Event Recap: PSR BIG Camp Series – Scout Notes, D-Backs Vol. 2

The circuit of back-to-back-to-back weekends on the road has come to a conclusion, as I was fortunate to attend <a href="https://twitter.com/ScoutNickP">Coach Nick Pennisi's</a> PSR BIG Camp Series on Saturday, May 11. This marks the second year in a row that I covered the event. Pennisi has grown his significantly from last year. With over 400 prospects registered for the event, I had my work cut out for me to identify and scout some of the event's standouts. As I feverishly wrote notes, here are my scouting notes from the position group disclosed in this article's title.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">PSR BIG Camp Series Event Coverage</h2>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/event-preview-psr-big-camp-series-big-men-that-i-must-see/">Event Preview: Big Men, Part 1</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/event-preview-psr-big-camp-series-skills-that-i-must-see/">Event Preview: Skills</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/event-preview-psr-big-camp-series-qbs-amp-line-i-must-see/">Event Preview: QBs & OL, Part 1</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/event-preview-psr-big-camp-series-qbs-line-i-must-see-pt-2/">Event Preview: QBs & OL, Part 2</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/event-preview-psr-big-camp-series-defensive-back-7-i-must-see/">Event Preview: Defensive Back-7</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/immediate-reaction-psr-big-camp-series/">Post-Event Immediate Reaction</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/event-recap-psr-big-camp-series-scout-notes-d-line-vol-1/">Defensive Line Evaluations, Volume 1</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/event-recap-psr-big-camp-series-scout-notes-d-backs-vol-1-2/">Defensive Line Evaluations, Volume 2</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/event-recap-psr-big-camp-series-scout-notes-qbs-vol-1/">Quarterback Evaluations, Volume 1</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/event-recap-psr-big-camp-series-scout-notes-qbs-vol-2/">Quarterback Evaluations, Volume 2</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/event-recap-psr-big-camp-series-scout-notes-o-line-vol-1/">Offensive Line Evaluations, Volume 1</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/event-recap-psr-big-camp-series-scout-notes-o-line-vol-2/">Offensive Line Evaluations, Volume 2</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/event-recap-psr-big-camp-series-scout-notes-receivers-vol-1/">Wide Receiver Evaluations, Volume 1</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/event-recap-psr-big-camp-series-scout-notes-d-backs-vol-1/">Defensive Back Evaluations, Volume 1</a>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Scout's Notebook: Defensive Secondary</h2>   A really talented bunch of defensive backs is the focus for today, two a piece from the class of 2025, 2026, and 2027..... I will first start with [player_tooltip player_id='960400' first='Roneil' last='Romain']. A prospect with as many "formers" as "now," Romain was formerly a linebacker for Union; whereas he is now a defensive back for Union. One particular play that Romain made was absolutely incredible. Draping is matchup with extremely tight coverage, Romain was forced to defend a corner route. Unable to clearly shake Romain and create any separation, the ball was forced up a bit - which is just the nature of camps at times. From his trail technique, Romain recognized the route, peeled his eyes back toward the quarterback, and was able to out jump and go over-the-top for a clean and easy pick. This was a masterful play in terms of technique, instincts, and athleticism..... Speaking of athleticism, [player_tooltip player_id='1280317' first='Stephen' last='Griffin'] from Barnegat was a prospect that jumped out - literally. Griffin was a great leaper throughout the event. As the competition got more fierce, he always had a chance to, at a minimum, break up a pass. Whether he was attacked vertically or laterally, Griffin's leg strength and explosiveness gave him ample opportunity to tip or pick the ball. It did not matter of he had to jump to lay out for it or to win a 5050 ball, Griffin showcased tremendous ups.   Being the only scout in attendance to actually see [player_tooltip player_id='1271466' first='Amori' last='McNeil'] compete live at this event, I can comfortably attest that I have the only valid look assessment of him. After missing the majority of last fall due to injury, McNeil actually looked like an improved, more dynamic version of his old self. Perhaps a little rusty after missing so much time, McNeil was just a bit slower than I had hoped for - although understandably so. What McNeil did not lack, however, was his A+ recovery/closing speed. McNeil's directional burst was as quick as ever as he did not allow his matchup to accrue any YAC, while also giving himself a baller's chance to trip the ball or play the hands to break up passes. His downhill explosiveness also allowed him to pick off many passes with a running start, particularly on out routes..... Something I have learned about those Millville boys: they travel in packs, they compete, and they are out there looking to put on and earn scholarships in the process. [player_tooltip player_id='819163' first='Shermar' last='Collins'] fits this description to a tee. One of eleven Thunderbolts to make the long trip up north, Collins had to be one of the top three most physical defensive backs in attendance. With a clear preference to play press, Collins used his hands to jam his receivers and never allow for a clean release. Trusting his speed to account for not getting beat deep, Collins continued to use his hands to interrupt the timing and route integrity of his matchups when within 5 yards of the line. Lastly, the outstanding defensive back used his body to win superior leverage and squeeze field space away from his assignment.   Building upon the trend of physicality, Newark Central's [player_tooltip player_id='1083931' first='Tyshawn' last='Bailey Jr'] was one of those other two most physical prospects I alluded to in the excerpt above. Bailey, a bit younger as a 2027 graduate, shared many of the same characteristics as Collins did; however, I encourage Bailey to refine his approach to his tactics. When looking to jam at the line of scrimmage, I noticed him lunge just a bit. A student of the game at receiver may pick up on this and commit what would typically be a false step in his release in order to gain a step on Bailey. Although I am never against not using your hands, how and where are very important. Downfield Bailey looked to appear to apply too much force when using his hands and also grabbed just a bit..... Narrowly edging Millville for the number of prospects in attendance, St. Thomas Aquinas brought fourteen prospects in total. [player_tooltip player_id='1280322' first='Jayden' last='Johnson'] was a defensive back I left with a very strong opinion of. Johnson played tremendous man coverage, some of the best I witnessed at the camp. I was even more taken back when I later looked at the roster to find out he was still just a freshman. Adding to Johnson's abilities as a standout defensive back, as the ball was in mid-flight he showcased very good ball skills, making a number of tips and deflections in a variety of ways.

The circuit of back-to-back-to-back weekends on the road has come to a conclusion, as I was fortunate to attend Coach Nick Pennisi's PSR BIG Camp Series on Saturday, May 11. This marks the second year in a row that I covered the event. Pennisi has grown his significantly from last year. With over 400 prospects registered for the event, I had my work cut out for me to identify and scout some of the event's standouts. As I feverishly wrote notes, here are my scouting notes from the position group disclosed in this article's title.