2022 Rankings Newcomers: Defense
In this article:
Here’s an in-depth look into some of the 2022’s new to the Prep Redzone Rankings. Jahlil Florence Jahlil Florence 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Lincoln - San Diego | 2022 State CA , DB, Lincoln (San Diego) Florence made…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingHere’s an in-depth look into some of the 2022’s new to the Prep Redzone Rankings.
Jahlil Florence Jahlil Florence 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Lincoln - San Diego | 2022 State CA , DB, Lincoln (San Diego)
Florence made the biggest jump in the overall state rankings landing in at #40 after being unranked as a sophomore. He’s had a huge spring recruiting season that has seen him stack up 16 offers since March from top programs such as Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. Possesses an all-around great physical skillset for a Power 5 DB with a long 6’2” 180 lb. frame and elite speed (10.7 100M). He’s a strong cover corner that can isolate 1on1 and run stride for stride with opposing teams top WR. He’s a fluid athlete with quick hips and a good transition out of his back pedal. Does a great job making plays on the ball using his burst and recovery speed to break up passes at the intersection. Still early in his recruitment, expect him to keep climbing national recruiting boards.
Kevonte Henry Kevonte Henry 6'4" | 225 lbs | LB Leuzinger | 2022 State CA , LB, Leuzinger
Kevonte has skyrocketed up state and national rankings since the start of his junior year. He possesses a rare combination of athleticism and size/length at 6’4” 225 lbs. Projects as a LB at the Power 5 level but has the versatility to play multiple positions, plays DE and RB for his high school team. He’s an explosive playmaker on the defensive side that wreaks havoc on opposing offenses. Flashes impressive quickness and bend off the edge and in pursuit to avoid blockers and locate the ball carrier. Shows good speed and short area burst to close space and make plays sideline to sideline. He’s violent at the POA and explodes through contact. He’s a great natural football player with 12 offers including Oregon, Michigan, USC, and Utah.
Zach Rowell Zach Rowell 6'5" | 265 lbs | DL Torry Pines | 2022 State CA , DL, Torrey Pines
At 6’5” 265 lbs. Rowell is a force coming off the edge from the DE spot. He’s quick to gain penetration and disrupt plays before they can develop using an explosive first step off the LOS. Possesses a well balanced and athletic frame that contributes to his good mobility, bend, and lateral agility for his size. Great technique and efficient use of his hands to shed and keep blockers away from his body. Strong in pursuit, he takes smart attack angles and flashes good short area burst with a high motor to close space. He’s a strong and physical body tackler that is powerful at the contact point. Racked up 11 offers to his name thus far including USC, Stanford, Michigan, Oregon, and UCLA.
Miles Bailey, DL, Benicia
Bailey has continued to show great improvement year over year in addition to adding weight to his long frame now at 6’4” 255 lbs. Has always flashed great athletic ability since the start of his HS career but has shown development in his technique/fundamentals to be a more complete defensive football player. Good natural bend, initial quickness, and lateral mobility at the LOS and in pursuit. Does a good job recognizing run/pass and locating the ball carrier. Shows good brute strength and power at the POA. Possesses a high ceiling with a great foundational skillset to build on. Committed to Fresno State in February and also holds offers from Air Force, Army, Colorado State, Dartmouth, and San Jose State.
Mason Graham Mason Graham 6'2" | 295 lbs | DL Servite | 2022 State CA , DL, Servite
Graham is a mobile 6’4” 290 lbs. He’s a plus athlete with good balance and body control for his size. He’s a high motor player that is quick off the ball and runs well in pursuit. Checks all the boxes in terms of brute power and strength at the contact point, showed he can bench press blockers off of him and use his hands to maintain separation. Love his ability to shed blocks and quickly locate the ball carrier to make a tackle. He does a great job of reading and reacting as a two gap defender. Displays good command and usage of a variety of DL moves to be an effective pass rusher. He has picked up offers from Fresno State, Penn, Oregon State, Army, Colorado State, UNLV, and Boise State. We expect him to gain more Power 5 attention as the recruiting cycle goes on.