Colorado’s top 2021 unsigned defensive players still on the board
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National Signing Day is quickly approaching, and there are still a handful of solid prospects from Colorado looking to find their next home to commit to play at the next level. Today, we flip over to the defensive side of…
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Continue ReadingNational Signing Day is quickly approaching, and there are still a handful of solid prospects from Colorado looking to find their next home to commit to play at the next level. Today, we flip over to the defensive side of the play and examine the top position player still left at the defensive line, linebacker and defensive back spot for the Class of 2021.
Here is a look at the top remaining prospects for each group still on the recruiting board.
Defensive Line: Zaine Hood Zaine Hood 6'3" | DL Brighton | 2021 State CO , 2021, 6’2, 260, Brighton
Hood is a fit in a 3-4 for a 4-3 defense from his defensive end spot. He possesses the quickness to rush off the edge and get around the tackle, but he can also rush the gap from the interior. The speed and quickness off the line makes him a threat against the pass, but he will play a role in stopping the run as a gap stuffer as well. He takes on blocks well and can shed them at the line of scrimmage and make plays. In six games in 2020, he recorded 49 tackles, four sacks and forced a fumble. With his size, he is a perfect fit for a smaller-level program to contribute early in his collegiate career.
Just a few weeks ago, Hood shared an offer to Black Hills State at the NCAA Division II level. He looks to be a solid late find on the recruiting board for that level of play.
Honorable mention: Cyrus Goldsmith Cyrus Goldsmith 6'3" | DL Far Northeast | 2021 State CO , Far Northeast; Mason Midgett Mason Midgett 6'3" | DL Grandview | 2021 State CO , Grandview
Linebacker: Saxon Wright Saxon Wright 6'0" | LB Palmer Ridge | 2021 State CO , 2021, 6’0, 210, Palmer Ridge
Wright is a productive linebacker who records multiple tackles on a nightly basis. He had four consecutive games with double-digit tackles to close the season, helping him finish 2020 with 75 total stops. He has solid size at 6-foot and 210 pounds. A strength of his is on the blitz as he times his read off the snap and hits the gap quickly, allowing him to create havoc in the backfield. Those skills also translate in the special teams game, where he showed he can block kicks on the rush. The vision he shows is also strong and he can break down plays and get to the attended receiver or stay home on a run play for any cutbacks or reverses.
A recent blitz of interest has come from schools in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference at the NCAA Division II level. Look for Wright to be a nice pickup for any of those schools.
Honorable mention: Adrian Cordova Adrian Cordova 6'0" | LB Eaglecrest | 2021 State CO , Eaglecrest; Barrett Jensen Barrett Jensen 6'0" | LB Lakewood | 2021 State CO , Lakewood
Defensive Back: Chyon Kendrick Chyon Kendrick 6'1" | DB Eaglcrest | 2021 State CO , 2021, 6’1, 170, Eaglecrest
Kendrick shows solid length with his 6-foot-1 frame, and he plays a solid jam technique at the line of scrimmage. After the initial contact, he has the speed to run stride for stride with receivers and does a good job staying on them with tight coverage. As for his ball skills, he can get his hands on passes and deflect them, or he’ll get two hands on the pass for an interception and get a nice return after the catch. Look for Kendrick to also play with a mean streak and not shy away from getting physical with receivers who try to block him in the run game, a trait that can bode well for special teams play.
Two offers Kendrick has shared on social media so far include Papago JC and Pac West Academy.
Honorable mention: Jarrell Trahan Jarrell Trahan 5'9" | DB Highlands Ranch | 2021 State CO , Highlands Ranch; Liam Huber Liam Huber 5'11" | DB Fairview | 2021 State CO , Fairview