KC Varsity Combine St. Louis Defensive MVPs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DEFENSIVE LINE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1281216' first='Otis' last='Banks']</strong> 2026 DL Hazelwood Central<br>- (5'11" 249) <br>- One of the real surprises of the camp overall and amongst a very talented group of defensive linemen. Banks has an outstanding motor, great get of and good technique that he used to be the last defensive lineman standing in the King of the Hill competition. He uses leverage well and showed violent hands and really battled. Otis just kept lining up and winning reps against some high level competition along the offensive line among the final six and came up just short of the prize. He's a player to watch for in the 2024 season in the St. Louis area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='849682' first='Marcel' last='Reed'] 2026 DL Hazelwood Central<br>- (6'1" 316) <br>- Reed was the King of the Hill winner at the first KC Varsity combine in KC on April 27th. Marcel is a monster combination of strength, power, quickness and violence when he rushes in the 1v1s. He never seems to tire and gets every O-linemen's best in competition but has a tenacity and motor that doesn't quit. He came up a little short in winning back to back King of the Hill belts, but he is just scratching the surface of what can be. Colleges are already taking notice. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LINEBACKER</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='822399' first='Arthur' last='Porter'] 2025 CBC <br>-(5'10" 181)<br>- A versatile linebacker prospect who can do it all well. He's tough, physical and can play the run and pass equally well. Arthur shined in drills and one one ones showing his speed and pass coverage abilities. He has quick hands and good ball skills. He could easily play safety with his ability to cover a lot of ground and play pass defense, while also being able to play tough against the run. Is receiving interest from various colleges and should excel on the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1125426' first='Cayden' last='Duncan'] 2026 Francis Howell<br>- (6'0" 217) <br>- This talented sophomore has had an impressive first two years of high school football including a monster season last year recording 155 tackles. He has great size and strength, runs well, has good power and is very physical. He had an impressive combine in all areas including drills and his play in one on ones won over the position coaches running the combine and earned him an MVP nod from them. He will return as one of the top defensive players in the St. Louis area in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1281209' first='Amon' last='Lee'] 2025 Hazelwood Central<br>- (5'11" 215) <br>- Another Hawk who had a big day showing his speed (5.0 laser forty) and athleticism (31" vertical) at 215 pounds in testing and also impressive the coaches with his performance in drills, then followed that up in 1v1s with his ability to cover running backs and receivers who he could run with and make plays on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DEFENSIVE BACK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1124843' first='Cameron' last='Cason'] 2025 Francis Howell<br>- (6'1" 175) <br>- The very athletic Cason showed he was a D1 prospect with his combine testing, good size, speed and blanket lockdown coverage skills. Cameron has great leaping ability (39.8" vertical jump), explosiveness, hands and ball skills. He has good hips and can turn and run with anyone. He's also a talent receiver himself and those skills translate well and help with his defensive play, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='328989' first='Zakiese' last='Smith'] 2025 CBC <br>- Another D1 caliber defensive back who really exceled in 1v1s showing superior coverage skills. Zee has good speed, quickness and makes good reads on plays and closes quickly and uses his quick hands to make picks or deflect passes. He is also a very physical DB who can play well against the run. It no wonder he has interest from multiple colleges and continues to gain momentum in recruiting. Smith was on a mission to win DB MVP and accomplished it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1281211' first='Viyon' last='Cothrine'] 2025 CBC<br>- (5'9" 160) <br>- A rising defensive back prospect in the 2025 class that had a very impressive combine and earned his co-MVP honor. Viyon had some impressive testing numbers with a 4.63 laser forty yard dash time and a 32.8" vertical jump. He has all the tools to be an outstanding defensive back and had a great 1v1 session and was among the top performers in drills as well. He's a player that looks like he just needs a shot on the next level. Cothrine should get it as part of a very good Cadet defensive backfield in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->