Winter Showcase Top Performers (Def. Line)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Moving into the trenches, here we look at the defensive linemen that took advantage of the PRZTN Showcase setting and made a name for themselves moving forward with stellar camp performances. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best D-line Performers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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":"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: 400u0022u003eComing home with D-line MVP honors from the PRZTN Winter Showcase, Daniels put himself on the map with an outstanding individual performance that remained consistent from start to finish. The Chattanooga rising junior had a strong showing during the testing portion of camp but stood out most during 1 on 1 competition where his size, speed and athleticism were a major problem for offensive linemen. Daniels is well put together for being only a sophomore and he moves very well too. He was easily the most athletic interior D-linemen at camp with tons of room for added girth. If this East Tennessee talent continues developing properly like I think he will, D1, possible Power Five football will be a part of his future.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a803619f53d"} /--> <!-- 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: 400u0022u003eIf you're looking for a player who took his stock to a whole new level, Crisp is your guy. The Bison edge rusher displayed a variety of mature pass rush moves during 1 on 1 competition that showed tons of upside and possible D1 potential. Standing about 6 '3 with long arms and an agile lower base, Crisp used his bend and burst along with outstanding hand work to get around or through offensive tackles on a consistent basis. His explosion and high football knowledge stood out the most to me at camp, showing excellent upside for the college game. Crisp does need to continue adding more weight but his performance at the PRZTN Winter Showcase turn some heads and definitely put this Mid-Tennessee talent on the college map.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a803619f5b9"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CSmithScout/status/1745500379117179345?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CSmithScout/status/1745500379117179345?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1142020"],"_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: 400u0022u003eHudgins-Key excelled at our 2024 PRZTN Winter Showcase with a variety of skills, ranging all the way from testing into 1 on 1 action, placing himself among the top performers from the defensive line. The Blue Tornado junior D-lineman fits the mold of a 3-4 defender that could be used in multiple areas across the defensive front. Most of his work at camp came from the interior where he used his quick get-off and overall athleticism to find ways into the backfield. He also showed the ability to use his hands and find creases in the line towards the ball. Hudgins-Key had a good day of testing as well, displaying his athletic skills throughout the camp from beginning to end. It was an overall good day for this Chattanooga area D-linemen that still has plenty of room to grow but the talent is definitely there.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a803619f622"} /--> <!-- 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: 400u0022u003eHardesty has a bright future as he put on a show at our Winter Showcase where this Bluegrass State native performed well during testing then provided problems for O-linemen during 1 on 1 competition. The Chargers rising junior did well during testing but it was his positional work and effort in the tail end of camp against offensive linemen that earned his placement on this list. Hardesty is a ferocious pass rusher with great burst and speed off the edge along with a physical body that he has no problem using to his advantage. This is a mature defender as well that showed excellent hands and a variety of moves at camp that translate well to the next level. It will be interesting to continue watching this guy's progression over the next two years, when I see him developing into a D1 prospect. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a803619f685"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CSmithScout/status/1745123016403546604?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CSmithScout/status/1745123016403546604?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- 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: 400u0022u003eThis is a big boy that doesn't know how good he can be yet but he certainly showed glimpses of brilliance, competing at the PRZTN Winter Showcase where he had dominating moments. What O-linemen had a problem with the most about Hogan was his overall power and strong hands that would push guys back from his initial punch. Hogan did struggle at times with the opposition who matched his strength but more times than not, the Tigers rising junior won his battles. What I like most about Hogan is his mobility and power along with a body that can definitely take on more size and develop into a pass rushing force from the middle of the defensive line, so watch out for this Nashville native moving forward.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a803619f6e4"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1136613"],"_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: 400u0022u003eMitchell is coming off a breakout junior season where he led his Tigers team in sacks while also earning multiple postseason honors and he more than backed that up at our Showcase where this 6 '3 defensive lineman earned his place on this list as a top performer. His work during both the testing and 1 on 1 competition were impressive, displaying deceptive athleticism as well as the versatility to play multiple positions across the defensive line. Where this Mid-Tennessee talent stood out the most was with his power and strength, working through O-linemen while also showing potential with his bend. More size and strength will need to be added, however the talent is there to be molded into a college prospect. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a803619f73e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["833292"],"_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 up from the Huntsville, Alabama area to continue boosting his stock, Smith did that with an outstanding performance at our Showcase where his motor was on full display and his upside to rush the backfield was very evident. Where the Yellowhammer State defensive end stood out the most was during 1 on 1 competition where he showed a nice burst off the snap along with a good bend. Smith used his hands well while also maintaining an active motor till the end of camp. He is a good athlete too that could play the edge linebacker role within a 3-4 college defense. The Tigers rising senior needs to continue packing on more size but I see upside here as a potential college pass rusher with deceptive athleticism. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a803619f798"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["491438"],"_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: 400u0022u003eCarroll was one of the more pleasant surprises from the defensive line at our Winter Showcase where the Panthers junior rush end displayed an excellent motor along with a burst that presented issues for opposing offensive linemen. Well put together physically with room for added size, Carroll used that strength and power to get around and through O-linemen during 1 on 1 competition while also proving to be one of the best at his position during the testing portion of camp. Carroll plays hard and fast, giving his all on every snap, so his motor won't be a question moving forward, it's all about continuing to develop his burst and speed off the edge that will dictate which level of college football he ends up playing on. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a803619f7f2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["540022"],"_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: 400u0022u003eA regular participant at our PRZTN Showcases, Smith had possibly his best performance yet through three years of work where this Chattanooga area defender displayed an excellent motor along with enhanced hand work and explosion. The Indians rising junior is your ultimate worker that succeeds with his effort and high football intelligence. Smith displayed those skills and then some at our camp but also showed an increased burst off the snap along with added size that will certainly help him throughout the off-season camp circuit. He is more suited right now to play versus the run while giving you the occasional pass rush but the potential is there for Smith to increase his havoc off the edge.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a803619f84c"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/SmithHarrison82/status/1744173030501130268?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/SmithHarrison82/status/1744173030501130268?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Three Other Standouts: [player_tooltip player_id='1142031' first='Nolan' last='Toennies'] </strong>- Nolensville ‘25, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142006' first='Austin' last='Stickler'] </strong>- Community ‘25, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866728' first='Matthew' last='Newberry'] </strong>- Dickson Co. ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1138166,"width":"345px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/32-Baron-Hardesty.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1138166" style="width:345px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->