We delve into the top five defensive emerging as HBCU prospects, showcasing their potential impact not only at the collegiate level, but potentially at the next level also. From disruptive edge rushers to ball-hawking defensive backs, these HBCU prospects are proving that their skills and determination are ready to make a lasting impression on the defensive landscape of the sport.
Top Five HBCU Prospects In 2023: Defense
Sundiata Anderson, EDGE, Grambling
Sundiata Anderson is a long and agile edge defender with significant development potential. Standing at 6’5″ and 245 pounds, he possesses good length and explosion, making him well-suited for various defensive schemes.
As a pass rusher, Anderson shows promise with a good get-off and effective moves like the outside club and chop, but he still needs consistent counters off the edge. His rush technique showcases violent hips and shoulders at the top, though it needs improvement in consistency.
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In run defense, Anderson demonstrates a solid understanding of blocking schemes and exhibits above-average lateral quickness to make plays near the line of scrimmage. However, his average lower body strength hinders him against combination blocking, and sustaining his ground against stronger offensive tackles is challenging.
Anderson’s versatility is noted, with experience aligning along the interior and playing on the edge. While his hand placement generally displays above-average skill and aggressiveness in disengaging from blockers, he can sometimes get caught in wrestling matches.
His ability to hustle and chase down plays from the backfield and his above-average closing speed on quarterbacks contribute to his knack for creating turnovers.
Karon Prunty, CB, North Carolina A&T
Karon Prunty, a long and wiry cornerback, stands out with solid zone coverage skills and good size at 6’2″ and 190 pounds. He utilizes his long arms effectively in zone coverage and demonstrates above-average athleticism with good initial quickness and smooth movements.
While his short-area quickness is commendable, his top-end speed can leave him vulnerable to faster receivers, especially in off-coverage situations. Prunty shows promise with a good burst when breaking on routes and fluid hip movements in his backpedal. However, he lacks suddenness and struggles with acceleration in press coverage, making off-man coverage a better fit for his skills.
In zone coverage, Prunty displays comfort and good route recognition but can occasionally get caught peeking inside, leading to plays being made in his zone.
His tackling ability shines in open-field situations, reliably bringing down runners, but he may not significantly impact overall run defense. Prunty’s pursuit angles could use improvement as he occasionally gets out of position.
Despite his challenges in press coverage, his previous experience as a wide receiver and strong tackling skills make him a potential asset on special teams. Overall, Prunty’s strengths lie in zone coverage and quick reactions, but he needs to further develop his press coverage skills and discipline within his zone responsibilities.
His size, athleticism, and tackling ability make him a valuable cornerback prospect with potential contributions on special teams.
Jeblonski Green Jr., EDGE, South Carolina State
Jeblonski Green Jr. is a compactly built edge rusher with notable strength. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 280 pounds, he has the potential to be effective on the interior defensive line as well. Green possesses a quick first step and a good get-off, allowing him to gain an advantage at the snap, and he demonstrates a strong punch and good power.
His read and react skills are solid, allowing him to diagnose blocking schemes effectively and make plays against the run. He demonstrates good instincts and short-area quickness between the tackles. However, his conditioning and motor are concerns as he becomes less effective when tired, affecting his balance and consistency throughout games.
Green Jr. excels at holding the point and being a stout striker when attacking pullers. His impressive lower body strength allows him to anchor down and effectively take on double teams. While his hand usage is above average, he needs more counters as a pass rusher and struggles to finish plays.
Nevertheless, he showcases potential and versatility, with the ability to be a formidable force when attacking, either as an edge rusher or an interior defensive player in specific schemes. To thrive as a 3-4 outside linebacker, he must improve his speed, motor, and agility.
Khalil Baker, S, NC Central
Khalil Baker is an aggressive and opportunistic safety who plays with a strong presence on the field and showcases the potential to adapt to different roles. Despite being undersized, he compensates with good initial quickness and above-average top-end speed, though his burst and acceleration could be more consistent.
Baker relies on his instincts to make impactful plays, but his tackling technique needs improvement as he often misses tackles by not wrapping up opponents.
Baker demonstrates situational understanding and a knack for creating turnovers but needs help with press technique and deep route combinations. Baker’s ability to mirror and match receivers but needs help with press technique and deep route combinations. His versatility and special teams value make him a valuable asset.
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Javan Morgan, S, Florida A&M
Javan Morgan is a versatile safety, operating primarily as a free safety but with experience in the nickel position. Despite being undersized at 5’10” and 185 pounds, he compensates with impressive play-making abilities.
Morgan’s instincts and reactionary skills in coverage stand out, allowing him to diagnose plays early, though occasional hesitations result in arriving late to certain plays. Nevertheless, he displays good overall quickness, change of direction, and effortless start-stop ability. His closing speed on the ball is noteworthy, making him impactful in coverage and against the run.
Despite some stiffness in his movements, Morgan effectively covers ground across the field, showcasing above-average footspeed in his backpedal. While his tackling technique may require improvement, he compensates with good power, making him effective against tight ends and in shedding blocks.
Morgan performs well in off-coverage, demonstrating solid reaction timing and effectively covering running backs, receivers, and tight ends. He exhibits comfort and proficiency in covering the deep areas of the field and recognizes route combinations well.
Though areas for improvement exist, Morgan’s off-coverage skills, reaction timing, and size make him a valuable safety with play-making potential.