Film Room Fridays (5/23)- Top Defensive/Two Way Submissions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Welcome back to Film Room Fridays!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week, we are looking at some of the recent submissions we have received from our defensive/two-way prospects around the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, feel free to send your tape to us @PrepRedzoneAL and @CooperMorreale on Twitter/X for a chance to be featured! We are always trying to grow our coverage and community here on the site!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1659524"],"_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-683076e7b5d37"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1659524' first='Justin' last='Aikens'] is a dominant SS/WR prospect out of Elkmont who has made a huge impact on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Aikens is a rangy safety who flies around the secondary to make plays on the ball. He's quick on his feet, can cover lots of ground, and has the ball skills and hands to consistently contest, break up, and pick off passes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, Aikens is a reliable pass catcher who can stretch and impact multiple levels of the field. He has good speed and gains tons of separation off his routes, especially on curls. You can see his hands/ball skills are transferable from defense, he can haul in some really impressive catches through coverage and contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to check out Aiken's tape below, he's a talented player with a big year ahead:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18428283/673c198e6f71d76904431abc' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6830789a79dac"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1678766"],"_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-683076e7b5d92"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1678766' first='Jaiden' last='Gordon'] is an up-and-coming WR/DB who had an impressive freshman season last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It doesn't matter where you line up [player_tooltip player_id='1678766' first='Jaiden' last='Gordon'], he's going to find a way to make an impact. Offensively, he creates explosive plays out wide and out of the backfield by using his speed, vision, and twitch to carve up defenses for big gains. He does a great job following his blockers and making defenders miss to make the most out of every carry/catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Gordon flies around the secondary to provide great coverage and run support. He uses his speed to make a ton of impressive sideline-to-sideline plays in pursuit- his motor and effort are constantly on full display as he makes so many hustle plays for his defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In his first season, Gordon recorded 16 carries for 224 yards, 4 receptions for 92 yards, and 30 total tackles/5 TDs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gordon had an impressive freshman year that you can watch down below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22081291/6783f2a4131a133b590f30aa' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6830789a7cf22"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1678771"],"_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-683076e7b5dd7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1678771' first='Kingston' last='Gooden'] is a dominant trench player who has lined up and dominated on Valley's offensive and defensive lines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, Gooden is a dominant OT who helps create so many big plays for his team's rushing attack. He explodes off the snap, has great strength/power, and drives back defenders several yards off the line of scrimmage to open up huge rushing lanes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, GOoden has the versatility and athleticism to line up and produce in different spots along their defensive front. He's physical at the point of attack, has active hands, and can rush the passer/play the run really well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year, Gooden put together some great film on both sides of the ball- make sure you give him a watch below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18390628/67602f9f41658d88ac89ddda' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6830789a7cfe4"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1678804"],"_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-683076e7b5e18"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1678804' first='Jordan' last='Thomas'] is an explosive ATH out of St Clair County who dominated on both sides of the ball as a freshman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, Thomas is a dynamic WR who can carve up defenses for explosive plays all over the field. He's quick on his feet, is a talented route runner, and has the hands and speed to haul in contested passes and produce a ton after the catch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Thomas seriously impresses me in coverage. He has a high football IQ and great instincts that let him know where he needs to be at all times. If you throw his way, good luck; he has the ball skills and hands to either break up or pick off passes and take them to the house anytime. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was seriously impressed with Thomas- he'll absolutely be on our radar going forward. The skill set he possesses on both sides of the ball is ridiculous for a freshman to already have. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make sure you check out some of Thomas's film below, he's set up for a huge second year:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20440934/673294fea95ccf78a9375b8a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-683082d4ad855"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1678807"],"_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-683076e7b5e57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1678807' first='Sadarion' last='Feagin'] is a disruptive EDGE out of Greenville who helped create a ton of stops upfront last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Feagin is a versatile EDGE/LB who can line up and produce both on and off the line of scrimmage. If you're an offensive lineman, don't lose track of Feagin- he's quick off the snap and has impressive closing speed that helps him rack up a ton of pressures in pass rush.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I also love seeing what he can do off-ball. He has good instincts and impressive speed that allows him to fly around and create stops all over the field. It's really impressive seeing how he can make plays in coverage and against the run on top of his skills as a pass rusher- he has a lot of value for his defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, Feagin recorded 28 total tackles (5 for loss) and one sack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Feagin is a talented defender with a big junior season ahead, check him out below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23721433/6759d3a10330ba2a1651fbef' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-683082d4ad8f1"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1227328"],"_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-683076e7b5e97"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jordan Gilbert is an up-and-coming DB out of Jackson-Olin who showed a ton of great things on tape last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gilbert is an athletic DB who can play the run incredibly well. I love seeing how he gets involved- he flies downhill to the line of scrimmage and makes some really impressive one-on-one tackles against RBs to prevent big gains.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gilbert is also reliable out in coverage. He's quick to react, has impressive speed and physicality, and makes WRs work to get open every snap. When you pair that with his ball skills and hands, you've got a guy you don't want to try throwing the ball at. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes next for Gilbert, check out some of what he did last season:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/turbogilbert2/status/1856146703365124334","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/turbogilbert2/status/1856146703365124334 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->