Santa Clarita National Preps Showcase Top Performers: Defense
Here is segment II where we will take a closer look at the Santa Clarita National Preps Collegiate Showcase and some of the top talent on the defensive side of the ball. The defense was loaded with some of the…
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Continue ReadingHere is segment II where we will take a closer look at the Santa Clarita National Preps Collegiate Showcase and some of the top talent on the defensive side of the ball. The defense was loaded with some of the top rising talent in the state with the likes of Mater Dei’s Eoghan Kerry, St. John Bosco’s Ieremia Moore, Sierra Canyon’s Elias Larry, Garces Memorial’s Logan Bowers and Liberty-Bakersfield’s Riley Hernandez, among others. Here is a full breakdown of some of the top defensive players that were at the showcase and proved why they either hold power five offers, or will soon see their recruiting take off as they begin their Winter season in the state of California.
Eoghan Kerry 6’3.5″ 230 Ibs., Mater Dei HS
The freakish 2022 versatile athlete was easily the top defender of the day and once again showed improvement from the last National Preps showcase that he attended in Fresno back in the summer. Recently transferring to Mater Dei High School from Centennial High School in Bakersfield, the hybrid outside linebacker currently holds offers from Nevada and Colorado but will finish with 15+ power five offers by the time it’s all said and done. He is currently hearing from national powers like Notre Dame and Clemson. Through out the entire day, the explosive linebacker flashed his ability to move well in space with fluid hips and no wasted movement, break quickly to ball carriers with good body control while showing his natural ability to bend and change direction quickly and fluidly. The rising Junior will make an immediate impact for the Monarchs this Winter and should see his recruiting take off as we get into the Spring and he prepares for his senior season while helping anchor one of the most talented defenses in the entire country.
Ieremia Moore 6’4″ 265 Ibs., St. John Bosco HS
The physically dominant 2021 edge defender impressed right away with his long and built frame, strong lower body and natural ability to bend around the edge. Originally from Australia and having a very successful rugby background, Moore is heading into his first and final high school football season for the Braves, as he had to sit out last season due to CIF rules. Currently already holding one Power Five offer from Duke, Moore showed his excellent athletic ability right away by clocking in a verified 4.86 laser timed 40-yard dash. Ieremia also showed continiously flashed his ability to bend around the edge and convert speed to power, while also showing his lateral movement ability and natural ability to flip his hips. As his Senior season kicks off in the next six weeks, he should see more offers roll in as he helps anchor one of the best defensive lines in the entire state.
Elias Larry 6’1″ 173 Ibs., Sierra Canyon HS
The 3-Star Sierra Canyon prospect took home the showcase’s top defensive back award for the day and showed why he has 4 division 1 scholarship offers from Navy, Davidson, Air Force and Pennsylvania. A true technician at his position, Larry clocked in an impressive 4.59 verified 40-yard dash and seemed very comfortable doing all testing and position specific drills through out the showcase. During his Junior season, Larry used his length and natural instincts to be one of the top corners in the state while playing for the state title runner-ups. Going into his senior season, Larry should continue to see his stock rise as he helps anchor the back end for the Trailblazers and continues to work towards a potential power five offer.
Logan Bowers 6’0″ 205 Ibs., Garces Memorial HS
The 2022 3-Star Bakersfield linebacker was one of the top defenders of the day and flashed through out the individual drill periods showing his versatility both in space and short area quickness. Currently holding one division 1 offer from Air Force, Bowers is a versatile defender that started on one of the top teams in the Central Valley as a Sophomore while playing both inside and outside linebacker for the Rams. A very well balanced and active second level defender who can tackle in space and takes good angles to ball carriers both in the box and the open field, Bowers has seen his recruiting stock rise as he has taken full advantage of off-season camps and showcases where he has flashed his talent and proved why he will be one of the top defenders in the Central Valley in the 2022 class.
Riley Hernandez 6’2″ 218 Ibs., Liberty-Bakersfield HS
Hernandez was one of the most physically intriguing put-together prospects in the linebacker group in Santa Clarita and could be playing with his hand in the dirt by the time he gets to the college ranks. The 2022 prospect does not currently hold any offers going into his Junior season for the Patriots, but that should change soon. Hernandez also plays tight end but projects as an inside linebacker or defensive end at the next level due to his size, athletic ability and built frame. A recent transfer from Frontier High School in Bakersfield, the two-down thumper is coming off huge Sophomore season where he showed his versatility on both sides of the ball. At the showcase, Riley showed good explosion in and out of his breaks and the ability to move and change direction well for his size.