Prospect Evaluations: Pickerington Central
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If you’re a fan of Ohio High School football, you should be very familiar with Pickerington Central. Coach Jay Sharrett has built the Tigers into not only one of the top programs in Ohio but also one of the premier…
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Continue ReadingIf you’re a fan of Ohio High School football, you should be very familiar with Pickerington Central. Coach Jay Sharrett has built the Tigers into not only one of the top programs in Ohio but also one of the premier programs in the country. Year after year, Central produces some of Ohio’s elite prospects that tend to go on and have impressive college careers. I stopped by Pick Central on Thursday to check out some of their top prospects heading into the 2021 season. The following breakdowns are based on their in-person & film evaluations. A few prospects were not in attendance due to spring sports, meaning their evaluations will strictly be based on their film.
2022’s
DT: CJ Doggette, 6’2, 280
This is a sporty defensive line prospect who can provide value at three different spots across the front. He’s explosive for a big man and fires off the football like a missile with a low pad level. He can beat you with speed by simply rushing through his gap or with power by bull-rushing his opponent with heavy hands and a tenacious lower half. Based on my conversations with coach Sharett, Doggette is a true leader and a no non-sense kid. I think CJ’s got a very bright future, based on his god-given ability and pure work ethic.
Committed to Cincinnati
DE: Dakari Frazier Dakari Frazier 6'4" | 245 lbs | DL Pickerington Central | 2022 State OH , 6’4, 265
Frazier had an exceptional frame in person and looked like a chiseled freak. He’s every bit of 6’4, and you could tell he’s a kind & soft-spoken kid off the field but turns into a tenacious monster once he buckles his chin strap up. On-film, he plays mostly as a stand-up five-technique, who will keep his shoulders square to the LOS when unblocked and will scrape down the line and chase plays down from the backside. Don’t try to have a running back block him 1 on 1, as he will eat them alive. Frazier is a relentless force as a pass rusher and will refuse to give up on any play.
LB: Reece Brancifort, 6’1, 212
Reece was not on my radar prior to visiting Central, but I’m glad coach Sharrett made me aware of him, as this kid can play. Reece had a typical mike linebacker muscular build to him and has the mindset to go with it. On tape, this is a see ball get ball linebacker prospect that will play through the whistle every down. Reece shows no issues fighting off blocks between the tackles and will roll his hips & speed his feet contact. He understands momentum and will use the gator tackle to his advantage at any point. Reece is Central’s biggest sleeper right now, but with a good summer camp circuit and a productive senior season under his belt, look for the offers to come in.
2023’s
DT: Kobi Gorman, 6’3, 255
Gorman, to me, just looks like a football player. On tape, he shows quick hands that he uses to slap away an opposing OL’s punch. He plays with good knee bend off the snap and can quickly dominate at the point of attack. He shows no issues long sticking and will get his hands up if he can’t get to the quarterback in time. He eats up single blocks and won’t let opposing ball carriers out of his grasp. Gorman is a really interesting prospect who I think is only going to see his stock rise after his junior season.
ATH: Alex Styles Alex Styles 6'4" | 215 lbs | DB Pickerington Central | 2022 OH , 6’4, 210
In my eyes, Styles is a no-brainer five-star recruit in the 2023 class and a potential top ten prospect in the entire country. He’s got a quiet demeanor and has the build of a Greek god in person. On tape, he’s a dynamic playmaker with incredible instincts and ball skills. He’s not afraid to run the alley and can come to a balance and make tackles in space. He’s a thumper who will deliver big blow after big blow on ball carriers. He shows exceptional leaping ability and a knack for finding the football. Styles has the size and athletic ability to grow into a sam/nickel and could be used similar to Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons. I really do believe this young man will be a star at the division one level and could potentially be playing in the NFL four years from now.
Not In Attendance
DE: Tyler Gillison Tyler Gillison 6'3" | 250 lbs | DL Pickerington Central | 2022 State OH , 6’4, 245, 2022
A slippery pash rusher with good bend coming off the edge. Gillison can work through double teams and can make you pay if you get overly aggressive. He has experience as both a five and three-technique, giving interior offensive linemen absolute fits with his speed when he kicks inside. He’s stout against the run and will get full extension before ripping off and making a tackle.
Committed to Cincinnati
OL: Kyle Imboden Kyle Imboden 6'4" | 300 lbs | OL Pickerington Central | 2022 OH , 6’4, 290, 2022
Imboden missed ten games due to injury in 2020 but flashed when he was out there. This is a true guard prospect with good body control and can easily work to the second level. He excels as a down-blocker and looks to bury his opponent into the turf. He keeps his head up on zone double teams and knows when to get off and work up towards a linebacker. This kid can play, and I think with a full senior tape, he should pick up some Power Five offers.
OL: Kwabena Asamoah Kwabena Asamoah 6'4" | 300 lbs | OL Pickerington Central | 2022 State OH , 6’4, 295, 2022
A lightfooted guard prospect with impressive straight-line speed. He plays with great hand placement and can drive opponents straight off the football. Asamoah even has some experience as a tackle and could kick out if you’re in a pickle. He can set the edge at tackle and shows no issues reaching five techniques on sprint outs or outside zone runs. He’s a masterful puller with some pop behind his punch once he makes contact.
Committed to Rutgers