National Preps Collegiate Showcase: Top LB Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The National Preps Collegiate Showcase was held recently at Archbishop Spalding HS (MD). It was the 16th year of the NP Showcase that consist of some of the top talent in the Mid-Atlantic region putting on a show for over 125+ college coaches from FCS/D2/D3 schools. LB's may have been the biggest surprise group of the day as some big time ballers showed up &amp; showed out. I take a look at a few who really caught my eye.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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":1685628,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Josiah Johnson","_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":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"203","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"John Handley","_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-6841c28e250e0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Josiah may have took home my LB MVP on the day, was very impressive athletically. He showed very quick feet and loose hips. Able to turn and run, make quick &amp; fluid change of direction with no loss of speed. Josiah went through drill work showing off great burst while being in control/balanced and playing fast on his toes. In 1v1s, Josiah was light outs, wining almost all his reps and doing so by making the play himself. His athleticism and positional understanding lead to him being in position for multiple PBUs. He can run the route and breaks on the ball. Staying in a breakdown position while running in coverage and on the RBs hip. Josiah is a do it at LB, being able to fly around the field to make plays as well as be a plus defender in coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I wasn't the only one to notice Josiah's play at the NP Showcase, as he picked up a Georgetown offer at the camp. He know holds two FCS offers, and I see more coming his way in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a fun and competitive experience at <a href="https://twitter.com/NPShowcases?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NPShowcases</a> Camp. Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/NPCoachZim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NPCoachZim</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tdhald?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tdhald</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachsmith1507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachsmith1507</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JHHSFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JHHSFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/pmIVwXpLl3">pic.twitter.com/pmIVwXpLl3</a></p>&mdash; Josiah Johnson (@josiahjohnsonDE) <a href="https://twitter.com/josiahjohnsonDE/status/1923826292182434080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1567195"],"_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-6841c28e25181"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cole is a physical well built LB who measured in at 6'1" 222lbs, so he has the size that colleges look for. He's physical and comes down hill with burst and force. During drills he showed fluid hips, able to turn &amp; run, and change direction while maintaining speed. That proves him to be an ILB who is athletic enough to cover sideline to sideline while strong enough to fill holes and take on blockers. Cole was a tackling machine in the MIAA last year and he should have a huge senior campaign. He currently holds an offer from D2 Gannon, and Cole showed at the Showcase that he should be a strong look for FCS/D2 schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thanks to all the coaches yesterday attending <a href="https://twitter.com/NPShowcases?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NPShowcases</a>. Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/NPCoachZim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NPCoachZim</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/tdhald?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tdhald</a> for putting this together. <a href="https://twitter.com/TouchdownDons?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TouchdownDons</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachRichHolzer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachRichHolzer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BlakeTHenry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlakeTHenry</a> <a href="https://t.co/OQHdCTovw1">pic.twitter.com/OQHdCTovw1</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1567195' first='Cole' last='Mosier'] (@ColeMosier55) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColeMosier55/status/1924206960397668513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["205678"],"_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-6841c28e25295"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Showcase was my first time seeing Michael live and I came away very impressed. He is incredibly smooth and fluid in his movement. Good athleticism and short area speed/burst, Michael has quick hips and feet allowing him to be very effective in the box as a ILB. His height will be a question for some schools, but Michael is also off the charts academically making him a must see prospect for D3 Academic schools. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I had a great day at the NP Showcase. Here's a few clips of me getting some work in. <a href="https://twitter.com/NPCoachZim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NPCoachZim</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tdhald?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tdhald</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/StJosephFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StJosephFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamGetBodied?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TeamGetBodied</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/damehova9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@damehova9</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ScoutNickP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScoutNickP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mfarrellsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mfarrellsports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DebraWellet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DebraWellet</a> <a href="https://t.co/TvaQvGCtwt">pic.twitter.com/TvaQvGCtwt</a></p>&mdash; Michael W Wellet III 2026 (@Michael_Wellet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Michael_Wellet/status/1924757095364112670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1298399"],"_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":1685630,"_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-6841c28e2521a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jayden is a LB who checks a lot of boxes that coaches look for. Measuring in at 6'2" 195lbs and running a 4.75 40, he looks he part with a nice frame and slid length to go along with those verified measurements. A high level athlete, Jayden is twitchy hips and able to turn and go with strong burst out of breaks. He's got great feet and gets going quickly with a long fluid stride that allows him to eat up grass. He was dominate in 1v1's and I'm not sure he gave up a single completion. Able to turn and stay in phase with RBs/TEs down the field and then us his length to break up the pass. He is also displayed quick reactions and COD, running the route and breaking on the ball. He stays in good position, balanced and not biting on moves allowing him to always be in position to make the play..</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He currently holds a handful of FBS/FCS offers, and I expect more to come his was this summer. Jayden has the physical, athletic, and mental skills to play at the D1 level and he showed that during the NP Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a Great Day at Today's <a href="https://twitter.com/NPShowcases?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NPShowcases</a> in Maryland<a href="https://twitter.com/NPCoachZim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NPCoachZim</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RecruitingVHSFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RecruitingVHSFB</a> <br><br>Performance Below⬇️ 🔒 <a href="https://t.co/PG8F0W8Iao">pic.twitter.com/PG8F0W8Iao</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1298399' first='Jayden' last='Walker'] (@JayBooG1e11) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayBooG1e11/status/1923915886546567530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1611719"],"_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":1685631,"_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-6841c28e25329"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jacob is a do it all LB with good size at 6'0" 206lbs with an impressive 9'3" SBJ. He is physical attacking player who flies to the ball and can come downhill and strike. At the Showcase he demonstrated fluid hips and smooth transitions. He runs well, is light on his feet - allowing him to open up to turn &amp; run, as well as sticking his foot in the ground and come downhill with explosiveness. He impressed me on the day with his overall athleticism and smoothness in drills. Jacob also showed well in 1v1s, able to stay with RBs and attack the ball. Jacob is a player who will have impressive senior tape and will be a take at the D2 level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a great time competing and learning at the <a href="https://twitter.com/ShipFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShipFootball</a> camp!<br><br>Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/MCBDCLB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MCBDCLB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMACshipU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachMACshipU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KIJUANWARE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KIJUANWARE</a> for the opportunity to compete.<a href="https://twitter.com/CoachRinaudo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachRinaudo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BoysLatinFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BoysLatinFB</a> <a href="https://t.co/Kbc9oXdrvC">pic.twitter.com/Kbc9oXdrvC</a></p>&mdash; Jacob Gall (@JacobGall2026) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobGall2026/status/1928806446256284070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /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":1685632,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jack Athas","_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":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"190","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Archbishop Curley","_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-6841c28e25430"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jack looked very impressive during the showcase and is a prospect that looks the part out there. Measuring in at just under 6'2", weighing 195lbs, running a 4.8 forty and having one of the best SBJ of the whole camp at 9'7". That shows how athletic he is with a long lean frame that fits the mold of today's LB. He moves and plays incredibly fast on the field. Fluid hips, able to stay balanced and drop his weight to explode out of changing directions. An OLB who can play in space, cover in the slot and is a ball hawk. Jack also has twitch and burst off the edge and is a physical player. He is a versatile OLB, basically able to play that hyrbid off ball LB role that many school covet now. Jack is also a high academic kid with a 4.2 GPA. He holds a few D3 academic offer but he proved at the NP Showcase that he can be an FCS level scholly player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's some clips from the National Preps showcase a few weeks ago. Moving well and feeling strong! <a href="https://twitter.com/NPCoachZim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NPCoachZim</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tdhald?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tdhald</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NPShowcases?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NPShowcases</a> <a href="https://t.co/eVurhwVCGS">pic.twitter.com/eVurhwVCGS</a></p>&mdash; Jack Athas (@jack_athas8) <a href="https://twitter.com/jack_athas8/status/1930344672028733909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->