Gamechangers: Winter Showcase Top Defensive Performers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Out of all the defenders at last weekend's camp, the twelve prospects listed below stood out to us the most and with their performances at the PRZTN Winter Showcase, they might have taken their college stocks to another level! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>This content series is sponsored by&nbsp;</em><a href="https://gc.com/home/football?utm_source=prepredzone&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=2022prepredzone&amp;utm_content=gamechangeroftheevent&amp;utm_term=partner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>GameChanger</em></a><em>&nbsp;– The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management &amp; Technology Partner of Prep </em>Redzone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Defensive Performers </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Elijah Daniels","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Chatt. Christian","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDaniels was unknown to me going into the PRZTN Winter Showcase but he isn't anymore as this Chattanooga area rising junior made a name for himself with outstanding work during 1 on 1 competition to earn himself MVP honors for the defensive line. Daniels is a big boy that is still coming into his body, so there is plenty of growth to go but the power is there and the mobility is present to be developed and enhanced further into a formidable pass rusher from the interior of the defensive line. Daniels displayed excellent hand work along with the ability to drive his man back then shedding him towards the ball. Plenty of time in the weight room and the field is needed for Daniels but the potential is there to become a potential D1 prospect. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659d8327e9ad7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["540034"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOne of the biggest names in attendance, Szymborski lived up to the hype in multiple ways but it was his work during positional drills that for me, took his stock to another level. Last year for Cleveland, Szymborski played both ways but he specifically performed at linebacker in Murfreesboro to further show his upside for the defensive side of the ball and I believe he helped his cause tremendously. Szymborski was the best overall tester for the linebackers during that portion of the camp while also being one of the best during positional work where he showed off his excellent instincts and closing speed. Well built physically, Szymborski is also a stud on the wrestling map, so he brings balance, toughness and untapped potential to the football field that is starting to grow into a bonafide middle linebacker college prospect.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659d8327e9b81"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1142017' first='Isaac' last='Summey']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Boyd Buchanan ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eLast Saturday at the PRZTN Winter Showcase was a breakout party for this Chattanooga area defender where Summey left Murfreesboro with MVP honors for defensive back while putting scouts on notice as a recruit to watch over the coming years. The Buccaneers rising sophomore showed a well tuned mentality when it came to competing hard with any and all comers, especially the upperclassmen where Summey more than handled his own. The full testing results is something I haven't viewed just yet but I did watch his performance in person and Summey moved very well, showing me the right body movements that will fit on the next level. He is a bit undersized but the Bucs defender has a great feel for what he is doing on the field and along with a dawg mentality that stayed consistent throughout the day.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659d8327e9c5a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1136682"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAnderson has been on my radar for many years now but last Saturday in Murfreesboro was probably one of his better performances I have seen yet out of this Blackman rising senior yet. It all started with testing where Anderson did well then he moved into positional work where he looked sharp, technique sound and understanding of the directions being told to him. The Blaze defender then moved into 1 on 1 competition where he performed very well. His ability to stay on path with the receiver while making a quick reaction based off the quarterback was impressive. The way Anderson plays tells me he would be a perfect fit at safety or nickel back where he can play against the run while making plays versus the pass. His performance Saturday should go a long way towards pushing his recruitment further down the line.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659d8327e9cba"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283954"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eBetter start getting to know about the Western Kentucky talent as Hardesty has the mental outlook and game play to make his way into the college game, even possibly the D1 level. A great motor with a technique sound game, Hardesty was one of the toughest guys to deal with during 1 on 1 competition for the offensive linemen. His hard work was exceptional, his bend was outstanding and his desire to compete on every snap was tremendous. There weren't many flaws with this Bluegrass State talent at the Winter Showcase that I could see. I saw a future college player competing last Saturday and someone that could see a serious boost with his recruitment over the next several months. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659d8327e9d0d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1137205"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOne of the better physically looking prospects at our Winter Showcase, Covert was a pleasant surprise with not just his look but his performance as well where this East TN talent landed among the top competitors at camp for his linebacker position. Covert is a true middle backer that looks the part but he proved on Saturday his ability to move and react quickly, especially during position work and 1 on 1 competition. The Rebels rising senior has good feet along with closing speed that shows me that Covert could develop into a very good run stuffing middle backer that could drop in space on occasions. He will need to continue developing his lower half agility but I see potential there for Covert to have a breakout senior year that leads him into the college game. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659d8327e9d5e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["867171"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eComing off helping his McCallie team to a state title, Hudgins-Key came ready to build off that championship and begin making a name for himself and I think he helped that cause with his performance at the PRZTN Winter Showcase last weekend. The Blue Tornado D-lineman gained tons of reps during 1 on 1 competition and even took some losses but Hudgins-Key had several wins as well, including a few where he displayed quickness and outstanding hand work. Hudgins-Key is more suited right now for a 3-4 defense as he has the body build of a potential defensive end, tackle prospect in the college game with the ability to move up and down the line. He will need to add more size to his frame but the potential is there to take his abilities to the big stage of college football.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659d8327e9dae"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1071176"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAthletic with a well built body, Williams impressed me in several ways last Saturday as someone to watch and pay attention to over the offseason and the Fall football year as a player that could turn himself into a bonafide college prospect. The Eagles rising senior is a multi talented defensive back that displayed excellent technique along with a strong vert as well as some strong testing numbers. Williams held his own during 1 on 1 competition where he displayed excellent reactionary skills along with closing speed. His best position on the next level where I think he could excel the most would be safety or nickel back. Williams could also be a key special teams piece as well. I see all those roles with Williams after closely watching him at the Winter Showcase and proving to me he is a “ball player”.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659d8327e9e1e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["841262"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThis Mid-Tennessee product was one of the more pleasant surprises from the combine on Saturday where Crisp displayed excellent bend, burst and speed, showing tremendous upside as a potential college edge rusher. The Bison 6'3 senior to be had an outstanding offseason debut in Murfreesboro where he was one of the better edge defenders at camp as many O-linemen had a hard time dealing with his skill set during 1 on 1 competition. His hand work was exceptional and when you combine that with his burst off the snap, Crisp was difficult to handle. Potential is certainly there for Crisp to develop into an FCS, possible G5 prospect over the coming months, especially if he continues to add more weight as well as push his game to another level.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659d8327e9e75"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1125289"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eBuckhold traveled all the way to Murfreesboro from Memphis to kick off his offseason in style and he did that by performing very well and placing himself among the top players at his linebacker position. The Dragons rising junior is a legit 6'0 that is well built physically with the look of a true middle backer that could become an outstanding run stopper. The numbers still have to come back to me but by all accounts, Buckhold tested well during the early part of camp then proceeded to look good throughout positional work against the running backs. He will need to keep developing his athleticism and speed but the build, smarts and technique are there for this West Tennessee talent under the radar talent. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659d8327e9ec5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["854301"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHogan was a guy coming into camp that I was very interested to watch and learn more about and he did not disappoint as he performed well, earning top honors along the D-line throughout the duration of the PRZTN Winter Showcase. Standing about 6'2 270 pounds, Hogan is a true defensive tackle prospect that sports the body and frame to pack on more size to become a pass rushing force from the middle. Where the Ensworth rising junior stood out the most to me was during his testing and positional work where he showed off nimble movements along with active hands and the ability to take to coaching and directions. Hogan must continue getting stronger as well as forming his body more but the potential is there to develop into a bonafide college prospect.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659d8327e9f14"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["942774"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSporting nice size with arm length and a frame to pack on more weight, Ritzen is an intriguing talent that is just scratching the surface of his abilities but the future could be bright for this Mid-Tennessee edge rusher. The Wildcats rising senior displayed a variety of talents at the Winter Showcase from his ability to bend and quickly get into the backfield as well as look smooth during the testing portion of camp. This is an athletic backer with nice agility and versatility to rush the passer or drop into space. Ritzen broke onto the scene this past Fall as he took on a bigger role and this offseason will be huge for this 6'2 linebacker to continue building his stock and turning himself into a legit college recruit. His performance last weekend in the Boro shows that Ritzen could be ready to take that next step.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659d8327e9f64"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Top Performers: </strong>(DE/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='833292' first='<strong>Hayden </strong>' last='<strong>Smith</strong>']</strong>- Grissom (AL), (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118582' first='Karsen' last='Matthews'] </strong>- Smyrna, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841139' first='Andrew' last='White'] </strong>- Station Camp, ‘26 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480892' first='Jalen' last='Smith'] </strong>- Mt. Pleasant, ‘27 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt'] </strong>- Oakland, (S) <strong>Bryce Gerlach </strong>- Corydon Cent. (IN), ‘26 (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540022' first='Harrison' last='Smith'] </strong>- Sequatchie Co.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->