The Watch List- Defenders Who Caught Our Eye Last Week

Welcome back!   We watched some really talented defensive prospects this past week and are taking a look at their film below!   These guys put together great seasons last fall and are set to take over again here in the next few months- be sure to check out their tape in the meantime!    Lawardrick Hones is a dominant DB out of Saraland who made tons of plays out in their secondary and on special teams last fall.   Jones is a versatile DB who can line up and produce all over the field- he thrives off his physicality, is great at defending the run, and provides lockdown coverage outside on some talented WRs. Jones is great in press man- he wears down WRs at the line of scrimmage, isn't easily beat downfield, and has the ball skills to come away with some impressive picks/PBUs. Jones is terrific at coming down from the secondary and making plays against the run- he's great in pursuit, easily fights off blocks, and is a reliable tackler who doesn't allow for any additional yardage after making initial contact. Jones brings the same impact to special teams, consistently flying downfield to tackle returners on kickoffs.   Jones was highly productive for Saraland last fall, ending the year with 22 total tackles (8 solo, 2 for loss) and one INT. Jones picked up an offer from West Virginia the other day, and with how well he's played, will definitely have more heading his way soon.   Be sure to watch Jones' tape below! He put together an impressive junior season and is set up for a big year this fall- just watch.      [player_tooltip player_id='1637163' first='Jordan' last='Davis'] is an athletic LB out of Wenonah coming off a big junior season where he made countless plays in the backfield against the run and pass.   Davis is a dominant run defender who flies into the backfield nearly every snap- he plays with a ton of speed, can fight off blocks, and is terrific in pursuit, consistently taking down the ball carrier near or behind the line of scrimmage. Davis is just as dominant on passing downs- he's an effective blitzer who can consistently gain pressure and take down the quarterback. I'm really impressed with Davis' versatility as a defender, he can do a ton of different things well and is an every-down threat to opposing offenses.   Davis was really productive last season for Wenonah's defense, ending the year with 55 total tackles (32 solo, 13 for loss), 3 sacks, and one forced fumble.   I'm really looking forward to seeing what Davis can do in his senior year this fall, Wenonah has a talented group on defense and will be a team to look out for this season!      [player_tooltip player_id='1604776' first='Darius' last='Burwell'] is a talented DB out of Mae Jemison who made a ton of plays in their secondary and out of the backfield last fall.   Burwell is highly instinctual and comes up with huge game-changing plays against the run and pass. In coverage, Burwell can lock up WRs and also has the ball skills to pick off and break up passes all around the field. Burwell is just as good at defending the run, he's terrific in pursuit and consistently flies downhill to deliver huge hits to the ball carrier, regardless of where he lined up pre-snap. I think what impressed me most about Burwell was his ability to create turnovers- he came up with a ton of forced fumbles and interceptions last season, consistently putting his offense in great starting field position.   Burwell has been taking off in the recruiting world, picking up offers from North Alabama, Jacksonville State, UAB, and more in the past few months.   Be sure to check out his film below- he's a talented player out of Mae Jemison on both sides of the ball with a huge year ahead of him!      Transferring in from Hampton, Georgia, [player_tooltip player_id='1637180' first='Aidan' last='Parker'] is a dominant EDGE who is set to have a big year in Auburn's defense this fall.   Parker can make huge plays on and off the ball, he's a highly athletic LB who plays with a ton of speed and pursuit- consistently flying around the field to stop the run and affect the pass. Parker is an explosive pass rusher- he's quick off the line of scrimmage, can fight off blockers, and has great closing speed he uses to generate pressure and take down the quarterback. It's just as impressive watching Parker off-ball- he's a dominant run defender who fills in rushing lanes, fights off blockers, and cones up with tackles behind the line of scrimmage and in the open field.   Parker was an every-down threat last fall, ending his junior year with 67 total tackles (42 solo, 9 for loss) 6.5 sacks, 29 hurries, one FR, and 3 PBUs. With how well he played last fall Parker has picked up offers from UNLV, North Alabama, Toledo, and more in the past few months.   Be sure to watch Parker this fall- he's going to be a huge addition to Auburn's defense!      [player_tooltip player_id='1637182' first='Ladarius' last='Moore'] is a talented DB out of B.C Rain who's coming off a great junior season where he made a ton of game-changing plays all year long.   Moore is a reliable defender capable of making impressive sideline-to-sideline plays out in the secondary- he flies around the field to provide great coverage and run defense nearly every snap, consistently helping his defense come up with some big stops. Moore is terrific at tracking and making plays on the ball with his hands, he came away with some timely interceptions last year and is a constant threat to opposing QBs with how quick he is to break on the ball. What impressed me most with Moore was just how often he was around the ball, he's terrific at reading and reacting to offenses and constantly finds himself in great position to impact plays.   Moore put together a really impressive season last fall and has since picked up an offer from Alabama State - be sure to keep track of him going forward, with his talent and production he's sure to pick up more offers soon.   Be sure to check out Moore's tape in the meantime- he's a talented DB with a big year ahead!      Jaylen McCollum is a player I'm seriously excited to see play this fall- he's a dominant DB out of Jasper who played at a high level all of his sophomore year last season, consistently locking up WRs all year long.   At 6'1 180, McCollum has great size and plays with a ton of speed and physicality outside at CB. McCollum is highly instinctual and excellent at reading and reacting to plays- he isn't easily beaten in coverage, is a constant threat to pick off/break up passes, and consistently puts himself in great position to take down the ball carrier when defending the run. McCollum thrives off his physicality- he reroutes WRs at the line of scrimmage, is great in man coverage, and can easily fight off blocks and deliver huge hits to the ball carrier.   Something that really jumped off McCollum's tape were his speed and pursuit- he plays with unbelievable effort every snap and will work his way across the entire length of the field if it means he can come up with a stop for his defense.   It was extremely impressive watching McCollum's tape- he has been terrific for Jasper and is coming off his best season yet. Be sure to watch his film below, he's got a ton of potential and deserves more eyes.

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