Five-Star: Top underclassmen
Advertisement
The 5-foot-10, 186-pound Wade might not have been one of the biggest defensive backs in attendance, but that didn't prevent him from being physical. Wade was sticky in coverage in both the one-on-one portion of camp and then during the 7-on-7 tournament, knocking away numerous passes with savvy. Receivers found it difficult to shake his tight coverage and, even when they found some space, Wade showed impressive ball skills.
3
OL
Jedrick Wills (2017)
Lexington (Ky.) Lafayette
Despite being built more like an offensive guard, Wills dominated at right tackle thanks to spectacular footwork and a tenacity to keep rushers off balance. The massive 6-foot-5, 307-pound lineman was relentless against speed rushers and immovable against the bull rush, keeping his feet moving to form a solid base. Wills also extended his arms well to keep defenders from sliding inside and was often the aggressor.
4
RB
Khalan Laborn (2017)
Virginia Beach (Va.) Ocean Lakes
Laborn was phenomenal in individual drills, moving well through his cuts and showing great speed, and he was just as good during the 7-on-7 portion catching passes out of the backfield and making defenders miss in open space. He had his way against linebackers and made plays down field, winning the running back MVP award for his efforts.
5
DB
William Poole III (2017)
Atlanta (Ga.) Hapeville Charter
When the moment came to line up against five-star wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers, the younger Poole looked unfazed. Poole held his own against a very good crop of receivers and had a couple of interceptions during the 7-on-7 tournament to show for it. He also shined during one-on-one drills earlier in the day, using his length to his advantage and proving to be a tough matchup for wideouts of all sizes.
6
LB
Nate McBride (2017)
Vidalia, Ga.
McBride moved very well in space and looked plenty comfortable in coverage against running backs, slot receivers and tight ends. He wasn't the biggest 'backer in the event, but what he lacked in size he made up for in savvy, showing the ability to decipher crossing routes and limiting passing lanes by taking good angles toward the football.
7
WR
Trevon Grimes (2017)
Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas
Grimes was very fluid in his route running and showed great body control to come down with some difficult catches near the sideline in tight coverage. The 6-foot-4, 193-pound wideout has soft hands that make him a threat whenever the ball is in his vicinity, even if he's not all that open. Grimes certainly proved once again why he's one of the more highly regarded receivers in the country.
8
DB
Suwanee (Ga.) Peachtree Ridge
Though he's listed as a safety and projects as one given his 6-foot-1, 199-pound frame, Gibbs was excellent at cornerback throughout the 7-on-7 tournament. He made a fantastic interception manning that spot, looking natural in his backpedal and in staying with receivers through various double moves.
9
DB
Jeffrey Okudah (2017)
Grand Prairie (Texas) South Grand Prairie
Whether it was jamming receivers near the line of scrimmage or keeping up with them in man-to-man coverage down field, Okudah showed exactly why he is considered one of the most versatile defensive back prospects in the land. He continues to get bigger and that might force a full-time move to safety, but Okudah has the skill set to be a very good cover corner in different defensive sets.
10
OL
Wyatt Davis (2017)
Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco
Alabama doesn't just hand out scholarship offers in the state of California, but it's easy to see why the Crimson Tide jumped in on Davis so early and why other schools have since joined the chase. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman was successful against older defenders in large part because he is technically sound. Davis has great footwork and loves up rushers with a solid, well-proportioned upper body.
11
QB
Chris Robison (2017)
Mesquite (Texas) Horn
The four-star quarterback led his squad to the 7-on-7 title by staying consistent and hitting receivers in stride. With his dual-threat capabilities, Robison was able to roll out and find streaking receivers while throwing accurately on the run. When defenses clogged the middle, he managed to beat them deep.
12
RB
Cordarrian Richardson (2017)
Memphis (Tenn.) Trezevant
The second-team All-Challenge member deceived linebackers a few times. Richardson is stocky in build, which makes him an intriguing prospect as a physical running back, but he also looked to be quick in short spurts and that allowed him to repeatedly get open.
13
QB
Joey Gatewood (2018)
Jacksonville (Fla.) Bartram Trail
From a size standpoint alone, the 6-foot-3, 216-pound Gatewood raised eyebrows while walking through the lobby on registration day. He looked the part on the field, too, making some difficult throws look fairly easy. Gatewood was the youngest participant at the camp. He showed throughout the event he has tremendous upside.
14
DE
Josh Kaindoh (2017)
Baltimore (Md.) Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel
Kaindoh has long arms that make it easier to get under an offensive lineman's grip and rip himself free. He has the frame to tack on good weight, yet he displayed the physical tools that suggest he likely won't lose any speed when he gets bigger. Kaindoh showed a quick first step and was fierce off the edge.
Click Here to view this Link.
Complete Coverage
Blair Angulo
West Recruiting Analyst
Click Here to view this Link.