Weekly rankings notes: Five new defensive 4-stars in 2024, plus an OT on Top247 watch

“Under Armor Atlanta was full of talented defenders and one relatively unknown player who was our best player last Sunday was Fountain Camera. Rising Atlanta senior Booker T. Washington successfully passed an eye test at check-in with his 6-foot-5 body and then proceeded to test exceptionally well, according to those who worked at the camp. Fontaine, who hovers around 240 pounds, seems to be viewed by some as a 3-4 winger at the next level, while others think he will continue to fill in and develop as a 4i.

“Regardless of how one calls Fontaine, everyone agrees that there is a developmental advantage, since few of his dimensions can move like him. This fall, Fountain made 56 tackles and eight sacks in 10 games. He also plays basketball and averages close to a double-double. Fountain debuts on 247Sports as four stars 90 and firmly on watch Top247. He has already scheduled an official visit to Tennessee for the month of June. South Carolina is also actively involved in recruiting.” — Andrew Ivins, 247Sporting Director of Scouting

There is not a ton of information about Lafayette (Louisiana) Acadiana staunchly on the 2024 line of defense. Dominic McKinleybut there’s little doubt about the size category… you can just flip that tape over and say McKinley is a giant front line defender. McKinley, who will debut as four stars 90 on Top247 watch, also shows promising propulsion and pursuit range for a player of his intended size, who is in the 6ft 5in 300lb region. McKinley adds respectable multi-sport participation in track and field—a 44-2.5 shot put and a 127-2 discus throw as a sophomore—to further bolster his long-term profile. McKinley is already a well known organization on the recruiting journey with a list of brand name offerings that includes Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Miami, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M and many more.

extradition Top247 watches for new four-star linebacker Amaris Williams, an explosive athlete with a fun ribbon and double-sided products to support. At 6ft 3in, weighing 260lbs and above average, Clinton (NC) prospect, believe it or not, has played a decent amount of running back snaps, resulting in 32 carries for 251 yards and five touchdowns in 2022. his defensive effect certainly didn’t suffer: 65 tackles and 18 sacks. The burst and twitch that makes Williams a runaway boulder as a ball carrier on the descent shows in his power at the offensive point on defense, where he constantly cuts out and demonstrates playability as a rusher and against a run. The state of North Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee are among more than a dozen Williams offerings.

Fort Bend Christian Academy (TX) Bennett Warren has great long-term potential. He is a true rarity in the sense that he is legally 6ft 7+, not to mention 300+ pounds with a wingspan that dwarfs 7ft. Warren’s height seems obvious on film, both in football and basketball. He looks like a Florida 2023 signer Caden Jones, 6’7″ tall and with 36″ arms at the All-American Bowl in January, but may have moved a little further in his development, which is still in its infancy. However, Warren will debut as four-star 90 with the potential of Top247 given his physical strength, multi-sport profile and expected growth potential. Warren’s 20+ offerings include Auburn, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Texas A&M, who received the only 247Sports Crystal Ball pick.

“Bay Springs (Ms.) Linebacker Camron Beavers (new four-star 90 at 247Sports) has an excellent first stride in addition to the quickness of the legs and body for his height. It is primarily positioned as a nose grip in a triple front. A disruptive athlete who demonstrates the ability to consistently win with his first step and initial quickness, as well as showing heavy hands at the point of attack. Can play on the run and anchor against double teams. Demonstrates the ability to naturally move attacking linemen and offers an upward pass as an inside presence. There is no verified information, but the combination of size, athleticism and strength makes it one of the most intriguing bow tackles in the country.” Cooper Petagna, 247, National Sports Scout Analyst.

“Unverified, 6ft 195lbs, Batesville, Mississippi, South Panola. Julius Pope (new four-star 90 at 247Sports) has excellent three-phase abilities, as he is most likely to act as a weak side linebacker at the next level. A jet athlete, Pope excels in space at the second level, demonstrating the ability to run while reflecting outstanding range from sideline to sideline. Pope’s natural ability as a tier-two blitzer should not be overlooked, as he has nine sacks and double-figure tackles for losing as a junior. While he will need to find the right defense scheme to maximize his abilities, Pope’s skill set is becoming increasingly in demand as attacks continue to prioritize speed and space.” Cooper Petagna, 247, National Sports Scout Analyst.

The arrow points the way up for an international perspective Emmanuel Okoye, which has played only a handful of football games for the London NFL academy but has huge long-term development potential. Okoye, who has a basketball background, has videotaped some mind-boggling sporting accomplishments, including an alleged 11-plus long jump and a 45-inch vertical jump. At 6ft 5in and 230lbs with an 86in (!) wingspan, Okoye demonstrates quick start and closing speed as a pass rusher and running back.

Okoye, new tall three-star 89 at 247Sports, epitomizes the “only scratches the surface” cliché, and its initial estimate is admittedly conservative on our part simply because of the smaller sample size and the relative lack of verified information. However, expect Okoye stock to continue to rise this off-season. Colorado, Minnesota, Boston College, Texas Institute of Technology, Vanderbilt, and several other FBS programs have been offered.

Debuts as high three stars 89 at 247Sports is Joel Rogers from St. Francisville (LA) West Felician. Rogers, who also plays baseball and basketball as well as competes in track and field, provides three-phase exposure as a ball-handling threat, in cover, as a tackler, and in return play. These countless duties on the pitch make Rodgers a great natural football player with a good sense of the game, regardless of worldview.

We think it performs best in safety, although it is admittedly great when touched. Rogers posted sophomore times of 11.72 in the 100 and 22.87 in the 200, so don’t be surprised if those numbers improve this semester. Rogers counts P5 programs like Florida State, Miami, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, TCU, and Texas A&M in his growing list of offerings.