Top 5 Defensive Backs – HBCU Carolinas Showcase – Analysis

The HBCU Carolinas Showcase brought over 350 players to Mallard Creek High School on May 7th. The purpose was to give a platform for some of the top athletes in the Carolinas directly to multiple historically black colleges and universities. Over 30 colleges and universities were in attendance with a total of 87 coaches including 8 HBCU Head Coaches. The event was a landmark success for putting players in the Carolinas on a pedestal, led by Charlotte Football Insiders. Jaylen "Juice" Jones - Class of 2023 - Butler Excellent length at 6’2 - has a great frame to add weight, though at 185 he can compete now Can play either at safety or corner - has excellent ball skills and his film shows he is not afraid of contact Earned Top 5 due to his technique in drills and overall consistency in 1 on 1’s Since the Showcase, he has earned offers from Livingstone, Allen University, and a D1 offer to Georgia State All-Conference player that has a 3.0 GPA should see more offers come his way Tadarrin "TJ" Griffin - Class of 2023 - Shelby Standing at 6’2 and 190 pounds, he has put a lot of work and has a frame that can grow even more A true ATH - he lists several positions that he has experience in playing but projects best as a DB/OLB box player Excellent agility in space and plays the ball well with great length - his film shows numerous pass breakups Has earned his first offer to Catawba College - think he is a bit under the radar but others will see his projected ability soon Shows strong leadership traits in playing for a traditionally great program   Darren James-Hamilton - Class of 2023 - Mallard Creek Darren is definitely an athlete - he competed on both sides of the ball at the HBCU Carolinas Showcase At 5’11 and 180 pounds, Darren is very explosive with great top-end speed at WR or DB He earned Top 5 with just excellent man-to-man coverage during 1 on 1’s against some of the best WRs Darren has offers from Ohio, Howard, Campbell, Lenoir-Rhyne, Livingstone, and Anderson University It will be interesting to see where he plays on the next level - but his top-level physical attributes will continue to earn him offers Darren Morrison - Class of 2023 - Mallard Creek Darren is the "long" type of DB most colleges are craving at 6’1 and 175 pounds He earned Top 5 due to some excellent ball skills in 1 on 1 drills It’s surprising that Darren doesn’t have any offers - but on a loaded team I think he will break out with his first highlight tape when the season starts Darren plays well in space and is not afraid to come up and tackle per his highlights that are available   Logan Mcilveen - Class of 2023 - Providence Logan is an incredible worker and great leader - the progression in his career so far has been exponential As a safety at 6’ and 180 pounds, he has the drive to add additional good weight to his frame on the next level Logan is a physical player that excels in the box and excels and tackling in open spaces He earned Top 5 due to his improvements in man coverage and flashing great ball skills resulting in multiple pass breakups on the day