SLMFCA Showcase: 2024 defensive prospects

The St. Louis Metro Football Coaches Association held its Spring Showcase on May 16 at De Smet High School in St. Louis. The showcase featured approximately 100 prospects from the 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 classes and included testing in the 40-yard dash (laser) and pro-agility drill before moving on to positional and one-on-one drills. Here is a quick look at some of the players who stood out: <strong>DL [player_tooltip player_id="254474" first="Keylan" last="Mitchell"], Parkway North</strong> Listed as a linebacker at the Showcase, Mitchell measured in at 6 feet 2 and 270 pounds after being listed at 250 pounds as a sophomore last season. He recorded a pro-agility time of 4.76 seconds and ran the 40-yard dash in 5.23 seconds. Mitchell had a breakout sophomore season when he earned third-team all-state honors in Class 4 after racking up 105 tackles, three sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2GQ5DZ">He has impressive film</a> where he's running around and destroying people. He moves well for a bigger guy and though he's played linebacker we like his potential as a defensive lineman at the next level. <strong>DL [player_tooltip player_id="172578" first="Anthony" last="Thompson"], Parkway North</strong> Thompson, who measured at 6-0 and 280 pounds, recorded a pro-agility time off 5.32 seconds and a 40 time of 5.38 seconds. Thompson, who holds an early offer from Long Island University, is coming off a monster sophomore season where he recorded 61 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and four fumble recoveries. He led the Vikings in sacks and fumble recoveries and second in tackles. <strong>DL [player_tooltip player_id="126243" first="Mason" last="Wunderlich"], Liberty (Wentzville)</strong> Measuring in at 6-2 and 217 pounds, Wunderlich recorded a pro-agility time of 4.69 seconds and a 40 time of 5.34 seconds. Wunderlich <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2G16mU">played left tackle as a sophomore last season</a> but with his size we like him more as a defensive end or possibly even a blocking tight end at the next level. <strong>LB [player_tooltip player_id="126262" first="Sam" last="Sutter"], Rockwood Summit</strong> Listed as a defensive lineman, Sutter measured in at 6-1 and 190 pounds and recorded a pro-agility time of 4.47 seconds. While he was listed as a tight end and defensive lineman by the Falcons last year, at his size he's going to end up playing linebacker at the next level. We can't wait to see what he does this fall. <strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id="130188" first="Brian" last="Fitzmaurice"] Jr., Marquette</strong> Fitzmaurice, who measured in a 5-11 and 184 pounds, is an impressive physical specimen who plays like a hybrid linebacker-safety. He recorded a pro-agility time of 4.47 seconds and ran the 40 in 4.8, but we've seen him put up better numbers in both tests previously — including 4.65 seconds in the 40 and 4.24 seconds in the pro-agility. His film shows his impressive speed and quickness. Fitzmaurice racked up 56 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and four sacks as a sophomore and he's in line for a big junior season. <strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id="126254" first="Sam" last="Vu"], Rockwood Summit</strong> Listed as an athlete at the Showcase, and by the Falcons as a wide receiver-cornerback, Vu is a 5-7, 161-pounder with speed and quickness who can make an impact on either side of the ball. He turned in a pro-agility time of 4.3 seconds and a 40-yard dash time of 4.61 seconds. He recorded 32 tackles as a sophomore playing varsity and was Summit's third-leading receiver behind two seniors. We wouldn't be surprised if he has a breakout season as a junior this fall. &nbsp; <h5 style="text-align: center;"><strong>SLMFCA Showcase Coverage</strong></h5> <strong>2023 Prospects: </strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/05/slmfca-showcase-2023-quarterbacks/">Quarterbacks</a> | <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/05/slmfca-showcase-2023-running-backs/">Running Backs</a> | <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/05/slmfca-showcase-2023-wide-receivers/">Wide Receivers</a> | <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/06/slmfca-showcase-2023-linemen/">Offensive/Defensive linemen</a> | <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/06/slmfca-showcase-2023-linebackers/">Linebackers</a> | <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/06/slmfca-showcase-2023-defensive-backs/">Defensive Backs</a> 2024 Prospects: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/06/slmfca-showcase-2024-offensive-prospects/">Offensive Prospects</a> | <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/06/slmfca-showcase-2024-defensive-prospects/">Defensive Prospects</a>