Norfolk State 5v5: Linemen Standouts
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On a brutally hot day in the Hampton Roads region, the big men got some serious work in. The entire Oscar Smith line showed out well, winning multiple competitions. They showed to be one of the fiercest and deepest groups in the state. They show a combination of size, quickness, and movement that is very impressive. The Armstrong HS offensive line was impressive, showing to be a well coached group with good size and technique. Currituck County HS also demonstrated size, competitive toughness, and technique.
Lincoln has a rare combination of size, speed, athletic ability, and power. He has very good hands for a young player and will only get better. His get off is quick and he is moving downhill and looking to disrupt the play. He runs like a linebacker and projects very well as a DE/Edge at the next level. Has the athletic tools to evolve into a game changing pass rusher. His fluidity and motor are there. He can run the line and change direction. With coaching and development, he has a very high ceiling. Currently boasts a Michigan offer as a rising sophomore.
Highlights
Solid two way player who shows good strength and movement. Player does a great job of pulling from the tackle position and shows good contact power with multiple pancake blocks. He clears space and gets his butt to the hole allowing clear running lanes. On defense, player takes on double teams and clogs A gaps. He shows enough motor and athletic ability to disrupt and make TFL's. Player is a little stiff and doesn't have elite AA, but is a physical presence on both sides of the ball who can help you win games.
Devon Epps
Devon Epps
Great length and upside as a player. Also a basketball player, has great wingspan and range as a defensive player. With more football experience will get more aggressive, violent, and powerful. Right now he's a little high and using raw athleticism. See him as a rangy D-end who contains well and doesn't get beat outside. Uses hands well to set the edge and make tackles. Shows good discipline and control. Can be an FBS kid with good senior season.
Player is very quick off the ball. He shows a patented swim move that he executes consistently and effectively. He may not have prototypical size, but he flys around and makes his presence felt in the opposing backfield. He disrupts and either makes tackles or forces the ball carrier to change direction. His straight line speed is not elite, but is juiced up by effort and aggression. He will help his team win games against elite competition. He is always fighting and scrapping to set the edge and tackle the ball carrier. He is strong and technically sound allowing him to play bigger than his size. Can be a mismatch for larger O-linemen with slow feet.
Marcus Gibson
Marcus Gibson
Player kicksteps well and has quick feet for a kid his size. He does a great job of moving with the defender and replacing hands. Player is agile and bends well. He is never lunging or out of control. In pass pro, he kicksteps well and shows good physicality. He plays to the whistle blows and protects the QB.
