I wrote about Maurice in detail during our 704 Junior Bowl series, and I think he deserves to be #5 in this ranking because he can be a real factor on both sides of the ball. Maurice is a hybrid linebacker/defensive back who is a great space player. He can cover the middle of the field well in the passing game and is electric in getting to the football and making open-field tackles in the running game. Maurice can also be a dynamic contributor offensively as a running back, and I’m excited to see how he fits in at West Iredell after coming over from Alexander Central High School. Maurice is also starting to get some well-deserved recruiting interest as well.

This probably isn’t a name most people in the Charlotte area know well, as he played last season for Alexander Central High School. Maurice joins a talented West Iredell team as a real playmaker on both sides of the ball. I considered him for the ATH category, but ultimately, I think his defense is what really stands out. Last season, as a defensive safety/nickel, Maurice had 60 tackles, double-digit pass breakups, and 2 defensive touchdowns. And this was his first year playing the position – very impressive. I like the way Maurice tackles in the open field, and his taking of excellent pursuit angles allows him to get to the football all over the field on defense.

An all-conference and all-region selection last season, Maurice plays a strong safety/outside linebacker role for the Cougars on defense. Taking a look at the film, Maurice shows some nice man coverage ability on slot receivers, playing proper trail technique, and breaking on the ball with proper timing. Maurice also likes contact, showing the ability to tackle well in the open field. Maurice also plays some running back on offense and shows off his speed in space with the football in his hands. I think on the next level he fits best on defense, though, and I’d like to see him in a camp setting against similar level players to see how he stacks up.