Next Level Athlete Showcase: Defensive MVP Edition

At the Next Level Athlete Top 100 Showcase, they had a melting pot of talent on the defensive side. The Ft Bend Marshall Buffalos were the stars of the camp as 3 Buffalos were selected as their position group MVP. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-271995" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/IMG_1830-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> <strong>DL [player_tooltip player_id="259532" first="Zachary" last="Chapman"] | 6’5 250lbs | 2023 | Ft Bend Marshall</strong> 3-star prospect [player_tooltip player_id="259532" first="Zachary" last="Chapman"] came ready to put on a show at the Next Level Athlete showcase. Chapman displayed his power and explosiveness throughout the drills and the competition period. With his big frame and long arms, Chapman was able to forcefully bull rush several opponents. In his pass rush, you can see he was honing in on his technique and was successful in getting "sacks" during his 1 on 1 reps. His performance was highly regarded and he brought home the showcase’s DL MVP award. Overall, he possesses the skill and strength to play inside or outside on the edge at the next level. Chapman currently holds several D1 offers including from the likes of Baylor, UH, Texas Tech, and Georgia Tech. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-271998" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/IMG_1834-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> <strong>LB Jordan Sample | 6’1 180lbs | 2023 | Ft Bend Marshall</strong> Ft Bend Marshall linebacker, Jordan Sample displays high-quality athleticism and physicality. Sample might not have the biggest frame, but he plays fast and with precision. While in coverage against running backs, Sample showed the speed and athleticism to not only keep up but to stand out. His LB/DB background showed as he was consistently in tight coverage against the best backs at the camp. Sample in the position drills, was very fluid, played fast and quick, all while playing with ideal pad level. Sample provides positional versatility and was selected to the 11-5A first-team all-district team as a linebacker. &nbsp; <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-271991" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/IMG_1842-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> <strong>CB Michael Patterson | 5’11 170lbs | 2023 | Ft Bend Marshall </strong> Fast, sticky, fluid, physical, and technically sound are a few things you first see from Ft Bend Marshall cornerback Michael Patterson. During the individual drills, Patterson did a good job of staying low in his backpedal and finishing the drill. Throughout the showcase, Patterson was on his game and was able to flip his hips smoothly. In 1 on 1’s, Patterson would change up his alignment from press to off coverage and was able to still provide the same level of sticky coverage regardless. Often getting an effective press on the receiver, you could see that he would refuse to give up inside leverage and stays over the top of the receiver. Due to his speed, leverage, and fluidity, Patterson looked crisp and was making plays on the ball. Patterson understands he is athletic but also uses his technique and the sideline well as a natural defender. Patterson seems to be sneaking under the radar and will look to continue his high level of play. Honorable Mentions: <strong>DL Braylon Rigsby | 6'3 265lbs | 2023 | Woodville</strong> Coming from a smaller 3A school, Braylon Rigsby was dominant against predominantly 5A/6A competition. Rigsby put up a notable performance with his stellar hand placement and is a massive sleeper prospect. <strong>DB Jalen O'Neal | 6'3 170lbs | 2023 | Manvel </strong> Jalen O'Neal flashed with his lengthy frame, physical play, and play-making ability on the ball. O'Neal has the speed and skillset to be a strong zone corner and has the positional versatility to play CB or S. In man coverage during the 1 on 1 period, O'Neal got his hands on receivers, threw them off their routes, and had coaches impressed with his skill set.