Hope everyone's doing well. As the semester has ended and I have downtime before moving for work this summer, I decided to finally wrap up my positional big board and get it out there. This first post this week is going to cover all of our defensive targets. A few notes:
This is just my opinion and it's fluid as new information is added. I will never come back and edit this post to be more "right", but it's possible I'll do an updated big board closer to ESD.
I try to focus on what guys CAN do, instead of what they can't. It's how I go about handling talking about HS kids abilities. I'm not trying to slam dunk and call certain kids trash, but I will point out where they need to improve to be a contributor at this level.
Also, included guys who committed elsewhere in the rankings but just honestly can't be bothered to write about them. If you have questions on those guys, knock yourselves out.
Note: Offensive Board sometime next week -- getting through these WRs and OL has taken forever.
The Big Board:
Some board specific notes:
The DEs, LBs, and safeties are all really close.
With linebacker, I prioritized fit for what we wanted to sign this class as I feel the upside/ability combo on all 3 are similar.
At safety -- it's Fegans at the top, toss up between Harris and Young and then Strong.
DE's, I gave it to Watford for the upside.
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety
This is just my opinion and it's fluid as new information is added. I will never come back and edit this post to be more "right", but it's possible I'll do an updated big board closer to ESD.
I try to focus on what guys CAN do, instead of what they can't. It's how I go about handling talking about HS kids abilities. I'm not trying to slam dunk and call certain kids trash, but I will point out where they need to improve to be a contributor at this level.
Also, included guys who committed elsewhere in the rankings but just honestly can't be bothered to write about them. If you have questions on those guys, knock yourselves out.
Note: Offensive Board sometime next week -- getting through these WRs and OL has taken forever.
The Big Board:
Some board specific notes:
The DEs, LBs, and safeties are all really close.
With linebacker, I prioritized fit for what we wanted to sign this class as I feel the upside/ability combo on all 3 are similar.
At safety -- it's Fegans at the top, toss up between Harris and Young and then Strong.
DE's, I gave it to Watford for the upside.
Defensive Tackle
Background: Started his career as an impact freshman on Savannah Christian Prep’s varsity squad. Took off from there and was an All-American his Sophomore year. Rated as a top 5 prospect in ‘25 by all services.
Report: Highly disruptive interior defender with outstanding size and athleticism. Noticeably twitchy athlete, which is only further confirmed by a “near 35 inch vertical jump” (9.8/10 RAS). Tremendous length, measuring in around an 80 inch wingspan while maintaining good DT proportions. Could find a home at a 4i or 5T on day one, but will likely grow into a more traditional defensive tackle down the line. Violent hands and great leverage at the point of attack make him unstoppable at this level. Will likely need to continue bulking to further strengthen his anchor.
Summary: There’s really nothing more you could ask from Griffin at this stage, other than pointing out some weaker competition he faces. He has verified mind-blowing measurements and testing as a high schooler, all while being highly productive for Savannah Christian Prep and putting out film that displays feel for the position. Alongside that, I’ve personally felt that his tape took a big jump from Sophomore to Junior year. This guy is absolutely in the same tier of prospects as Peter Woods, and I hope we pull some Dabo magic on OV weekend because he feels like a future first rounder to me.
Report: Highly disruptive interior defender with outstanding size and athleticism. Noticeably twitchy athlete, which is only further confirmed by a “near 35 inch vertical jump” (9.8/10 RAS). Tremendous length, measuring in around an 80 inch wingspan while maintaining good DT proportions. Could find a home at a 4i or 5T on day one, but will likely grow into a more traditional defensive tackle down the line. Violent hands and great leverage at the point of attack make him unstoppable at this level. Will likely need to continue bulking to further strengthen his anchor.
Summary: There’s really nothing more you could ask from Griffin at this stage, other than pointing out some weaker competition he faces. He has verified mind-blowing measurements and testing as a high schooler, all while being highly productive for Savannah Christian Prep and putting out film that displays feel for the position. Alongside that, I’ve personally felt that his tape took a big jump from Sophomore to Junior year. This guy is absolutely in the same tier of prospects as Peter Woods, and I hope we pull some Dabo magic on OV weekend because he feels like a future first rounder to me.
Background: 4.3 GPA. Transferred to Southern Durham HS for Junior season. Can function in multiple spots across the DL. Cousin of Demario Pressley (NFL). Plays basketball.
Report: Tremendous frame and athleticism. Can sink his hips when coming off the edge. Displays explosive athleticism in his get off and pursuit. Light on his feet. Great pad level and leverage. Utilizes his length to keep himself clean. High motor. Anchors himself well. Truly violent with his hands on the interior and brings a fight to the offensive lineman. All around dominant player at this level with the frame and athleticism to translate to the next.
Summary: Campbell is just not a fair matchup for these players he’s going up against. He has it all. The interesting question becomes where does Clemson put him? He has the length and athleticism to play DE, but could also bulk up to 290 and be a lighter pass rushing defensive tackle with elite athleticism. Regardless, this is a guy who you just get into the program and let him be elite. Tremendous young man, football player and a testament to our program for locking him down.
Report: Tremendous frame and athleticism. Can sink his hips when coming off the edge. Displays explosive athleticism in his get off and pursuit. Light on his feet. Great pad level and leverage. Utilizes his length to keep himself clean. High motor. Anchors himself well. Truly violent with his hands on the interior and brings a fight to the offensive lineman. All around dominant player at this level with the frame and athleticism to translate to the next.
Summary: Campbell is just not a fair matchup for these players he’s going up against. He has it all. The interesting question becomes where does Clemson put him? He has the length and athleticism to play DE, but could also bulk up to 290 and be a lighter pass rushing defensive tackle with elite athleticism. Regardless, this is a guy who you just get into the program and let him be elite. Tremendous young man, football player and a testament to our program for locking him down.
Background: Transferred to So. Florence for his Jr year. Lost in 4A State Championship this past year. Has been a leader and high intensity player for the Bruins since his arrival.
Report: Physically imposing DT. Took a big step from So. to Jr film. Standout traits are his motor and anchor/strength. Not as twitchy as Campbell, but plays 30lbs heavier than him. Holds his weight well with longer limbs. Doesn’t get moved out of the way in the run game. Pad level can be a little inconsistent. Is somewhat of a lumberer. Next step is continuing to beef him up so he can win at the point of attack consistently at the next level.
Summary: I like Amare Adams’ Junior tape a heck of a lot better than I did his Sophomore tape. He has made a ton of strides with his conditioning and motor in the transition to South Florence. I envision him as a true interior guy whose job is to hold the point of attack. I think college S&C is going to be big for him continuing to transform his body composition and add more functional weight. Continuing to add explosiveness will be a game changer when it comes to his potential at the next level. Great developmental piece who doesn’t need to be in a rush to find the field with our depth.
Report: Physically imposing DT. Took a big step from So. to Jr film. Standout traits are his motor and anchor/strength. Not as twitchy as Campbell, but plays 30lbs heavier than him. Holds his weight well with longer limbs. Doesn’t get moved out of the way in the run game. Pad level can be a little inconsistent. Is somewhat of a lumberer. Next step is continuing to beef him up so he can win at the point of attack consistently at the next level.
Summary: I like Amare Adams’ Junior tape a heck of a lot better than I did his Sophomore tape. He has made a ton of strides with his conditioning and motor in the transition to South Florence. I envision him as a true interior guy whose job is to hold the point of attack. I think college S&C is going to be big for him continuing to transform his body composition and add more functional weight. Continuing to add explosiveness will be a game changer when it comes to his potential at the next level. Great developmental piece who doesn’t need to be in a rush to find the field with our depth.
Report: Projectable frame that will need work when he matriculates. Much stronger in the run game right now. Doesn’t get moved around much, but needs to get better at popping off the ball and penetrating. Sinks his hips impressively for his size. Anchors well. Is a smart disengager to make plays on the football. Pad level is consistently too high. Not a very twitchy athlete.
Summary: Garrett is interesting because his frame is great. I think he’s going to need a few years in college S&C before he’s ready for the field. Right now, he doesn’t pose a threat as a pass rusher and relies on his size in the run game too much for it to be a smooth transition to the next level. His next steps will include adding more explosiveness, hand fighting moves and getting stronger and quicker by transforming his body composition.
Summary: Garrett is interesting because his frame is great. I think he’s going to need a few years in college S&C before he’s ready for the field. Right now, he doesn’t pose a threat as a pass rusher and relies on his size in the run game too much for it to be a smooth transition to the next level. His next steps will include adding more explosiveness, hand fighting moves and getting stronger and quicker by transforming his body composition.
Defensive End
Background: From Maury HS in VA. 3.5 GPA. State Champ. Sophomore All-American.
Report: Prototypical height + length combo (6’5, nearly 6’9 wingspan) on a frame with a ton of room for good weight. Natural get off and burst. Surprisingly comfortable winning reps in the phone booth with some solid rips and general hand fighting for his age. Excellent pursuit defender who utilizes his athleticism to chase from the backside. Biggest step for Watford is going to be continuing to add functional weight to his frame to be a factor in the run game. Has to work on his anchor and strength as he moves to the next level.
Summary: Watford started out the cycle as my DE3 behind Davis and Isaiah Gipson (cut from rankings because he committed to USC before I wrote him up). However, he’s won me over with his athleticism, frame and pass rush moves to move up to the top spot. Watford has a double digit sack ceiling with the proper coaching and focus in the weight room. I don’t think he’ll be ready as more than a 3rd down pass rush specialist as a freshman and I do genuinely think Bryce Davis is more advanced as a run defender as of right now, but Watford has the potential to have production off the edge that has rarely been seen at Clemson.
Report: Prototypical height + length combo (6’5, nearly 6’9 wingspan) on a frame with a ton of room for good weight. Natural get off and burst. Surprisingly comfortable winning reps in the phone booth with some solid rips and general hand fighting for his age. Excellent pursuit defender who utilizes his athleticism to chase from the backside. Biggest step for Watford is going to be continuing to add functional weight to his frame to be a factor in the run game. Has to work on his anchor and strength as he moves to the next level.
Summary: Watford started out the cycle as my DE3 behind Davis and Isaiah Gipson (cut from rankings because he committed to USC before I wrote him up). However, he’s won me over with his athleticism, frame and pass rush moves to move up to the top spot. Watford has a double digit sack ceiling with the proper coaching and focus in the weight room. I don’t think he’ll be ready as more than a 3rd down pass rush specialist as a freshman and I do genuinely think Bryce Davis is more advanced as a run defender as of right now, but Watford has the potential to have production off the edge that has rarely been seen at Clemson.
Background: Tore his meniscus last season. Recovery has been successful, no long term concerns. Viewed by Grimsley staff as a leader even during his Sophomore year. Noted for his football IQ by the staff. 4.3 GPA. Plays basketball as well. Was scheduled to be a JACK in a 3-4 system as a Jr.
Report: Stout frame, particularly in the lower body, and more solidly built than most edge rushers at this stage. Long arms with a ton of upper body strength. Impressive lateral quickness and agility. Great understanding of how to keep the edge and funnel the RB back into the heart of his defense. Anchors well and plays strong. Uses long arms to keep guys out of his chest. Questions remain on his bend and the level of pressure he’ll create at the next level.
Summary: I’m obviously biased on this kid, but I’m so impressed by him all around. He’s one of the smartest DE’s I’ve watched at this level and has a frame and athleticism that you can see translating to the next level. I’m just not sure his ceiling is as high as with a guy like Watford who has the ability to put up 10 sacks in a season. Davis projects as a multi-year starter who will be critical in your run defense and provide solid pass rush. Davis would be a home-run, but Watford could be a grand slam and thus gets my nod for DE1.
Report: Stout frame, particularly in the lower body, and more solidly built than most edge rushers at this stage. Long arms with a ton of upper body strength. Impressive lateral quickness and agility. Great understanding of how to keep the edge and funnel the RB back into the heart of his defense. Anchors well and plays strong. Uses long arms to keep guys out of his chest. Questions remain on his bend and the level of pressure he’ll create at the next level.
Summary: I’m obviously biased on this kid, but I’m so impressed by him all around. He’s one of the smartest DE’s I’ve watched at this level and has a frame and athleticism that you can see translating to the next level. I’m just not sure his ceiling is as high as with a guy like Watford who has the ability to put up 10 sacks in a season. Davis projects as a multi-year starter who will be critical in your run defense and provide solid pass rush. Davis would be a home-run, but Watford could be a grand slam and thus gets my nod for DE1.
Linebacker
Report: Verified around 6’2, 200 but has room on his frame to add more weight. Plays a safety role currently, but I agree with staff he likely fits our SLB role well. Very comfortable working in man coverage against slot WRs and TEs. On the raw side of his development, but flashes exceptional athleticism. Long limbed (6’4 wingspan) and flexible in the lower body. I like that he plays QB in terms of his ability to understand offense as a LB. Needs to work on his angles and how he deals with bigger blockers when engaged, but sky is the limit.
Summary: I can’t help but feel that Winters is our best fit for this class with Harmon off the board. Exceptional athlete across the board with the frame that you prefer for this SLB role. While the other LBs are more developed in the run game, I think he’s top of the class in the passing game. The Kirby Smart philosophy at LB is that if they have the athleticism and frame, we can teach ‘em how to play the position and put on 20lbs. I subscribe to that idea and thus give Winters the top spot of our remaining targets.
Summary: I can’t help but feel that Winters is our best fit for this class with Harmon off the board. Exceptional athlete across the board with the frame that you prefer for this SLB role. While the other LBs are more developed in the run game, I think he’s top of the class in the passing game. The Kirby Smart philosophy at LB is that if they have the athleticism and frame, we can teach ‘em how to play the position and put on 20lbs. I subscribe to that idea and thus give Winters the top spot of our remaining targets.
Report: Very frail but tall and long (6’3). Moves more like a safety with how fluid he is in the lower body. The kid can run. Really impressive coverage with how he can flip his hips and stay with smaller slot receivers when they go out wide. Has a lot of bend off the edge as a blitzer. Not really there yet as a run defender. Right now, more of a see ball-run to ball guy. Development is going to include bulking up a really frail frame, focusing on function strength to better help him deal with blockers. He’s also just going to need time learning how to process and scrape over the top.
Summary: Really high upside guy. Got a lot better his junior season and wouldn’t be surprised if that trendline continues. I love how this guy moves as an athlete. The question is pretty much will he ever be able to win at the point of attack. If he can develop that ability, I think this is a diamond in the rough type of guy. Similarly to Winters, take the guys who can run and cover with plus to plus plus athleticism and teach them the rest.
Summary: Really high upside guy. Got a lot better his junior season and wouldn’t be surprised if that trendline continues. I love how this guy moves as an athlete. The question is pretty much will he ever be able to win at the point of attack. If he can develop that ability, I think this is a diamond in the rough type of guy. Similarly to Winters, take the guys who can run and cover with plus to plus plus athleticism and teach them the rest.
Report: Has already packed on muscle and weight to his frame. Playing at 225 now so likely going to occupy a more central position. Played running back as well and had a lot of burst at that spot. Long strider. High IQ backer despite only playing 4 games his Jr year. Has showed the ability to scrape to contain. Advanced as a high schooler in regards to taking on blocks. At his best in the middle reading and flying downhill.
Report: High IQ MLB with an already filled out frame and good straight line and side to side speed. Want to see more from him when working backwards in zone coverage but has flashed the ability. Feels sort of old school in how he plays the position. I’m a fan of him as a player, I’m just not positive he fits the prototype for the SLB we were trying to sign this cycle.
Report: High IQ MLB with an already filled out frame and good straight line and side to side speed. Want to see more from him when working backwards in zone coverage but has flashed the ability. Feels sort of old school in how he plays the position. I’m a fan of him as a player, I’m just not positive he fits the prototype for the SLB we were trying to sign this cycle.
Report: Verified 4.41 40 yard dash and 4.03 shuttle. Only 6’0 but length is evident. Comfortable working in a backpedal and utilizing longer arms for his press. Light feet and loose hips. Understands how to leverage the sideline to box in wide receivers. Finds the ball well and makes plays on it. Comfortably mirrors with his hips while gaining depth. Next steps are going to be developing more consistent footwork and bringing a harder punch when jamming.
Summary: I think this is a great second wave offer. Verified NFL level athleticism, great length, and has developed solid technique for his age. This looks a lot like a Shelton Lewis type to me. He’s going to have to work on bringing more of a fight physically at the LoS, but I feel good about where he is right now. I think Littleton would hop certain guys on the depth chart as a freshman and look to be the Terrell or Lewis successor when they move on.
Summary: I think this is a great second wave offer. Verified NFL level athleticism, great length, and has developed solid technique for his age. This looks a lot like a Shelton Lewis type to me. He’s going to have to work on bringing more of a fight physically at the LoS, but I feel good about where he is right now. I think Littleton would hop certain guys on the depth chart as a freshman and look to be the Terrell or Lewis successor when they move on.
Report: Excellent track times (10.5 100m) on a 6 foot frame. Honestly looks like a 4.3 type guy to my eyes. Noteworthy short area closing speed, particularly on reps where he’s bailing. Light feet and fluid lower body. He plays a little too high for my taste, but very coachable issue. Needs more experience working in press man. Commits his hips early, which is usually indicative of a lack of long speed, but in this case it’s likely just coaching. Lot of technical little nickpits, but he is an elite athlete with a solid frame.
Summary: I like Starr. This report sounds more negative than I even feel. There are a lot of coaching things that Mike Reed will absolutely get worked out. This is the WIP type of guy we should take. Elite short and long speed and fluid lower body. If Coach Reed coaches this guy up, I think we’re looking at someone who plays at the next level.
Summary: I like Starr. This report sounds more negative than I even feel. There are a lot of coaching things that Mike Reed will absolutely get worked out. This is the WIP type of guy we should take. Elite short and long speed and fluid lower body. If Coach Reed coaches this guy up, I think we’re looking at someone who plays at the next level.
Report: Huge, long and physical corner. Looks pretty natural when it comes to mirroring while gaining depth. Good footwork and hips in transitory periods. Physical and willing in run defense. Looks a little stiff and doesn’t have the same elite long speed seen with Littleton and Starr. Possibly a safety convert to not have to deal with highly shifty guys who could expose that stiffness.
Summary: Thomas does a lot of things well and it’s hard not to imagine what he could become with that length. He has some solid technique and was clearly coached well in high school. I think being compared next to two elite athletes makes him look more unathletic. I do think he’d be an asset and a solid take as a physical press corner, just lacking the 4.3-4.4 speed and fluidity of the other two on the board.
Summary: Thomas does a lot of things well and it’s hard not to imagine what he could become with that length. He has some solid technique and was clearly coached well in high school. I think being compared next to two elite athletes makes him look more unathletic. I do think he’d be an asset and a solid take as a physical press corner, just lacking the 4.3-4.4 speed and fluidity of the other two on the board.
Report: Tall and lanky at 6’2. Room to further fill out his frame. Playing height is a little high and can lead to slip ups footwork wise. Has some solid speed that you can work with. Willing run defender. Plays the ball well. Doesn’t have much experience mirroring, bail heavy system. Pretty raw technique as a whole, scheme gave him a lot of freestyle options. Can look stiff coming out of his bail.
Summary: Intriguing frame and speed to work with. I wouldn’t hate this as an end of class take, but there’s a solid bit of work to do technique wise. Need to rehab his footwork and then some other more general stuff. This strikes me as a guy that we ought to wait and see with.
I am a fan of his intensity and willingness to get involved in the run game + he plays the ball pretty well. I wouldn’t take him right now, but maybe down the line.
Summary: Intriguing frame and speed to work with. I wouldn’t hate this as an end of class take, but there’s a solid bit of work to do technique wise. Need to rehab his footwork and then some other more general stuff. This strikes me as a guy that we ought to wait and see with.
I am a fan of his intensity and willingness to get involved in the run game + he plays the ball pretty well. I wouldn’t take him right now, but maybe down the line.
Report: A dynamic playmaker on the backend with ball production and pedigree. Fluid hips and lower body. Great center field ball skills with the ability to go up to get it. Impressive closing speed and range back there. Has played some outside corner and developed his man coverage skills. Great 7on7 performances combined with being an All-American on the HS field. Little on the smaller size frame wise. Less experience working down hill in the run game.
Summary: Everything I look for in a free safety, Anquon Fegans has. He’s a great athlete with great coverage skills and proven production. Fegans feels like a day 1 contributor who can become an all-conference player early on in his career.
Summary: Everything I look for in a free safety, Anquon Fegans has. He’s a great athlete with great coverage skills and proven production. Fegans feels like a day 1 contributor who can become an all-conference player early on in his career.
Report: Thick frame with freaky 4.37 verified speed. Breaks down and tackles with good form. Takes correct angles from the safety spot. Light on his feet and shows coverage flashes as a SS. Loose enough in the hips. Does a good job playing the ball when asked to. Big hitter and physical player. Plays smart, fast and mean. Further developing coverage will help him as a well rounded player, but he’s a great asset in the run game and highly athletic.
Summary: I’m really high on Tae Harris. I think he’s the type of football player you build around. High motor, physical and aggressive. I love him coming downhill and making plays on the ball carrier. Pairing him with Fegans or Young would make a great class with a centerfielder and Tae as the SS. I think he may end up as one of the gems from this class and rankings are adapting to that as he has recently been bumped.
Summary: I’m really high on Tae Harris. I think he’s the type of football player you build around. High motor, physical and aggressive. I love him coming downhill and making plays on the ball carrier. Pairing him with Fegans or Young would make a great class with a centerfielder and Tae as the SS. I think he may end up as one of the gems from this class and rankings are adapting to that as he has recently been bumped.
Background: 3.8 GPA. Basketball & Track and Field athlete.
Report: Slimmer build but makes up for it with being a tremendous athlete. Twitchy and explosive off the line as a receiver and rangy as a DB. Also combines that with plus lateral agility. Verified strong triple jump numbers to speak to his explosiveness. High level of ball production on the backend for Monroe. Tracks the ball well thanks to his experience at receiver. Great range on the backend and plays the ball better than a lot of the receivers I’ve watched. Needs to get bigger and stronger to contribute in the run game. Despite that, he takes good angles and contains well. Needs more polish as a centerfielder and to continue developing his football IQ on that side of the ball. Sky is the limit for someone with his athletic profile.
Summary: While I’m a little lower on Young than most, I do think he qualifies as a top tier prospect. His only downsides are frame and coverage experience. By year 2 or 3, I think he’s likely to be a quality player. We need to get more athletic at Safety and I believe Young is a top candidate to this. He comes in at Safety #3 mostly as I feel Harris and Fegans are both a little further along while also being great athletes with preferable frames.
Report: Slimmer build but makes up for it with being a tremendous athlete. Twitchy and explosive off the line as a receiver and rangy as a DB. Also combines that with plus lateral agility. Verified strong triple jump numbers to speak to his explosiveness. High level of ball production on the backend for Monroe. Tracks the ball well thanks to his experience at receiver. Great range on the backend and plays the ball better than a lot of the receivers I’ve watched. Needs to get bigger and stronger to contribute in the run game. Despite that, he takes good angles and contains well. Needs more polish as a centerfielder and to continue developing his football IQ on that side of the ball. Sky is the limit for someone with his athletic profile.
Summary: While I’m a little lower on Young than most, I do think he qualifies as a top tier prospect. His only downsides are frame and coverage experience. By year 2 or 3, I think he’s likely to be a quality player. We need to get more athletic at Safety and I believe Young is a top candidate to this. He comes in at Safety #3 mostly as I feel Harris and Fegans are both a little further along while also being great athletes with preferable frames.
Report: Long and lanky DB who spent most of his junior season at CB. Has put out some tremendous reps there with spotless coverage technique. Looks to have breakaway speed but I have questions on his lateral agility. Even with his reps at CB, shows a good understanding of zone responsibilities. Knows when to track a receiver past his zone vs break off and undercut a different route. Good footwork in his bail and can open up those hips and go when need be. Looks really high IQ on his highlights. Willing and physical tackler.
Summary: I honestly love this kid. He is the perfect example of a local guy we ought to take a shot on if the numbers work out. He comes on his tape as a really smart and savvy zone corner. I think his athleticism is a fair question (more lateral and explosiveness than speed). NC State is all over him and I like how they evaluate. I think this may be the diamond in the rough of the class if it works out.
Summary: I honestly love this kid. He is the perfect example of a local guy we ought to take a shot on if the numbers work out. He comes on his tape as a really smart and savvy zone corner. I think his athleticism is a fair question (more lateral and explosiveness than speed). NC State is all over him and I like how they evaluate. I think this may be the diamond in the rough of the class if it works out.
