Central Valley Rising Prospects Earning Their First Offers

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth evaluations of the Central Valley prospects who recently earned their initial college offers.</h2>    Clark-Strickland is an attacking defender that possesses many key traits for a D1 inside LB. Solid 6'1” 225 lb. frame he plays downhill and fast to be a sideline to sideline tackler. He makes quick decisive reads and diagnoses plays before they can develop to stay in front. Shows good lateral movement skills and range giving him the flexibility to scape across the formation and pursue outside runs effectively. Triggers speed allows him to fill run lanes with speed and meet ball carriers with force at the POA. Great ability to use his hands to shed blockers and free himself up to make a tackle. Can also uses his athleticism to work around blockers. Violent tackler that accelerates through contact with forward momentum and leverage. Finished the 2024 season with 88 total tackles including 45 solo, 9.5 TFL, and 1.5 sacks. Earned his initial college offer from Idaho and will add more going forward.      Clites is a versatile defender with the size and frame to play multiple positions at 6'1” 215 lbs. Extremely disruptive no matter where he lines up with plus athleticism and lateral agility. He's explosive off the ball with a quick first step to beat blockers off the edge and gain positional leverage early on in the play. Good variety and usage of both speed and power moves. His bend, change of direction, and burst to close allow him to redirect and chase with speed. Aggressive defender in the run game that is constantly attacking downhill but can also cover downfield and play through the hands at the catch point. Solid hand usage and placement at the POA to maintain separation and break contact from blockers. Was a top performer at the recent National Preps showcase in southern California. Recruiting stock is on the rise with back to back offers coming in from Sacramento State and Arizona Christian.      Smith is an impressive athlete with great natural coverage instincts and technique. 6'0” 170 lbs. he's got excellent range and speed to cover ground from the safety position. Possesses a wide skillset that allows him to effectively play deep zone or come down into the slot to play man coverage. High football IQ and good instincts to make quick reads and anticipate ball location in both the run and pass game. Plays with good eye discipline to put himself in position to make plays. Efficient and calculated with his movement and footwork, he's smooth from his back pedal to his transition and can accelerate out of his turn to close separation. High level judgement skills and timing to compete for the ball at the catch point. Comes down aggressively in run support bringing heavy contact and can break down in space to be reliable in one on one open field situations. Collected his initial college offer from Sacramento State and has the upside to continue to rise up rankings and recruiting boards.      Thomas picked up his first offer from Arizona Christian earlier this month. At 6'3” 205 lbs. he's got a long frame with good growth potential to add mass as he develops. He's a plus athlete with good quickness and shows he can be a three down defender with his ability to play the run and drop back into coverage. Operates well in space with good movement to keep leverage on the edge and chase plays down from the backside. His frame and speed allows him to cover ground quickly, whether dropping into coverage or closing on a ball carrier in pursuit. Strong and reliable open field tackler that is tough to break once he makes contact, he's technical and wraps up to the ground. First Team All League selection that finished with 79 tackles (42 solo), six TFL, and five sacks.      Martinez is currently one of the fastest rising recruits in the Central Valley with four D1 offers coming in from North Alabama, Jackson State, Syracuse, and Sacramento State. The 5'11” 175 lb. WR is an explosive playmaker with dynamic athleticism. Top tier speed to be a deep threat, run after the catch, or make game changing plays in the return game. Advanced route runner that is fluid changing directions and coming out of his breaks. He's quick off the LOS with a clean release move and then sets up his routes well with good stems to create separation. Excellent body control and tracking ability to adjust to ball flight mid air with strong and confident hands at the catch point. Runs a 10.97 100 meter. Expect the offers to keep rolling in for him.