Defensive Standouts 7v7: Nebraska Elite

Continuing the series, NE Elite 7v7 and I I have discussed standouts on the defensive side, individuals who have made an impact. While some may think defense in a 7v7 is easy, since it is touch league, it is more difficult than you can imagine and these players have excelled. <a href="https://nebraskaelite7v7.com/">https://nebraskaelite7v7.com/</a> &nbsp; Donnovan Whitfield | Bellevue West | S | 6’3" 185lbs }| Class of 2023 Whitfield made the move from wide receiver to safety last year and is starting to blossom in the new role. His size and length jump off the page, and now with gaining understanding of his assignments and responsibilities, Whitfield has become a leader in the defensive backfield for NE Elite. Whitfield has a ton of athleticism that he is showing on the football field and track this spring. Whitfield has improved each week and the coaches are excited to see his improvement every tournament, along with what he will bring to Bellevue West this fall as the safety position is wide open for the Thunderbirds. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12992576/Donnovan-Whitfield">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12992576/Donnovan-Whitfield</a> &nbsp; Wesley Okafor | Omaha Westside | CB | 6’2" 170lbs | Class of 2023 Size, length, physicality and speed, Okafor is the complete package at the cornerback position. NE Elite has said his athleticism is special and there is not a wide receiver that he can not run with. He has recently displayed his speed running a personal record of 22.31 seconds in the 200m. Whether it is having the strength to jam a receiver at the line or playing off in coverage and making a play, Okafor has the skillset to cover at an elite level. <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/wesley-okafor/uiEcY41lEeqAzqREozo6lw/default.htm">https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/wesley-okafor/uiEcY41lEeqAzqREozo6lw/default.htm</a> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="239822" first="Isaac" last="Richard"] | Omaha Westside | CB | 5’10" | 160lbs | Class of 2023 Richard has been lockdown for NE Elite. He is a physical and strong corner who can be put on an island with a receiver with little concern. He has a maturity and calmness that slows the game down and strong instincts that make him a playmaker when the ball is in the air. Richard’s hands are strong and he can outfight a receiver for the ball or create a turnover in an instant. With his ability to be physical, NE Elite has no issue playing him at the nickel position as well. Omaha Westside has a ton of talent in their defensive backfield and Richard could be a hidden gem. <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/isaac-richard/BaBbUdWVEeqA0ZFtwg1OMQ/default.htm">https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/isaac-richard/BaBbUdWVEeqA0ZFtwg1OMQ/default.htm</a> &nbsp; T.K. Barnett | Bellevue West | CB | 5’9" 165lbs | Class of 2023 A multi sport athlete himself, Barnett athleticism makes him a threat no matter if he is on a field or a court. Barnett played mostly at wide receiver for the Thunderbirds last year accounting for 738 all purpose yards and 7 touchdowns, but his emergence as a cornerback may of helped the team more. For NE Elite, they have impressed with Barnett at the nickel position. His athleticism and physicality has made it hard on opponents to get off the line and make plays. They spoke highly of his character and willingness to do whatever it took to help the team. NE Elite is confident in Barnett’s skills to play wide receiver, as he has the speed and intelligence to, but he has really made a mark for them as that nickel corner. <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/tk-barnett/ZiUexwB7EeyAz5TgcHt2rg/videos.htm">https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/tk-barnett/ZiUexwB7EeyAz5TgcHt2rg/videos.htm</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;