Headed down the final recruiting stretch of the #TN2024 cycle, Helton sits as one of the best remaining edge rushers in the state with upside to develop even further on the collegiate level. The Owls senior linebacker may be a tad undersized with his height but he makes up for it with his power, ability to bend around the corner and active hands that allows him to get off blocks. Helton has an excellent burst too, showing an outstanding first step that opposing blockers have a hard time dealing with. College coaches have been showing interest in this Memphis area product but he remains on the open market but I think you will see Helton come off the board soon, especially as we inch closer to the 2nd signing day in February.

You have to look past this guy’s height and simply look at his ability to bend the corner and chase down the ball with physicality, speed and vigor. Helton is one of the better natural pass rushers from the greater West Tennessee region and possibly the entire state as for multiple years now, this Owls edge rusher has shown consistency getting after the quarterback and looking over his senior film, he’s only gotten better. Where Helton has improved is with his strength both to his upper and lower body. That added power gave more power to use with his speed rush and give opposing edge blockers fits. The Owls senior backer also has long arms which allows him to use his reach to push blockers back or swim around them. He will need to continue adding some more pounds but I like what Helton brings to the table as a situational pass rusher within the college game. Senior Film

Gavin Helton Gavin Helton 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB MUS | 2024 State TN is an instinctive linebacker that shows versatility to play off ball and edge for Memphis University School. From off ball linebackers, he shoots gaps with good processing of run concepts with great speed to close and make tackles for loss. At edge, Helton is slippery to beat blocks vs the run and pass with overall good athletic ability. Lateral range is very good out in space to get to the sideline, and he is willing to take on blocks with hands to shed.

Fast and aggressive off the edge with a controlled violent mindset, Helton has been excellent through three games of the 2023 season and a prospect that is trying hard to make college coaches recognize his potential. One of the top pass rushers coming out of the greater Memphis area for the ‘23 season, Helton has been hard to block thus far due to his bend, burst and speed around the edge as well as the physicality he brings to the field each and every game. Where I think Helton has improved is with his overall football knowledge but also his lower base agility that is allowing him to play more in open space. If the Owls senior defender can keep stacking on strong performances as well as continue to enhance his talents, Helton could become a sleeper D1 prospect due to his ability to cause havoc in the opposition’s backfield.

Gavin Helton Gavin Helton 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB MUS | 2024 State TN is a solid linebacker with the versatility to play edge and off-ball. Good athleticism for Helton showing burst and flexibility to flatten to the QB. He shows willingness to set the edge and get physical to constrict the run lanes. Watching the film, he is a downhill player and is aggressive taking on blocks and shooting gaps. As a pass rusher, Helton showcases some bend and can win with speed to power.

A multi talented linebacker with position versatility, Helton is a definite under the radar talent that sits without any offers currently but the talent that warrants more looks. This Memphis defender works mainly on the edge where he uses his arm length, bend and explosion to get after the quarterback while also having the range to chase down the ball carrier. Helton is also built in the mold of a possible inside backer as well, so his versatility should appeal to collegiate coaches. His recruitment has yet to take off but he is the kind of talent that could turn some heads this summer and pick up those elusive offers that he is definitely working hard to obtain.