704 Junior Bowl: If It Existed? Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Queen City Senior Bowl honors 80 of the top seniors in the Charlotte Metro Area. Prep Redzone North Carolina takes a look at a hypothetical “704 Junior Bowl” – players that had a strong junior season that would be considered for a selection if such a game existed in the Charlotte Metro Area….</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284097"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1604097,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6789e17b434f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Samari being ranked #3 in the state of North Carolina in a special class is just reflective of how good he is as a prospect. He recently had an extended visit with new North Carolina Head Coach Bill Belichick, among being coveted by several Power 4 schools across the nation. If you're reading this, you don't need me to tell you what Samari does well to be included in our Junior Bowl, you probably already know. Since Samari released his Top 11 schools back in July, there's been no update on where his recruiting stands, but whoever ends up with this man is truly getting a special talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402298"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6789e17b435e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nick just recently released his Top 10 schools which include (in no order of preference) Duke, Norte Dame, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Southern California, Wake Forest, Missouri, Indiana, and Wisconsin. If you follow his social media though, Nick has been making some strong indications about Virginia Tech, and rightfully so because his two brothers are now there playing together on the same team. Nick is a talented safety who can cover slot receivers and tight ends, as well as come up in the box and tackle well in run support. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1309069"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6789e17b436b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Camdin committed to Miami in late October and will follow in the footsteps of his talented father, Clinton Portis, who starred at Miami as a running back before going on to have a great NFL career as well. Camdin excels in man coverage, being that lockdown corner that colleges and teams covet year in and year out. Camdin has great speed and excellent burst out of his breaks and turns and can play outside or in the slot. It will be fun to see how his career continues to progress this upcoming season at Myers Park. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1032738"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6789e17b43773"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">D'various, or Pluto as he is known to people close to him, has had some recent recruiting attention come his way as East Carolina and Liberty are the two latest programs to offer this talented young man. Previously, D'various had offers from North Carolina, West Virginia, Duke, &amp; Virginia Tech among others. I was able to watch D'various live earlier this season, and I was impressed in how well he came up in the box in run support against a physical opponent on a consistent basis. D'various was also an All-Conference selection, and he's an easy selection for this Junior Bowl team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1078511"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6789e17b43835"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I wrote about Lyrik after seeing him live early in the season, and my notes from that referenced Lyrik's tackling ability in the open field from his safety position. That is only one of the many reasons why Lyrik has so many Power 4 offers right now. His latest offers are from Liberty, Miami (Ohio), East Carolina, and Citadel in the last month by themselves. Lyrik is probably one of the hottest recruits in the state right now. From the safety position, Lyrik also can excel in both man and zone coverage with quick twitch reflexes and elite closing speed. Another easy selection for this Junior Bowl team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1262334"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6789e17b438f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An All-Conference selection this past season, Josh has seen some recent recruiting attention, picking up offers from both Appalachian State and Charlotte in the last 24 hours! They have to love the same things we like about him - first off, his physical frame is the prototypical size you would want for a defensive back. Josh previously had offers from East Carolina, Coastal Carolina, West Virginia, and Miami (Ohio). Josh is also a very good basketball player, reflective of his overall elite athletic ability. Josh is a rangy defensive back, with an elite ability to cover a lot of space in a short period of time with excellent speed and springy athleticism. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1368143"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6789e17b439bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Character is off the charts with Zamarius, that's the first thing I want to say about him. That counts for something, especially in this Transfer Portal era. Zamarius had an offer from the previous staff at Charlotte, and has had recruiting interest from other schools. Zamarius didn't have as productive of a season from a stats standpoint, but I think that was a good thing as his team was better overall and didn't need him to make as many tackles from his safety position. Zamarius excels in run support and has the ability to hold up in coverage well against slot receivers and tight ends. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1153738"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6789e17b43a87"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The body transformation that Micah has gone through is impressive, he is definitely locked in on making himself the best player that he can be from a weight room standpoint, which is a major plus from a cornerback. Micah was offered by the previous staff at Charlotte and has received some interest from other schools as well. Micah's instincts have really improved as a corner, he had some big games last season where he really excelled in man coverage against receivers. I am excited to see his continued improvement next season, where I think he really breaks through for a big season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1259949"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6789e17b43b50"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A lot of people talk about players that have that "dawg" in them, well I think Marcus is certainly one of those guys. Right now, I think he's a little under the radar because of where he plays, but when I saw him live last season, he dug into taking on a good receiver and ended up making a couple of big plays, including an interception, because he played lockdown man coverage and excelled at high-pointing the football in a 1 on 1 situation. Marcus has very good speed and good ball skills as well. He's had a little recruiting attention, but I'm betting on him for this Junior Bowl team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["826678"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6789e17b43c0f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I don't think many people know about Tyler, but after watching a bit of his highlight film, man, he is PHYSICAL as a player, that's the first thing that stands out that I want to share. He's listed as a linebacker here, but he actually played more corner this past season, which is why I have him here for the Junior Bowl selection. Tyler also showed he has some good long speed in covering wide receivers downfield. Butler also blitzed him from depth, and he really showed some explosive speed in this role, making a couple of big highlight plays for sacks. Tyler was offered by the previous Charlotte staff, but with a strong offseason he should jump on to some more school's radars. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1368141"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6789e17b43cb1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I had a chance to talk with Cameron in the summer of last season, and I will share that here because I think he's a well-spoken young man. Cameron recently received his first offer from East Carolina, and the thing I really like about him on the field is his speed. Cameron can really run and cover ground quickly in the secondary. Cameron also does a good job in man coverage, staying in phase with receivers on a variety of routes all over the field. He is a good selection for this Junior Bowl team - on the next level right now he projects as a slot corner. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/pepman704/status/1798471761077670193">https://twitter.com/pepman704/status/1798471761077670193</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["740869"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6789e17b43d3a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was happy to see Soto develop into an All-Conference player this past season, he definitely works hard at his craft and excels as a defensive back who can be physical and come down in the box in run support. Soto is also a hard worker in the weight room and has the right demeanor as a defensive player overall. Soto has good speed and gets to the football well with bad intentions. Soto also can cover well in short spaces and has some good ball skills. Currently, Soto has an offer from Virginia University-Lynchburg and has some interest from other schools. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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":"Mac Summerville","_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":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"175","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Country Day","_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6789e17b43ec4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Seeing Mac live last season, I was really impressive with his reaction skills with the football in the air. Mac had 7 interceptions total last season, and for a time he was leading the state with this number. Whether it is man or zone coverage, Mac just kept continuing to have a nose for the football. Mac has some good speed to keep up with receivers, and obviously, he has excellent ball skills. I was able to catch a highlight of one of those interceptions right here:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/pepman704/status/1839904500737253525">https://twitter.com/pepman704/status/1839904500737253525</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1332108"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6789e17b43f92"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I mentioned the "dawg" term earlier in this article, well, [player_tooltip player_id='1332108' first='Ricky' last='Myers Jr']. definitely fits this definition also. Ricky was named an All-Conference player this past season. Ricky was also named the Specialist Player Of The Year for the Southwestern 4A conference. Those accolades are well deserved. Ricky excels as a cover corner - he has great speed to keep up with the best of wide receivers, as he often played well against some heralded receivers, and got a lot of looks because he had a college-level corner opposite of him. Ricky has had some college interest, but I think it's absolutely insane that no one has offered him yet from what I can see. I'm proud to have him on our Junior Bowl team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->