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Future 50: Top defensive performers

LAKE BEUANA VISTA, Fla. -- Fifty of the country’s top underclassman prospects worked out on the field at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports on Friday morning as part of the Under Armour Future 50 Experience. The on-field session featuring position specific drills as well as a one-on-one and seven-on-seven competition period. Here’s a rundown of which defensive players did the best when it mattered most on Friday.

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1. DB Jeffrey Okudah, Grand Praire (Texas) South

The newly-minted five-star came into the day looking like he wanted to back up his ranking and he did exactly that. Okudah could be a safety or a corner at the next level and his athleticism and playmaking ability was very impressive on Friday. As the cycle moves along, Okudah could emerge as one of the country’s truly elite prospects. He currently lists Ohio State as his leader.

2. DT Marvin Wilson, Houston (Texas) Episcopal

The nation’s No. 1 player in the 2017 class was also the best defensive lineman in attendance, consistently winning reps in one-on-ones while also drawing praise from coaches in drills. Wilson won reps while working both inside and outside and every offensive lineman wanted a shot to stop him and most came up empty. Alabama, LSU and others remain in the mix for Wilson.

3. DB Isaiah Pryor, Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer

The Ohio State commit was one of the most physically impressive defensive backs at the event and backed it up with his play as well. Pryor moved between cornerback and safety and did an excellent job in coverage when given the opportunity. Pryor was also identified by the staff’s coaches as one of their favorites on the day.

4. DB Jamyest Williams, Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer

As usual Williams was one of the most intense and active participants. While his aggression got the best of him on a few occasions, he showed good ball skills and a nice ability to close and make plays to break up passes. Williams is considering Clemson, Georgia, Florida State and others.

5. LB Anthony Hines, Plano (Texas) East

Hines has more offers than pretty much any player in the Class of 2017 and on Friday he looked worth every one of them. He looked like he shed some weight since the summer and his new lighter frame allowed him to keep up with some of the faster backs and wide receivers while playing in space. Texas A&M, Oklahoma and several others are the in the mix for Hines.

6. DT Tyler Shelvin, Lafayette (La.) Northside

The LSU commit has great size but also has impressive quickness to go with it. What set him apart on Friday was his ability to fire off the ball and knock opponents off balance quickly, making it easy for him to win reps. The future Tiger looks like he could be the next dominant defensive lineman in Death Valley.

7. DB Shaun Wade, Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian

The five-star Ohio State commit got off to a slow start during one-on-ones but got better as the day moved along. Wade’s calling card is his physicality, but he got caught more than a few times grabbing down the field. Once Wade learns to trust his technique a little more, he should continue to grow into his immense potential.

8. DB Darnay Holmes, Calabasas, Calif.

Holmes had a solid day while battling against some of the country’s top prospects. He showed good physicality at the line of scrimmage while also having a knack for being around the ball at the right time. Stanford, Ohio State, USC and several others are vying for Holmes’ services.

9. DB Chevin Calloway, Dallas (Texas) Bishop Dunne

The Rivals250 defensive back didn’t back down from any challenges on Friday, going toe-to-toe with some of the country’s best and showing aggressiveness that drew praise from the event’s coaches. Calloway’s size (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) could be a detriment in the future, but his speed helps him make up for any physical shortcomings.

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