Another unranked prospect on this list, the third new name I’ve identified so far, currently listed at 5’10, 180 pounds with a 3.0 GPA. He is a sophomore who appears to be making a significant impact across multiple phases of the game, particularly from a defensive back or safety alignment. His Twitter currently features just one post, but fortunately that post includes a three minute midseason highlight reel showcasing some impressive production. Through the portion of the season covered by that tape, he has recorded eight tackles, one sack and three interceptions. He has also contributed offensively, recording a reception and apparently taking a few snaps as a passer, including a scoring play. That is a fairly diverse collection of responsibilities for an underclassman, and I’m interested in understanding how his coaching staff is utilizing his athletic ability within its offensive and defensive schemes.

His midseason tape opens with him aligned as a safety in a two deep look, responsible for coverage over his half of the field against a two receiver set. The quarterback attempts to attack outside the numbers, but he recognizes the developing throw, ranges toward the target and tracks the football effectively for an interception. I like how comfortably he moves into position and how naturally he locates the football in the air. He doesn’t appear rushed or out of control when closing on the intended receiver, and he finishes the play with the type of ball skills I want to see from a young defensive back. It is a strong opening rep and an encouraging indication of his potential as a safety. His second rep moves to special teams, where he appears to force a fumble while pursuing the football. That gives him two turnover producing plays to open the highlight reel, which speaks to his ability to make things happen when he is actively involved in the play. I appreciate players who consistently pursue the football, and he appears to have a good instinct for creating opportunities.

His third rep returns him to a two high safety alignment, this time working more as a weak side center fielder. The quarterback attempts a seam throw approximately 40 yards downfield, and he does an excellent job tracking the football over his shoulder while maintaining his positioning. He arrives at the catch point and makes a tremendous play on the ball, although the available footage makes it difficult to determine whether he completed the interception or ultimately recorded a pass breakup. Regardless of the official result, the rep is impressive because of the range, tracking ability and awareness required to challenge a throw that far downfield. He appears comfortable playing with depth and covering significant ground when the quarterback attempts to attack his area of responsibility. Those are valuable traits for a sophomore safety who is still developing his understanding of coverage concepts.

Another rep features him aligned head up over an outside slot receiver in a twins formation, providing a different look at his coverage responsibilities. Once again, the quarterback attempts to test him vertically, and once again, he puts himself in excellent position to make a play on the football. This particular throw is poorly placed, but I appreciate that he recognizes the opportunity, secures the interception and transitions into a return that takes the football inside the five yard line. One of the recurring themes throughout his tape is how frequently opposing quarterbacks attempt to challenge him downfield and how consistently he responds by being in position to contest or intercept the pass. Some of those opportunities come from mistakes by opposing quarterbacks, but he still has to recognize the throw, track the football and finish the play. His ability to do that repeatedly is encouraging.

What makes this prospect particularly interesting is that his contributions aren’t limited to playing safety. He has demonstrated the ability to catch the football, throw it when called upon and contribute on special teams, giving his coaching staff several ways to take advantage of his athleticism. I want to see more of those offensive reps before making any definitive judgments about his potential on that side of the ball, but the versatility is worth recognizing. Defensively, I already see encouraging instincts, range and ball skills, particularly when he is asked to operate from deeper safety alignments. He seems to have a natural feel for locating the football, and his willingness to pursue plays on special teams adds another positive dimension to the evaluation.

For an unranked sophomore, this is a promising midseason tape that gives me several reasons to continue monitoring his development. His three interceptions, special teams production and offensive versatility suggest he could become a significant contributor for his program over the next couple of seasons. I wouldn’t be surprised if he eventually earns All League recognition, particularly if he continues making an impact in all three phases of the game. I still want to see additional film, more complete defensive production and continued technical development before settling on an appropriate ranking, but I believe he has the potential to work his way onto our list. There is a lot to like about what he has shown at this stage of his high school career, and I’m excited to follow his progress as he continues developing into an upperclassman.