Catholic League '27s and '28s with excellent traits

"Trait" is a word tossed around a lot in the football world. Much of the time, "trait" is used for late-round picks in the NFL draft who are a little raw, but flash the potential to be an elite player. The five prospects in this article have excellent traits, plus they're all on teams with excellent coaching. High likelihood that these guys develop into great college prospects- they definitely have the traits to make it happen.    An incoming sophomore defensive lineman who flashed good traits during his freshman season.   I'd first like to point out the play at 0:13. A solid getoff and good attempt at a swim move to get around the slower tackle. It looks like Kelaien may be getting held, but he just anchors down and powers inside to get in on the TFL. Then, 0:28 shows good instincts from the EDGE. Kelaien over-pursues a little bit, but has just enough length to punch the ball out and force a turnover. Amazing heads-up play to punch that football out.   Tape shows good physicality and flashes of great instincts. That's really all I want to see from a freshman tape. Amazing foundation, and a great college prospect if he keeps on improving.      Another incoming sophomore prospect, this time from St. Mary's. Plus, another prospect showing really nice traits in his freshman season tape.   Starting with his second highlight, Marti'Nez does a great job reading pitch and quickly converting the TFL. Next play, another decent read, react, and tackle on another outside run. Then, 1:07 shows a decent block shed and good tackle near the boundary.   I really like Marti'Nez's physicality. This is a prospect who is not afraid to hit. I would like to see better tackling (hits quite high, doesn't wrap), and sometimes a little slow to react. To be clear, all very normal for a freshman prospect, and this dude is still way ahead of the curve. Expecting a standout sophomore season!      We're beginning to see a pattern here. Charles is another physical, reactive incoming sophomore who, again, shows very promising traits.   The highlight at 0:47 (MLB) shows a good block shed and high-effort tackle on the QB who attempts to scramble. Classic great play speed there. 1:07 shows another good tackle. Charles takes a tad long to react, but once he diagnoses the play, Charles does a great job at very quickly cutting off the running back and stopping him short of the line to gain.   Good traits. Not afraid to hit. Good at getting off blocks. Another player who can absolutely develop into a college prospect.      Traits, traits, traits. Plus, another classic example of height and weight not telling the full story. Tape shows good variety at linebacker, running back, and even receiver.   The first highlight is a phenomenal forced fumble, setting up his offense inside the five-yard line. The play is slow-developing, and Luke does a great job reading, shooting the A gap, and blowing the play up. Second, another off-ball highlight- this time a solid PBU on a short hitch. Another great reaction. 0:40 is his first highlight at RB. Good vision sidestepping two tackle attempts, then earning a few yards after contact. Finally, 1:07 features a very good lead block, completely eliminating the only defender who stood between the RB and the endzone.   I expect Luke to perform better as a Junior. Excited to see what Luke shows this year- I'll almost definitely be catching a DET CC game.      A rangy off-ball linebacker who has a ton of upside, especially in pass coverage.   First highlight features great instincts in zone coverage. Jimmy drops back, reads the QBs eyes and slowly follows them, then high-points the crossing route and sets up his offense in the redzone. Second play is a great read on the sweep. Very good job moving laterally, then tracking the ballcarrier's inside hip.   I am impressed with Jimmy's play recognition, play speed, and athleticism. This is an outside linebacker who has the tools to be a phenomenal college prospect, excelling in pass coverage and sideline-to-sideline run-stopping.

"Trait" is a word tossed around a lot in the football world. Much of the time, "trait" is used for late-round picks in the NFL draft who are a little raw, but flash the potential to be an elite player. The five prospects in this article have excellent traits, plus they're all on teams with excellent coaching. High likelihood that these guys develop into great college prospects- they definitely have the traits to make it happen.