'27 and '28 Defenders Flying Under the Radar

Five more defensive prospects have found their way onto the Prep Redzone radar.    Gainous plays with a level of intensity and physicality that is hard for offenses to match for 48 minutes. He has an insanely high motor, relentlessly pursuing the football before leveling ball carriers on contact. Gainous strikes ball carriers with low pad level and never stops running his feet, forcing ball carriers to either come to a complete halt or be sent 1-2 yards backwards. His run fits are excellent as he is disciplined in reading his keys and scraping to the point of attack to meet running backs in the gap. On outside runs and perimeter screens, he has the speed to close on the runner, not allowing them any angles or openings to cut back into the middle of the field.      Gartrell is a versatile defender in the box, as he can play outside the tackle as a 5 tech or kick inside as a B-Gap player at the 4i, and he can play off the ball at linebacker. His first step off the line of scrimmage is explosive, allowing him to penetrate the backfield and force the QB and RB mesh to be rushed. This can make it difficult for QBs to confidently make decisions in run reads. His combination of speed and ability to change direction makes it possible for him to play both the QB and RB at times. This same speed and explosive get-off comes into play when rushing the passer as well, gaining ground on offensive linemen before they have a chance to gain depth in their kick step.      Sellers is an athletic linebacker who can play both inside the box and as an apex defender on the perimeter. He is an aggressive edge setter who can beat blockers to the point of attack, forcing runners back inside or tackling ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage. Likewise, he takes great pursuit angles and scrapes to take away cut lanes on the backside of runs. Sellers can play in space, as he is a reliable open-field tackler; he does an excellent job closing on the ball carrier, giving them little time to react or make a move.      McGowan fits the "hybrid" model of a defensive back who can play in the secondary but also has the size and strength to roll down play as an outside linebacker. He sniffs out perimeter runs and screens. Likewise, he is an effective defender in space, as he does an exceptional job of ripping through receiver blocks on the perimeter before making open-field tackles. In coverage, McGowan does a great job of getting hands-on receivers to disrupt the timing of their routes and plays through their hands when the ball is in the air.      Unlike most corners, Bryant is not afraid to come up in run support and tackle running backs. He maintains a low pad level while tackling, striking through the thigh boards of ball carriers. In coverage, he can play in both zone and man coverage. His hips are fluid, as he can transition from a backpedal to "in phase" without losing a step or raising up. This allows him to squeeze receivers' routes, making it nearly impossible for them to restack or gain leverage on him.

Five more defensive prospects have found their way onto the Prep Redzone radar.