Franklin vs Perry Hall Preview: Defensive Players To Watch
With the reinstated fall season nearing its end in Baltimore County, I want to take the time to highlight a possibly very electric matchup taking place this evening when the juggernaut Franklin Indians host the Perry Hall Gators. Both teams…
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Continue ReadingWith the reinstated fall season nearing its end in Baltimore County, I want to take the time to highlight a possibly very electric matchup taking place this evening when the juggernaut Franklin Indians host the Perry Hall Gators. Both teams have started off the season in a pretty good fashion with Franklin coming into the matchup undefeated at 3-0 and Perry Hall 2-1 with their only loss being a single digit one to a team Franklin handled a number of weeks ago in a dominating fashion. With all this mind, it is important to acknowledge some of the difference makers that do not always find the spotlight. We are going to look at some of the defensive players who will likely have a lasting impact on the outcome of this game, let’s get into it!
Malik Agent, DE – Franklin 2022
Weighing in at 6’1 205 and logging a 4.74 forty, Malik Agent is a prospect worth the attention. Playing at the defensive end position, Malik’s impact does not go unseen as his play will continue to be a major factor in the defensive’s overall performance. With as quick of a first step as Malik it seems to not be very difficult for him to get the positioning on the edge that he prefers himself. In doing so, Agent can be seen making plays on his side throughout the game even while engaged with blockers. Something off the field I would like to take a moment to discuss is his work ethic, which seems to be something Agent has going for him. This past fall he spent his time putting on weight where it matters, he reached his 200 pound goal not too long ago. Seeing a player with this kind of dedication at this level is a plus in my eyes, he understands what he must do to be at his best, hopefully he’ll show what that is like this evening.
Justin Duru, LB – Franklin 2022
Justin Duru is another standout in this earlier mentioned powerhouse of a defense for Franklin. Standing at 5’10 195 Duru still has no trouble making his presence known in the box whenever he has the opportunity to do so. This is seen in the film whether it be an assigned blitz leading to a big tackle for loss, snatching a toss from a running back and taking it the distance in the other direction, or him flowing gracefully across the line of scrimmage to get straight to the ball carrier before they even knew what was coming. Sometimes it can be hard to find the kind of players that still play with the physicality that people often claim to miss in the game of football, but that is something that Duru is capable of providing. To put it lightly, Justin can “lay the wood” when it is necessary and that alone provides him with something some players just do not have, the ability to make a big play at any moment. Duru could be looking at a big game tonight.
Santra Collins, LB – Franklin 2022
Averaging nearly double-digit tackles per game, Santra Collins is a force to be reckoned with. Santra has a frame that should attract many coaches, as he is still a junior and checks in at 6’1 214. Collins has been having a fantastic season so far as he almost has 20 solo tackles through the course of only three games. His impact on the game is clear, you have to find a way to slow this kid down or you’re going to be in for a very long game. Santra has been gifted with some very special traits but the one I want to focus on right now is his high motor. This may be overlooked by some but when you find a player that understands the game in a way a linebacker really should and has the drive to never give up on a play you do no take that lightly. Collins had a few touchdown saving tackles so far this season on plays he should not have been apart of if you had seen how it all began. Perry Hall has their hands full with this one.
Brian Okafor, LB – Perry Hall 2021
Standing at 6′ 205 with a 31-inch vertical Brian Okafor has the potential to be a good player for someone’s program at the next level. Playing linebacker in a defensive alignment like Perry Hall seems to have some benefits, especially for a player like Brian Okafor. Often lined up directly on the line of scrimmage almost like that of a defensive lineman just in a 2-point stance it is hard to describe the style of play Brian presents but it is something that seems to work for him. As tenacious as they come, Brian is not afraid to get physical with just about anybody on the field in order to find the ball and make a play. Another player with a high motor we have here, as you can catch Brian fighting through a series of blocks to make plays where he realistically should not. Okafor’s quick first step coupled with his heightened field awareness should keep spectators excited to see the impact he can have against this speedy Franklin offense.
Dawson Ethington, LB – Perry Hall 2023
Dawson is only a sophomore checking in at 5’11 195 pounds playing the MLB position in the Perry Hall defense. As physical as they come, Dawson is not afraid of contact in the slightest and it shows in his play all the time. You could put a 250+ pound lineman in front of this kid and it would not stop him from going one on one, winning the exchange, and then making a play in the backfield. I’m not exaggerating either just to be clear, this is actually something Ethington has pulled off on multiple occasions. His aggression allows him to take on the biggest of blockers in the run game and come out on top in most cases, something that could attract programs looking for a dominant run stopper. Ethington definitely will have a trying situation tonight against Franklin’s strong offensive line, we’ll see if he is up for the task.