2029 MD/DC/DE Rankings: Top 5 Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With my first 2029 MD/DC/DE rankings dropping yesterday I want to take a more in-depth look at the Top 5. Breakdown what I saw from them and why their play has earned them their spot in the ranking. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1879547"],"_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-68d18a820115b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A QB I've been able to get eyes on a few times already, Brian took over the reigns at QB for Spalding after week 1 and has never looked back. With 15 passing TDs on the year with only 1 interception on 67% completions, Brain is the real deal for a freshman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brian plays years beyond his age for the position with a great head on his shoulders, able to handle the pressure of the game and make good decisions with the ball. He also has great size for a freshman QB, standing 6'2" with a big frame that will fill out nicely. Demonstrating smooth mechanics and throwing motion with a quick release, Brian stands tall in the pocket. He's got a strong arm, able push it deep &amp; has had some nice vert passes down the sideline and up the seam. Brian shows the ability the put impressive velocity and spin on the ball, able to fit it into tight windows. While also being able to put air and touch on his passes when needed, throwing a very catchable ball. He is a capable runner as well, showing excellent pocket awareness and mobility. I was at Spalding's game vs Hun School (NJ) and his first TD pass he he took on the rush, moved the pocket and made a tough throw with 2 defenders in his face. This shows he has playmaking ability, understanding of the game and can handle the pressure. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brian shows all the traits both physical, mental, and the intangibles/leadership you want from a QB. The sky is the limit for him, and he is poised to be the next great QB out of Spalding.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1st 4 games Varsity <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaldingFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaldingFB</a> <br>47/62 <br>706 yards<br>75%<br><br>10 passing tds<br>2 rushing tds<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreshMan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreshMan</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Andy_Villamarzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Andy_Villamarzo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/QBHitList?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@QBHitList</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Rivals_HS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rivals_HS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneMD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tdhald?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tdhald</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/arman_paige?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arman_paige</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/kschmittASHS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kschmittASHS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUCReport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheUCReport</a> <a href="https://t.co/yxD4q3dru8">https://t.co/yxD4q3dru8</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1879547' first='Brian' last='Snowden'] Jr (@officialLb2029) <a href="https://twitter.com/officialLb2029/status/1968024981398491296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1594475"],"_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-68d18a82011c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jalen got the start at CB for SJC from minute one of their first game of the year against Downingtown West (PA) where I was able to see him play live. He showed he was a player right away in the game. Jalen had a nice PBUs on one of the first drives of the game. He read the route, made a nice break on the ball and got his hands on the pass to knock it down. Jalen has an excellent frame for the position with real nice length. He shows fluid smooth hips and disciplined eyes for a CB. Sees and tracks the ball well, getting his hands up to break up the pass at the right moment. Jalen has shown he has the physicality and mentality for the position. Able to stay in the receiver's pocket and press at the LOS, as well as come up and make a tackle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Showing the physical traits and high IQ at the position, Jalen is a natural at the cornerback spot. He currently holds 1 Power 4 offer but that number will climb as the year goes along. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out my first 3 games<br>⬇️⬇️⬇️<a href="https://t.co/FD5w0TJSK6">https://t.co/FD5w0TJSK6</a> <a href="https://t.co/IbgheE1Lqg">pic.twitter.com/IbgheE1Lqg</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1594475' first='Jalen' last='Wallace'] (@Jalen1wallace) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jalen1wallace/status/1966860730269135075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1879687"],"_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-68d18a8201225"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dustin certainly looks the part of a top prospect on the hoof. Standing 6'3" with great length at the FS spot he fits the mold for todays game. He shows excellent range, able to get from mid field to the sideline to cover passes. Dustin can play as a single high FS or in the 2 deep. He is also not shy about running the alley or playing near the LOS to made a physical tackle. Dustin plays fast and gets all over the field to make the play. Whether it is to break up a pass or make the tackle, he gets sideline to sideline and comes down hill. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He has a skill set that translates well to the next level with his size/length. Currently holding 4 Power offers, Dustin is poised to be a National recruit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/4fvSFMWS2C">https://t.co/4fvSFMWS2C</a> FIRST 4 Games. Freshman season <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachCammm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachCammm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMessay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachMessay</a> <a href="https://t.co/BS0TmFa7o1">pic.twitter.com/BS0TmFa7o1</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1879687' first='Dustin' last='Henry'] (@sbgboosh1) <a href="https://twitter.com/sbgboosh1/status/1969837270082388361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["264860"],"_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-68d18a820126f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">DJ is a player I saw in week one and he came on the scene like a missile. Has already proven himself to be a top prospect on colleges boards, picking up two P4 offers since the beginning of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing 6'1" with a frame that can easily hold 225+ in time, DJ is a great body kid and fits the mold for the position. An athletic ILB who fits perfect in a 2 LB scheme. DJ plays fast and flies around the field. He's got superb fluidity in his hips for the position. Quick to turn &amp; run, re-direct and go get ball. Another freshman on this top 5 that plays above their years in understanding the game. Shows high on-field IQ, quick to read, identify, and react. DJ has also show he can be effective in coverage. Able to drop into the hook/curl as well as get out to the flats. Can read routes and athletic enough to stay with WR's/RB's that flash in front of him and is then quick to close to make the play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A playmaking LB that can get all over the field with the quick twitch athleticism to pair with the physicality to lay the wood on ball carriers. DJ is a do it all LB that will continue to generate a lot of interest from colleges this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On to the next <br><br>Week 5 loading <a href="https://t.co/aaj7KzzCwT">https://t.co/aaj7KzzCwT</a> <a href="https://t.co/fNQ63uq0yL">pic.twitter.com/fNQ63uq0yL</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='264860' first='DJ' last='Butler'] (@DakotaButlerJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/DakotaButlerJr/status/1969836332110262436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1879668"],"_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-68d18a82012b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A player who I got to see in his first varsity game week 1 of the season and Anton made an immediate impact from the first series. Anton fought/ripped through the OTs block, flattened down the line and made the tackle on the RB in the backfield. He then proceeded to come off the edge pressure the QB with his hands up and in his face to affect the pass and end the drive. That's 2 impact plays right off the bat of his HS career and was already making his presence felt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anton is a player who stood out even in warm-ups. Asking Coach Van Zile who the freshman was that he liked, him pointing Anton out and he passed the eye ball test right away. 6'2" 220+ with a nice lean muscled frame, good lower half and solid length. Mainly playing as an Edge/OLB for Gilman currently I expect Anton to fill out well and could even see him growing into a 240-260lbs rush DE in time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He plays with excellent burst off the snap and is a player who is constantly in the backfield. I was impressed with his physicality for a freshman. He would take on blockers, over power them to win at POA and fights through contact. Anton also showed good hand work for a freshman, flashed some swim moves and active hands. A good athlete as well, he is able to take angles to get skinny and get to the ball quick, can bend/flatten and runs on his toes with energy &amp; urgency. Currently Anton holds no offers but I expect that to change soon. He is a player making his mark this year and I see big things for him in the future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->