#PRZTN Winter Showcase Preview (Defense)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We looked at the other side of the ball, so now it's time to look at the defensive prospects headed to the Boro on Saturday &amp; we got some serious talent set to compete &amp; place themselves on the recruiting map! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All the glitz and glamor presides over over on the offensive side of the ball but defense is where the grit and tenacity is found and that's what we will be looking for at this weekend's PRZTN Winter Showcase, live from the Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking through our pre-registered roster, it looks like we will have some strong defensive talent on hand Saturday with a lot of guys in attendance being under the radar, hidden gems that sport college upside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We begin our preview by looking at the defensive line, where we may have the most talent and depth of all defensive positions at camp. The underclassmen here have the depth with some possible big names but the rising seniors will be represented as well, led by All-State performer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1136613' first='Reid' last='Mitchell']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1136677,"width":"368px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/rmitchell.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1136677" style="width:368px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Marshall Co. rising senior had a stellar junior year where he led his Tigers team in sacks as well as placed himself among the leaders in the stat for the entire 4A class. Ravenwood defensive end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1112606' first='Elliot' last='Hampton'] </strong>is another tall and long prospect I'm interested in watching as he sports physical traits that can be developed on the next level. Two other seniors to follow this weekend are <strong>Hayden Smith </strong>out of Grissom, Alabama and sleeper D-End prospect, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841262' first='Kelton' last='Crisp'] </strong>from Station Camp.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Where the big talent resides on the line comes from the underclassmen where we have several future college guys set to compete in the Boro and begin making a name for themselves.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ensworth rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854301' first='Andrew' last='Hogan'] </strong>is a name to know going forward as he sports the size and mobile abilities to develop nicely on the D-line or even switch over and do so on the O-line as well. Briarcrest Chrst. big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='425182' first='Andre' last='Amos, Jr'] </strong>is in the same boat. The Saints junior moves very well for his size, showing upside to become a pass rushing, run plugger in the middle or a mauler on the O-line. McCallie trench monster <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='867171' first='Jaden' last='Hudgins']-Key </strong>received significant experience this year as a sophomore on the Blue Tornadoes title team and should be taking on a much bigger role this coming Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior <strong>Elijah Daniels </strong>out of Chatt. Christian is an interesting, unknown talent to me that has nice size (6'2 280) and the potential for either side of the line but could turn into an excellent prospect for defensive tackle with continued growth and development.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming from out of state, Bullitt-East (Ky) edge defender <strong>Baron Hardesty </strong>could be one of the better pass rushers we have at camp and with a strong performance, the Chargers junior could boost his stock tremendously. Two others to follow Saturday from the D-line are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540022' first='Harrison' last='Smith'] </strong>out of Sequatchie Co. and Lewis Co. rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491438' first='Kade' last='Carroll']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1136683,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/bhardesty.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1136683" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Transitioning to the linebackers, it's not the deepest position group but there are some guys that are under the radar with talent and upside to reach the college game that can definitely help themselves at the PRZTN Winter Showcase.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest name attending Saturday will be Cleveland rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540034' first='Lucas' last='Szymborski']</strong>. The Blue Raiders 6 '2 two-way athlete is a natural athlete that is well built physically along with the potential to develop nicely at edge or middle linebacker. BGA senior to be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='942774' first='Wesley' last='Ritzen'] </strong>is another guy who fits the same mold as someone with nice size (6'3 205) length and edge burst to become a highly recruited pass rusher.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smyrna linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118582' first='Karsen' last='Matthews'] </strong>is another intriguing talent set to perform this weekend who has the height (6'2 195) length and natural athletic abilities to develop at multiple defensive positions with a unique skill to bend and rush the backfield. A few other backers to follow Saturday should be Maryville defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137205' first='Matthew' last='Covert']</strong>, Coffee Co. senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='250830' first='Jayden' last='Carter'] </strong>and an out of state talent to know, <strong>Lucas Oakley </strong>out of Brooks HS, Alabama.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There will be several underclassmen at the linebacker position this weekend but two guys who immediately stand out to me are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125289' first='Benjamin' last='Buckhold'] </strong>from Collierville and Sequatchie Co. freshman sensation <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904934' first='Kason' last='Hicks']</strong>. These are two tackling machines that will be two highly productive defenders over the next few years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1136690,"width":"291px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/khicks.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1136690" style="width:291px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most of the athleticism from the defensive side of the ball resides right here with the defensive backs where a nice collection of ballhawks set to fly around the secondary. It's a nice mix of veterans and underclassmen with the Middle Tennessee area being well represented.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>BGA senior safety/receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='833029' first='Locke' last='Kennedy'] </strong>should be one of the more athletic performers at the combine on Saturday. The Wildcats two-way talent has great size, length and athletic skills to develop nicely in the secondary.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1136682' first='Jalen' last='Anderson'] </strong>from Blackman, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1071176' first='Isaiah' last='Williams'] </strong>from Brentwood Academy and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1140286' first='Cayden' last='Davis'] </strong>are three senior defensive backs I am interested to watch this weekend as all three are potential stock risers with their performance at this camp, this offseason and their Fall senior years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The underclassmen is where the biggest defensive back upside resides. Christian Brothers junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142023' first='Jeremiah' last='Robinson'] </strong>has nice physical traits while showing on film the potential to excel at cover corner. Mt. Pleasant defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480892' first='Jalen' last='Smith'] </strong>has similar traits, standing at 6 '2 with the length to cover up receivers and the speed to stay with them as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three safeties who have my attention and will be interesting to follow at the Siegel Soccer Complex this weekend will be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118506' first='Emarion' last='Woods'] </strong>(Oakland) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402544' first='Hunter' last='Mullen'] </strong>(Independence) out of the Middle TN region and 6 '2 rangy defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103034' first='Andrew' last='Smith']</strong>, coming out of Maryville.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All three of those guys have the size, ball skills and upside to develop at safety with the potential of taking their abilities to the next level. Expect all three of Woods, Mullen and Smith to become starters this Fall for their respective teams.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It should be another great Winter Showcase, held by Prep Redzone that displays excellent in-state and out of state talent and future college names. All these players mentioned above are one's to follow but many others should and will stand out on Saturday, so stay tuned to #CSmithScout, #PRZTN &amp; others for complete coverage on this weekend's action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":555700,"width":"417px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Hunter-Mullen1.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-555700" style="width:417px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->