Central Section: Top Returning Tacklers
With the California high school season set to take off in the next couple of weeks, there are some very talented returners who are coming off huge 2019 seasons for their respective teams. Some have FBS offers and some are…
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Continue ReadingWith the California high school season set to take off in the next couple of weeks, there are some very talented returners who are coming off huge 2019 seasons for their respective teams. Some have FBS offers and some are still looking to pick up their first. Here, we will look at some of the top returning tacklers from the Central Section that are poised for huge 2021 Spring seasons over the next few months.
LB Keanu Kuma-Washington Union HS
One of the hardest hitters in all of California, Kuma is a bit of an under-recruited prospect that can close in a hurry and plays with tremendous physicality and toughness. A very high IQ player that can diagnose plays quickly while playing with heavy hands and a low pad level to get off blocks and shock blockers in the box, Kuma moves well for his size and can apply pressure from various different angles while also flashing pass rush ability. An FCS+ caliber player, who is a throwback thumper, Kuma should start to see college interest come his way as he enters into his Junior Spring season.
DB Carlos Mack-Edison HS
Mack is one of the best defensive backs in the state and currently holds an offer from the hometown Fresno State Bulldogs. A very long and rangy player in the third level, Mack has tremendous ball skills and is very active in run support while not afraid to come up and take on bigger blockers and even play in the box. Seemingly very comfortable in man and zone coverage while displaying fluid hips in transition and good recovery speed, Mack also breaks well to ball carriers without taking false steps and showing good foot speed. By the time it’s all said and done, he should have 10+ FBS offers and will be one of the premier defensive backs in the state over the next two seasons.
LB Kennedy Batchelder-Bishop Union HS
A very active linebacker who has a nose for the football and good athleticism, Batchelder is coming off a 100+ tackle season and will be the leader of the Bishop Union defense this season. On tape, he shows natural instincts and good closing speed while bringing a good thump upon contact and is a strong tackler in space/pursuing backside. Able to play both in the box and make plays outside the tackles, he also flows well to ball carriers and understands coverage responsibilities while not afraid to jump routes and make plays on the ball. A D-II caliber player, he should be able to find a home at the next level.
LB Russell Ferrall-Arroyo Grande HS
A downhill and very active inside linebacker that flies to the ball and shows good open field speed/breaking ability, he is one of the top tacklers in the entire section and will look to have another huge Senior season. On tape, he flashes great instincts and closing ability while showing fluid hips in space/when moving laterally while tracking ball carriers. Playing with tremendous effort and a big time hitter, he should be able to find a college home in the coming months.
DE T’ky Posey-Bullard HS
Able to play multiple positions along the defensive line, Posey is an explosive defender that is very technically sound and wins with strength and raw power at the point of attack. A very high effort player, Posey has violent hands at the POA and can get off blocks in a hurry while understanding pass rush lanes/angles while closing in on quarterbacks. Also effective out of the backfield and a powerful downhill runner, Posey is a great overall two-way athlete that has next level abilities.