The Rivals Camp Series presented by adidas kicked off just after Signing Day and has already rolled through seven different cities. With the circuit on a brief break before starting back up again this weekend in Atlanta, we look back at the first half of the tour and identify the best performances by position. Today, we look at the linebackers and defensive backs. The respective prospects are listed in alphabetical order.
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BEST OF THE BEST
Fred Davis – Orlando
The Jacksonville area product seems to produce elite defensive backs on a yearly basis, and Davis is the next major prospect to emerge from the 904 area code. Not only did he come into Orlando and win the MVP award, he also walked away with an invitation to the Five-Star Challenge. Alabama, Florida, USC and several others are already after Davis.
Justin Flowe – Los Angeles
Another 2020 prospect who came into an event and not only won MVP honors but earned an invitation to the Five-Star Challenge, Flowe turned in a performance for the ages at the Los Angeles stop of the series. Whether it was in the open field tackling drill or in pass coverage, Flowe was basically unstoppable and played with the type of excitement that helped raise the level of play from other campers, as well. Alabama and USC are two of Flowe’s most notbable offers to date.
Brendan Gant – Orlando
The Alabama commit punched his ticket to the Five-Star Challenge with a standout showing at the Orlando stop of the series. The big, physical safety is known for making huge hits on Friday nights, but he showed that he’s also very capable in coverage, as well. Florida State, Miami and several others aren’t giving up on flipping him away from the Tide.
Chris Steele – Los Angeles
Steele earned a bump to five-star status in the rankings prior to the Los Angeles camp, and he more than backed up that ranking at the event. After bullying wide receivers all day, Steele earned an invitation to the Five-Star Challenge. The one-time USC commit is considering Oregon, Miami, Texas A&M and several other programs.
Derek Stingley – Houston
Stingley has been dominating the camp circuit this offseason and that included an incredible performance at the Houston stop of the series. He made several remarkable plays, including a few highlight reel interceptions. For his efforts, he earned an invitation back to the Five-Star Challenge for the second straight year. LSU, Alabama, Stanford and others are among the schools battling for his commitment.
Tyrique Stevenson – Miami
Stevenson earned his invitation to the Five-Star Challenge at the loaded Miami stop of the tour. The long, rangy cornerback is the latest in the long line of elite South Florida prospects to earn an invitation to the showcase event. Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Michigan and Georgia are among his early favorites.
Max Williams – Los Angeles
Williams surprised in 2017 at the Los Angeles stop of the series, as he was one of the few defensive backs who could hang with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. This year, Williams returned as a known commodity and was once again impressive, earning a repeat invitation to the event. USC, Oregon, LSU and others have offered Williams.
ADDITIONAL MVPs
Jordan Botelho – San Francisco LB MVP
Bryton Constantin – Mobile LB MVP
Collin Duncan – Mobile DB MVP
Rian Davis – Orlando LB MVP
Kaiir Elam – Miami DB MVP
Elisha Lloyd – San Francisco DB MVP
Gabriel Murphy – Dallas LB MVP
Grayson Murphy – Dallas LB MVP
Anthony Solomon – Miami LB MVP
Solomon Turner – Dallas DB MVP
Rashad Wisdome – Houston DB MVP
Zach Zimos – Houston LB MVP
OTHERS WHO IMPRESSED
LB Ethan Barr (Dallas), LB Kendrick Blackshear (Dallas), DB Te’Cory Couch (Miami), LB Brandon Gary (Orlando), DB Myles Heard (Houston), DB Hunter Henry (Houston), DB DJ James (Mobile), DB Travis Jay (Orlando), DB Jarrian Jones (Mobile), DB Chester Kimbrough (Mobile), DB Semar Melvin (Miami), DB Taiwan Mullen (Miami), LB Bryce Robinson (Dallas), DB Jared Pedraza (Dallas) DB Omar Simpson (Miami), LB Ezrah Thibodeaux (Houston), LB Marcus Tillman (Orlando), DB Hakeem Vance (Mobile), LB Curley Young (Houston)