis Mcgaskin
Does a nice job of keeping his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. Good extension and strong hands to shed blocks and get to the football; doesn’t shy away from getting involved between the tackles, and rarely gets stuck on blocks. Flashes the ability to slip by opponents with quickness and get to the ball. Works hard to pursue to the sidelines and down the field; doesn’t give up before the snap.