2023 Recruits Rising On Everyone’s Board
We’re looking at recruits in the 2023 class who are rising on every board and have a lot they can offer their college programs. The 2023 class is impeccable and these guys only further validate that belief. Blake Matthews Blake…
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Continue ReadingWe’re looking at recruits in the 2023 class who are rising on every board and have a lot they can offer their college programs. The 2023 class is impeccable and these guys only further validate that belief.
Blake Matthews Blake Matthews 5'11" | 170 lbs | WR Carmel | 2023 State IN – Carmel – WR – 5’11″ 170lbs
Matthews is a versatile WR who moves all over the field for Carmel and is as reliable as you need. Whether he’s lining up out wide, in the slot, or being used in motion he’s shown the ability to win. He’s a really good athlete with a great twitch. He’s able to make sudden movements and slip right by his defender. His ball skills are fantastic. Whether it’s a high traffic ball or a jump ball, Matthews will bring it in. He’s got practically no wasted movement off the line and gets downfield immediately. When he catches the ball, he’s good after the catch. He’s able to make some guys miss and run through some defenders when needed. Ideally, he’s able to make them miss and flip to the next gear. Some of his in-breaking routes can be really good and other times they can be a bit loose. He’s listed at 5’11″ but looks bigger than that. He also looks a bit thicker than the 170lbs but he’s still got some development there to do. I think if Matthews gets to college and is able to master route running, he’s got all the tools to be the kind of separation monster that gets open all the time and just needs a sliver. His ball skills and willingness to come back and fight for the ball are as good and natural as you can ask for. He’s reliable, catches the ball, and picks up yards after the catch. Matthews is someone who is going to hit his peak in college and be a playmaker for them. I like him a lot and what he’s able to bring to the table. Where he goes is still up in the air but as of late, the secret has been getting out and Matthews is starting to get some respect, but not enough.
Samirion Ford – Lawrence North – SS/FS – 6’0″ 190lbs
Ford is a twitchy athlete who can do a lot just because of the ground he can cover. He’s got a second gear when he’s in pursuit and can track down just about anyone. He’s also a physcial player. For a guy his size to be that physical of a player who likes to hit, especially in today’s game, is a rare thing. He’ll come downhill and play the run all day if you ask him to. The best part is he’ll explode around the line and make the play in the backfield. He’s not the kind of guy to slow up when about to blow up a guy either. I appreciate Ford because he will throw himself into the defender full speed and bounce right back up while giving the team a little juice. In coverage, he’s got quick feet and smooth hips. He can run with anyone he comes in contact with and then has a lengthy frame that allows him to bat balls down. He’s willing to hit downfield just as he is in the box. He’ll lower his shoulder and throw himself and everything he’s got into the tackle. He’s able to force fumbles here and there because of how hard he can hit. To play Saftey in college, he is a bit light right now but I don’t think it’ll take long for his frame to catch up. He works hard and that 190lbs will continue to grow. Ford has all the athleticism, instincts, and aggression to develop into an issue for offenses at the next level. This fall will be huge because he’s recently started to gain some traction and if he’s able to take another step, Ford may be handpicking his school.
Cannon Coffee – North Central – FS/CB – 6’0″ 175lbs
Coffee is a versatile DB from North Central who I got to see live this past weekend at the North Central SOS camp. The same scrappy player you see on tape is who you get on the field. I found Coffee to thrive when playing CB in press-man coverage. When he’s playing off, there are times he can hesitate to pull the trigger. However, on tape when the ball is actually thrown, Coffee has shown some great closing speed. He’s able to come flying downhill and make the play. He’s able to make tackles in open space and save the day when he’s the last line of defense. I will say, I think he can work on coming to balance and attacking the outside hip better. He’s not bad, but sometimes can be a bit too fast and out of control. I think there’s some work to do in zone coverage before the ball is thrown. His footwork isn’t bad and doesn’t get himself tangled. He’s developing physically and once he gets into a collegiate lifting program will really take off. The thing that stands out most with Coffee is his ability to break up passes. He’s got the speed to close, a great vertical, long arms, and great timing. Play after play if the ball comes his way, he’s able to break it up. He understands when to look back and when to queue in on the receiver and attack them as the ball comes in. I stood right along the DB sideline for part of the afternoon during their Indy and Coffee was also coachable and took what he was told into his next rep. Last season, he also returned a few kicks and showed he’s got the ability to be an asset there. Coffee does a lot of things well, works hard, and feels like someone who hasn’t quite found his full potential yet. His best ball is still ahead of him and he’s only getting better. This fall will be huge for him because he’s got the chance to really put himself on the map amongst some of Indy’s best DBs.
Jaden Johnson – Lawrence North – LB – 6’0″ 200lbs
Johnson is a dynamic player for Lawrence North who moves around the Linebacking core and makes play after play. He’s a decent athlete who is explosive for his size. When they move him down to the LOS, he’s able to get in the backfield and make plays. When he drops back, he’s shown the ability to cover and tackle. He’s raw, but he’s able to read the QB and go for the pick when he can in zone. He won’t wander off and does his job. He’ll come downhill, fill gaps, play the alley, and make tackle after tackle. He’s decent mechanically but not perfect. He’ll come to balance sometimes and other times will be going so fast that it wasn’t an option. Johnson likes to hit. These Lawrence North guys like to hit, make their impact felt, and then they feed off the energy. Johnson can pretty much-run sideline to sideline and then has the ability to weave through traffic to get to the ball carrier and make the play. Johnson is asked to do a lot because of his versatility and he always delivers. Whether he’s in the box playing the run, on the LOS sealing the edge, or lining up out wide to cover a guy he’s developed into a trustworthy option for Lawrence North. When he’s on the field, he’s going to make plays. My guess is he’s being under-recruited because of his size. He’s someone who can do everything you ask him to and is only going to continue developing physically. He’s an exciting recruit with a lot to offer on the field and has a chip on his shoulder. His future is bright and I’m excited to see what he can do this fall.