We’ll keep the scouting reports rolling on top prospects from across the country.
Cayden Jones – LB
Arden, NC (Christ School)
Off-ball linebacker prospect that has good speed and athleticism. He has very good play recognition, identifies where the gap is in the running game and positions himself well to make a play on the ball carrier. Smart player that takes good pursuit angles and has the speed and athleticism to run down ball carriers from behind. Good tackler who can make plays in the open field. Very good at shedding blocks, creates separation with his strength and keeps the blocker off of his body. In pass-rushing situations he is aggressive and has a high motor off the edge. He is relentless and keeps working when he gets beat by a bigger offensive lineman. Good in zone situations where he has eyes to the QB; he covers his area and has good timing and breaks on the ball when it’s thrown to generate PBUs. Solid hands and ball skills.
He wasn’t asked to show his man coverage skills in high school so he may need to develop in that area to reliably cover TEs and RBs out of the backfield. Needs to develop some additional pass-rush moves to be more reliable as an on-ball linebacker at the next level. A good overall prospect that’s skillset can contribute to any defensive scheme, but he would do well against the run-heavy style of the Big 10 where he can show off his skills in the run game and have the opportunity to make pass-rushing plays. Should work his way into the rotation quickly and develop into a reliable LB with college coaching and training.
https://twitter.com/greeniesports/status/1578538858765258752
Bryce Young – DE
Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Christian High School)
Multi-sport athlete that also ran track in high school and has an NFL pedigree with his dad, Bryant Young, playing 13 seasons in the NFL. Defensive end prospect that has very good speed and play recognition, he identifies and fills the gap in the running game well. A good first step gives him a quick jump off the LOS giving him an advantage when lining up across from an OL. Smart player that has a very good understanding of how to contain the edge, pushing the ball carrier into his support and not allowing the ball carrier to gain outside leverage. Very aggressive off the edge, is relentless, and has a high motor. Very good athleticism and pursuit, runs down the ball carrier from behind. Very good strength, he can overpower the OL and drive them back into the QB disrupting the pocket. Gets a good extension and uses his strength to keep the OL off of his body. Good awareness and knows when to get his hands in the passing lanes.
Needs to develop some additional pass rush moves he mostly relies on strength and power moves in pass rush situations, developing a reliable counter move would help develop him into becoming a more consistent pass rusher. Good overall prospect that’s skillset can contribute to any defensive scheme playing against the pass-heavy teams in the ACC would help him show his skillset. Should be an immediate special team contributor and work his way into the rotation quickly and develop into a reliable DE with college coaching and training.
https://twitter.com/mattfreemanISD/status/1536152900329684993
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Alex Taylor – WR
Greensboro, NC (Grimsley High School)
Wide receiver prospect that also played DB. Has good speed and athleticism. Good jump off the line and is able to get separation from the DB off of the LOS. Smart player that understands how the defense is playing him and knows when to settle between zones. Very good hands, high points the ball well and has the body control to position himself to make the catch over the DB. He is a physical player that is willing to work his way back through the DB and can make plays on balls that are underthrown. He has very good YAC ability and strength that he uses routinely to break tackles and get upfield quickly. Threatens to score every time the ball is in his hands. He is a willing blocker in the running game and uses his strength to consistently take the DB out of the play.
Needs to work on stemming his routes better which will help him create more separation at the top of the route. He’s a versatile player that can play all 3 WR spots, he will be most effective on the outside where he can use his size and strength to get open against DBs. Should also be a contributor on special teams. Good prospect that’s skillset can contribute to any offensive scheme but he is playing for one of the more passing-heavy teams of the ACC where he will be able to use his receiving skills and YAC ability. He will work his way into the rotation quickly and develop into a good reliable WR with college coaching and training.
https://twitter.com/thealextaylor3/status/1606718037935411200
Isaiah Crumpler – WR
Greenville, NC (D.H. Conley High School)
Wide receiver prospect with a family NFL pedigree between his dad and two uncles playing in the league. Has good speed and athleticism. He gets a good jump off the line and a good swipe when working against press coverage to stay on his route and maintain his timing on his route. Against coverage he has a deceptive fake that gets the defender flat-footed to get past him on longer developing pass plays. Good route runner that has a solid stem at the top of his routes to create separation on in-breaking routes. Good hands, high points the ball and has good body control to stay in bounds after the catch. Smart player that works his way back to the QB when the play breaks down and the QB has to leave the pocket. Very good YAC ability, works through traffic well, has the patience to let blocks develop around him, and is a strong runner. Versatile player that can play all 3 WR spots. Good competitive toughness shown from willingness to play RB and DB as well for his school.
Adequate blocker. Has the strength to do it but needs to work on body positioning and hand placement. Very good returner on special teams and should become an immediate contributor on special teams. Good prospect that’s skillset can contribute to any offensive scheme but playing for one of the more passing-heavy teams of the ACC where he will be able to use his receiving skills and YAC ability, he should also be an effective weapon in the screens and running game with end around and sweeps. He will work his way into the rotation quickly and develop into a good reliable WR with college coaching and training.
