Sophomore LB’s Who Can Explode as Juniors
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As high school football players advance from their sophomore to junior year, they often experience significant growth and development in their skills and abilities. This growth can lead to increased recognition from college recruiters and coaches, as well as a…
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Continue ReadingAs high school football players advance from their sophomore to junior year, they often experience significant growth and development in their skills and abilities. This growth can lead to increased recognition from college recruiters and coaches, as well as a heightened level of competitiveness on the field. In this scouting report, we will identify and discuss sophomores who are poised to explode as juniors in high school football.
Hayden Dotson Hayden Dotson LB Clarke County | 2026 State AL lives and thrives as a strong run defender. His run-game intelligence combined with an outstanding motor is impressive to watch. Dotson reads blocking concepts well to find potential lanes for the ball-carrier and clogs them. He is disciplined with quarterback zone-read responsibilities and containment. Dotson’s play recognition is a strength of his game. He identifies run versus pass at a quick rate. He embodies the phrase, “slow until you know.” He attacks the line of scrimmage with decisiveness and urgency.
Quick first step downhill in the run but is often incorrect in his run fit. Will also delay engagement with opposing linemen when the alley is vacant. Play strength lacks when asked to engage/disengage in one-on-one opportunities. In space, Kendarius is active and consistently around the football.
Highlights
Caplyn Reed
Caplyn Reed
Reed is a twitched-up second-level defender with the length and explosiveness to live within the lungs of a defense. Reed’s success can come as an isolated second-level defender, or with a running mate. Versatile and athletic enough to serve as the lone LB inside unique packages.
As a run defender, Reed showcases a violent downhill trigger. Always trusts his initial read. Quick feet to hop from gap to gap and the length to stack/shed opposing blockers.
Miles Khatri
Miles Khatri
Khatri has good first-step quickness that he uses consistently to win around the edge running the arc. Khatri plays with good pad leverage and uses his lack of ideal height to get underneath offensive linemen and turn the corner. Speed rushes around the edge is Khatri’s go-to pass rush and he has consistent success winning in this way. Khatri is also a high-activity, high-motor player with great effort who always finds himself around the football.
Ja’kavien Collins
Ja’kavien Collins
Collins is a highly athletic, twitchy linebacker with the explosive downhill speed to disrupt the inside running game, and who offers true sideline-to-sideline range, playing with a sense of urgency. Diagnoses with solid discipline, avoiding taking many false steps. Generally does a nice job of keeping his shoulders square to the line when playing between the tackles.
Has the lateral quickness to work through traffic to the ball. Flexible player who has very good short-area quickness to slither through some tight spaces to make the tackle.