Central Coast Section: Defensive Players To Watch
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The CCS is loaded with top tier schools and prospects in the 2022-2024 class. Home to many of the top teams in California, below we will break down some of the top prospects on the defensive side of the ball…
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Continue ReadingThe CCS is loaded with top tier schools and prospects in the 2022-2024 class. Home to many of the top teams in California, below we will break down some of the top prospects on the defensive side of the ball in the CCS leading into the Fall 2021 season.
ILB Andrew Buck, Menlo Atherton HS
Buck projects as an inside linebacker in college and is one of the best second level defenders Norcal has to offer. On tape, he shows terrific closing speed and open field tackling abilities while also one of the biggest hitters across the region and explodes through ball carriers. A high IQ player with a quick play diagnosis, he is able to play tough in the box and shock blockers while taking good angles to ball carriers in space. Able to navigate through traffic and flashing strong lateral movement abilities while able to cover when needed, he is one of the premier inside linebackers in Northern California and should start seeing his recruiting stock rise in the coming months.
OLB Sam Lowings, Half Moon Bay HS
Lowings is one of the top outside linebackers in all of Northern California. He has ideal length/range for the next level and can cover ground in space while flashing good closing speed and bringing a good thump upon contact. Also possessing quick play diagnosis, he seems comfortable in space and while moving laterally and can rush the passer with a quick use of hands and good closing speed. A high motor player, he is a FCS caliber prospect at the next level.
CB Michael Artmore, Saint Francis HS
A very well put together defensive back, Artmore is one of the top defensive backs in the 2022 class within the Bay Area and has next level abilities. Able to play press and off coverage, he is a technically sound player that displays solid hip fluidity in transition while not taking false steps when breaking to ball carriers and doing a good job at using the sideline against vertical routes.
DE Mateo Poso Mateo Poso 6'1" | 225 lbs | DL Branham | 2023 State CA , Branham HS
Poso is a physical defender with a strong lower body and good first step explosion/closing near the LOS. Playing with heavy hands at the POA while able to create immediate knock-back and a violent shed, he does a good job at controlling blockers while also a natural bender off the edge that has good hip flexibility and can flip his hips and get vertical in a hurry while having a few pass rush moves at his disposal. The 2023 defender already holds one offer from ASU and is one of the top defenders in his class across the region.
DT Tau Latu, Woodside HS
A dominant interior defender, Latu has good strength at the POA and is a two-gap plug against the run while playing with a good pad level and extension to keep blockers off his body. Very athletic for his size, he moves well at the first level and is a very high motor player that has the abilities to play the 0-2 tech in college.
DE Jordan Elijah-Fakatou, Palo Alto HS
Possessing ideal size for the next level, Fakatou projects out as a 4-3 defensive end at the next level. Having good length and a frame that can add more weight and muscle, he has a good first step while snapping his hands on blockers in a hurry and does a good job at getting off blocks without losing ground. Able to rush the passer and close in a hurry, he will be one of the top CCS edge defenders in the Fall.
DE Joseph Finley, Palma HS
Finley is a very intriguing prospect due to his natural size and length at the position and can play defensive end or in-line tight end at the next level. He is a still very raw and developing player but plays with good physicality and strength at the POA and a relentless motor. Very strong and possessing long arms, he is stout against the run due to disengagement and movement abilities in traffic while doing a good job at working his hands/hips off the edge, especially against bigger tackles.
ATH Jackson Berman, Valley Christian HS
Berman is a natural athlete and one of the best two-way players in the entire Bay Area. Also possessing return ability, Berman has elite speed in the open field and good ball skills. A tough and physical player, he also plays quarterback for the Warriors and will be a steal for any college program at the next level.
Other Prospects To Watch…
Jeremiah Earby, Menlo-Atherton HS
Mone Langi, Menlo Atherton HS
Ralston Raphael, Menlo HS
Bennett Grado, Los Gatos HS
Antonio Castillo, Carlmont HS
Wilson Crum, Sequoia HS
Filippi Montez, Gunn HS
Tate Schweitzer, Los Gatos HS
Douglas Adams, Menlo Atherton HS
Kautai Faaumu, Aragon HS
Colton Bowers, Woodside HS
Charlie Koch, Burlingame HS
Rafael Gonzales, Woodside HS
Jack Ryan, Leland HS