Rivals Daily Dozen: Defensive standouts from Future 50

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The Under Armour Future 50 was held Saturday for underclassmen during the Under Armour All-America Game week. Here are the defensive standouts.

MORE: Future 50 Combine updates | Future 50 Media Day coverage | Future 50 offensive standouts | Full UA coverage

Thomas didn’t take a ton of reps but dominated on each of them. He is very explosive and has really violent hands. He worked inside and outside moves just like Tennessee star Derek Barnett, and offensive linemen could not contain him. South Carolina is viewed as the slight favorite but Clemson has a very real shot at landing his commitment.

They don’t make defensive backs with more physical talent than Surtain. He had an early interception in one-on-ones and then broke up multiple passes. In the seven-on-seven portion he was physical with receivers in their routes and had great patience. Surtain did a great job timing his jumps as well, and with his 6-foot-2 frame he had no trouble taking on bigger wide receivers and tight ends. Clemson, Miami, Florida State and Alabama have the majority of Surtain’s attention on the recruiting trail.

Samuel probably took more reps than any of the defensive backs and had a ton of success covering smaller and bigger wide receivers. He his extremely physical and did a great job jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage. Samuel didn’t break up a ton of passes, but he made life very difficult for the quarterbacks to throw catchable passes. Clemson and Georgia are working to get Samuel, but he will likely stay in state and go to either Florida State or Miami.

Quarterbacks had a hard time throwing around Sims because of his great length. He covered so much ground and didn’t jump double moves. Sims got better and better with each rep he took and denied the pass to his receiver. He is a lot like former Clemson defensive back Jayron Kearse. Georgia, Clemson, Auburn, and Notre Dame are all in good position with Sims.

Another long defensive back, Blades did a great job of delaying receivers at the line of scrimmage. He didn’t bite on double moves and played with great physicality, just like his father and uncles. A one-time Miami commit, Blades says he is also seriously considering Florida State, but he will likely end up a Cane.

The main criticism of Mitchell has been that he does not run well in the open field, but he has clearly been working on getting better there. He had no problem keeping up with most of the running backs and all of the tight ends. Mitchell plays a lot like USC linebacker Cameron Smith. Florida State, Clemson, Ohio State and Clemson are in line to make Mitchell’s top ten.

Cook is also a long, lean and aggressive defensive back. He broke up some passes and did a good job timing his breaks, especially on passes down the field. Taller receivers couldn’t use their height to their advantage against Cook because he is a great leaper. Cook is looking at Texas, Clemson, Michigan and Ohio State the most.

Offensive linemen had a very hard time getting a good shot on Henry because of his speed off the edge and his balance. He was able to get so low when he dipped his shoulder to get around the outside. Henry plays a lot like former South Carolina defensive end Cliff Matthews but he has a broader frame. Georgia, Ohio State, Clemson, Alabama, South Carolina, and a few others are in good shape with Henry.

Pound for pound Parsons was probably the most athletic player on the field. He projects as a defensive end but played linebacker and really excelled. Parsons was physical with running backs that tried to cross his face. It was really impressive to see him chase receivers toward the sideline. He is committed to Penn State but lists Ohio State, Michigan, Georgia, USC and Florida State as schools he remains interested in.

Florida State is really going to like how Cooper will play in the middle of their defense. He is incredibly strong and will push the pocket. Cooper is sneaky quick and uses a really strong rip move to get into the backfield. Look for Cooper to take on the role Derrick Nnadi once he gets to Tallahassee.

Vincent has played better in camps before but he is still a powerful, explosive interior defensive lineman. Jamaree Salyer, the top offensive lineman at the Future 50, admitted that Vincent was the toughest defensive lineman at the camp. Just like former Florida State defensive tackle Jacobbi McDaniel, Vincent is s strong, gap-shooting defensive tackle with good athleticism. The Seminoles are chasing Ohio State to land Vincent’s commitment.

Woodbey is a big safety who looks for the big hit and plays downhill. He broke up a couple passes and really made it hard for tight ends to make plays down the field. He got caught looking in the backfield once or twice but still was one of the better players participating. Woodbey really likes Ohio State, USC and Washington the most right now.