Key Matchups in the Trenches: 6A Quarterfinals
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The 6A playoffs have been loaded with next level talent in the trenches. This article focuses on players from Rock Bridge, De Smet, Jackson, and CBC high schools. Below, I highlight some of the most talented matchups in the trenches…
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Continue ReadingThe 6A playoffs have been loaded with next level talent in the trenches. This article focuses on players from Rock Bridge, De Smet, Jackson, and CBC high schools. Below, I highlight some of the most talented matchups in the trenches set to take place in Missouri’s quarterfinals.
Carter DeVore
Carter DeVore
Carter DeVore received offers from Missouri Valley College and Albion College already this month. The versatile lineman is sure to have at least one more school come in late to his recruitment this fall. I was impressed with Carter’s improved power right away as he explodes off the snap and into defenders on his senior film. Good athleticism gets displayed when Carter snaps the ball and maintains good flexibility driving nose tackles off the line of scrimmage. Carter’s length, strength, and good football IQ shows picking up stunts in pass protection. Expect recruiters to keep an eye on the Rock Bridge prospect as he faces a talented De Smet defensive line this weekend.
Jaxon Kindle Jaxon Kindle 6’3″ | 300 lbs | OL Rock Bridge | 2025 State MO is becoming a top OL prospect in central Missouri. He has been on a visit to the University of Miami in Ohio this fall, and I would expect him to receive more invites to schools closer to Missouri before his senior season gets here. Good athleticism and quick feet shows smoothly changing direction to pick up linebackers in space. Good strength and lateral quickness shows sustaining blocks in zone runs with ease. Patience, good size, and a solid anchor gives Jaxon the potential to be a good pass protector in college; Expect recruiters to take note of how he does versus other collegiate linemen this weekend.
Quincy Byas Quincy Byas 6’2″ | 220 lbs | DL De Smet | 2025 State MO has had a terrific season as one of De Smet’s most productive defenders. Quincy received his first offer from Missouri State in September, so don’t be surprised when more schools offer the versatile defender this winter. Quincy’s good instincts in pass coverage and athleticism shown in space as an outside linebacker highlights his versatility as an edge defender at the next level. Good flexibility, length, strength, and quickness allows Quincy to beat offensive tackles’ hands with ease before gaining leverage and running the hoop to the quarterback. A solid anchor and good closing speed highlights Quincy’s ability to hold his ground as an edge defender versus a collegiate rushing attack.
Recruiters have not forgotten about Michael Phillips Michael Phillips 5’10” | 265 lbs | DL De Smet | 2024 State MO being one of the staples of De Smet’s front seven. The talented senior is one of the most coveted uncommitted 2024 DL in St. Louis. I am excited to see who comes in late to the versatile prospect’s recruitment this winter. A good combination of size and lateral quickness allows Mike to develop into a versatile interior pass rusher at the next level. Good athleticism shows in Mike’s acceleration and quick change of direction when closing on ball carriers in the backfield. Good strength, shed technique, and range gets displayed when Mike stops run plays outside of his vicinity.
Zane Coon Zane Coon 6’3″ | 295 lbs | OL Jackson | 2024 State MO has had a fantastic final season clearing the way for Jackson’s rushing attack. I am excited to see how the SEMO commit caps off his postseason run. A next level combination of power and athleticism shows flying through the backfield before flattening defenders as a puller at the point of attack. Good strength gets displayed removing defenders from the point of attack when down blocking. Zane’s great combination of quickness, power, and flexibility gives him a chance to be a versatile interior lineman in college. Expect recruiters to make note of how he handles a group of next level defenders this Friday.
Highlights
Triston Abram Triston Abram 6’4″ | 215 lbs | DL CBC | 2025 State MO is set to be another nationally recruited prospect out of CBC. Triston has visited both Mizzou and Ole Miss this month. Expect the great-sized edge rusher to receive more interest from schools outside of the SEC this winter. Good size and power shows dropping runners for a loss in the backfield. Triston’s good strength, active hands, and effort allow him to counter through double teams and chip blocks when initial pass rush moves fail to generate pressure. Triston’s rare combination of length, closing speed, and lateral quickness allows him to develop into a true speed rusher in college. Watch for the CBC defender to give Jackson’s offense problems this Friday night.