David’s Friday Night Light Standouts: Defense
Hundreds of aspiring college athletes, in the years to come, from coast to coast poured into Memorial stadium on June 3rd. Each were looking to learn from the position coaches and current Nebraska players while trying to raise their eyebrows…
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Continue ReadingHundreds of aspiring college athletes, in the years to come, from coast to coast poured into Memorial stadium on June 3rd. Each were looking to learn from the position coaches and current Nebraska players while trying to raise their eyebrows and get noticed. This article will review who raised my eyebrows on the defensive side of the ball. These players showed great skill and demonstrated some eye catching athleticism during 1 v 1s.
Mario Buford | DeSoto High School (DeSoto, TX) | DB | 6’1″ 170lbs | Class of 2024
Buford has a true corner skillset. His ability to play the receiver while still looking in the backfield to anticipate the quarterback’s read is special. Buford has tremendous size and physicality, that does not allow him to be pushed off position and allows him to make plays on the ball. During 1 v 1s he showed off his physicality and ability to make plays with the ball in the air. He excels at using the sideline as an extra defender and should certainly be a target for multiple college’s in the coming years.
https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/mario-buford/qKzrUbkpEeuAzqREozo6lw/default.htm
Ju’juan Johnson | Lafayette Christian Academy (Lafayette, LA) | DB | 5’11 180lbs | Class of 2024
If you look at his videos online, you will mostly see clips of Johnson at the QB position. Johnson came to the FNL camp to work out at the DB position and was extremely impressive, with his fluid movements and the plays he made on the ball. Johnson has a special kind of athleticism and strong football IQ from playing QB, that allows him to be in the right place at the right time. Intelligence and pure athletic ability will have colleges drooling over his potential.
https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jujuan-johnson/yqHPsq6zEeqAzqREozo6lw/default.htm
Devanor Mathews II | Edmond North High School (Edmond, OK) | LB | 6’1″ 197lbs | Class of 2024
Mathews has a big strong frame and demonstrated excellent speed in Lincoln. Watching film, he flies to the ball from all areas of the field and once he gets his arms on you, there is no chance for extra yardage. During 1 v 1 drills, he showed good coverage ability while having no problem keeping up with the receivers. Mathews show develop some strong interest in the coming years with his strong tackling and ball hawking capabilities.
https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/devanor-mathews/JL-fc71mEeuAzqREozo6lw/default.htm
Lance Rucker Lance Rucker 6'3" | 205 lbs | ATH Millard South | 2023 State NE | Millard South High School (Omaha, NE) | DE | 6’3″ 205lbs | Class of 2023
A two sport athlete, Rucker is the perfect combination of length, strength and speed. On film, Rucker jumps out at you with his ability to burst around, fight through or chase down the opposing team. The best part for me is that you can see a mean streak on the film, he enjoys the physicality. During 1 v 1s, offensive lineman had a hard time containing Rucker and he showed why he is one of the more feared defenders in our state. Rucker has college’s attention but I cannot help to feel he is a little underappreciated still. Rucker should gain more appreciation this coming year with the work he is putting in.
https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/lance-rucker/0DyYL2SjZUqzY35i1A8MQg/default.htm