Postseason Defensive Risers: Semifinal Exits
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The postseason has concluded, and recruiting is fully underway. As I was going through the top playoff teams in Nevada, I noticed several defenders who had fallen short of the state championship. Below, I highlight five defenders who excelled during…
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Continue ReadingThe postseason has concluded, and recruiting is fully underway. As I was going through the top playoff teams in Nevada, I noticed several defenders who had fallen short of the state championship. Below, I highlight five defenders who excelled during the playoffs.
Trenton Ross Trenton Ross 6’1″ | 200 lbs | DL Spanish Springs | 2024 State NV has had an award-filled fall in his final year of high school football. Still, I am shocked to see Trenton receive so little attention during his senior year. Expect that to change before spring gets here. Trenton shows fast hands, good bend, and next level strength clearing the edge versus bigger tackles as a speed rusher. Good acceleration shows in Trenton’s get off. Trenton shows good tackling ability and a strong shed as a run defender. Outside linebacker versatility shows in Trenton’s awareness and athleticism displayed deflecting passes as flat defender.
Anthony Manuel
Anthony Manuel
Anthony Manuel is set to be a rising Las Vegas defensive back in 2024. The versatile Losee playmaker should see his regional recruitment heat up before his senior season begins. Anthony shows a good combination of burst, power, and instincts blowing up receivers at the catchpoint in zone coverage. Anthony’s smooth change of direction and next level speed allows him to cover ground and disrupt catches as Losee’s deep safety. Good strength, quickness, and tackling ability highlight Anthony’s ability to be a versatile slot defender in college.
Alexander Green
Alexander Green
Alexander Green is set to be a high-rising defender in Las Vegas in 2024. Alexander received his first offer from UNLV in October so be on the lookout for his regional recruitment to heat up this winter. Alexander’s size, quickness, instincts, and tackling ability give him the potential to be a true middle linebacker in college. Good power, physicality, and closing speed shows when Alexander levels ball carriers in the backfield. Good awareness and athleticism gets displayed intercepting passes in zone coverage.
Cole Smalley Cole Smalley 6’3″ | 200 lbs | LB Douglas | 2024 State NV is one of the most impressive uncommitted linebackers in Nevada. I am amazed the hard-hitting linebacker has not received more interest from schools north of Nevada. Expect Cole to be one of the most sought after 2024 prospects in northern Nevada this winter. Cole shows a great combination of power and closing speed flattening ball carriers upon contact. Cole displays good awareness and a fluid change of direction reacting to throws in zone coverage. Good size, quickness, and strong hands allow Cole to produce as a collegiate pass rusher.
I am shocked Herbert Ware Herbert Ware 6’4″ | 260 lbs | DL Green Valley | 2024 State NV is still uncommitted. The talented pass rusher has four offers and I would not be surprised to see that number double before he chooses a school. Herbert shows good power and next level length stunning pass blockers with his punch as a bull rusher. Strong hands and good quickness allows Herbert to counter laterally with ease. Herbert shows a next level combination of strength and flexibility fighting through tackles’ pass sets with good leverage. Coaches like Herbert’s ability to generate pressure from the inside or outside of the pocket.