The players listed below are solid college prospects. They will not gain recruiting attention from a high number of division 1 football programs. However, they are division 2 prospects at the least. We breakdown 9 prospects with solid measurables and skill to gain late season recruiting interest.
Steven Czop, Countryside DE 2014 6-3 235
Likely to become a defensive tackle at the next level. Has a great frame, plays with good leverage and good footwork. Czop is very aggressive and plays with live hands at the point of attack. He could grow into a gap player, because of his power and upper body strength.
Jaderius Baxter, Haines City DE 2014 6-3
Coming of a knee injury, Baxter is a pretty prospect. Can beat offensive tackles regularly and has great recognition to retract, change direction and track down the ball carry. He is a better strong side end than weak side end because he plays with leverage and can disengage the offender.
Jean-Eddy Mercier, King DE 2014
Does a good job with leveraging the offensive lineman. Good with containing and playing with his outside shoulder free. Rarely is out of football position. Needs to improve his take off.
John Broome, Plant City DE 2014 6-2 215
The most complete prospect listed. Holds offers from FIU, Alabama State and FAMU currently. True defensive end prospect because of speed, backside pursuit, recognition and pass rush ability. Very fast take off from 3 point stance and runs like a line backer when tracking down ball carriers.
Elevisi Halapio, St. Petersburg Catholic DE 2014 6-1 240
Best hands of the bunch. Could be an interior or exterior defensive line prospect. Plays with square shoulders and has a high motor. Great at the point of attack vs the run and has the ability to beat one on ones versus the pass.
Fito Merzier, Bloomingdale DE 2014 6-0 220
Likely the best take off of all the prospects listed. Undersized to play on the edge, but good height to play over the ball or as a 3 tech defensive tackle. Would need to put on a bunch of weight to be a zero tech., but his speed, physicality and pad level are excellent for the position.
Defensive Ends, but likely to be recruited as outside line backers
Michael Gonzalez, Lake Gibson DE/OLB 2014 6-2 205
Better pass rusher than run support player. Can play standing up and plays with square shoulders. Really good anticipation and lateral pursuit.
Deven Santana, Sickles DE/OLB 2014 6-3 200
Long player, high motor and relentless from the backside. Depending on how much weight he can put on and hold will determine whether he becomes a hybrid backer or defensive end. Surprisingly tough verses the inside run and extremely quick versus the pass.
Eric Bennett, Wesley Chapel DE/OLB 2014 6-0 211
Rugged, tough and mean. Could become an inside backer because of his ability to play downhill in attack mode. Plays better in tight spaces because he can maneuver through traffic and find the football.