Elite DB Showcase: Notes and Takeaways

Written by Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)

Esteemed Central Florida-based DB Trainer Rod Lindsey arranged a first-ever Elite Defensive Back Showcase at Orlando Christian Prep on Saturday. Despite any bad weather, the showcase provided an organized platform for scouts to evaluate the performance of rising stars and standouts. Attendees were put to the test with a range of challenging mechanic drills and conditioning exercises that tested their skills and endurance. Each rep was captured on film by Elite Empire and Central Florida Preps, allowing for accurate and detailed assessments to be sent out to over 30 college coaches. The event was certainly a success and marks the beginning of Coach Lindsey’s promising future endeavors. Let’s get into some of the notable standouts.

Notable Standouts

QB:

Brady Hart | QB | Class of 2026 | Cocoa | @BradyHartQB

6’5, 185

Hart made an appearance at the DB Showcase to get some reps in against some of the top DBs in the area. It’s clear when talking to Cocoa Offensive Coordinator Adam Franco that Hart’s potential upside is something to take note of. He’s figured out the offense quickly and looks primed to make his mark behind center this season. As for his camp performance, he simply threw a few dots before calling it a day. Has really smooth QB mechanics with confidence and ball placement to hit downfield throws.

Hudl: Brady Hart – Hudl

Top Defensive Standouts

Vern Woodward III | Class of 2024 | Winter Park | @_vern1

It was good to eyes on the rising senior Woodward for the first time. The Illinois commit looks the part as he has a good frame and size to be a playmaker in various spots on the defense. Has the physical attributes combined with the mentality to help in the box but does have good hips and coverage skills for the corner position.

Recent Offers: Illinois Commit

Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15038057/6366e57a9676cd0beca1e874

Gavin Nix | ILB | Class of 2025 | IMG | @g6nix

The first thing that stands out for Nix is the way he carries himself with a mature mentality. That translates to his everyday life and workout routines. It’s clear Nix is a gym rat that loves to work on his frame and game. He’s a good-sized athlete that can move his hips smoothly and explode to cause PBU’s or track down the ball. Nix is one of the more versatile 2025 prospects that will make a big impact at the next level.

4-star prospect. 20 offers including Alabama, Florida, FSU, Notre Dame, and more.

Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16131702

Ayden Pouncey | DB | Class of 2026 | Winter Park | @AydenPouncey

Pouncey was one of the first defensive back prospects that caught my eye because of his long frame. He had a solid performance at the showcase today, displaying a good ability to flip his hips while using body control to drive through the ball during the drill session. Have to get my eyes on him when it’s time to compete against other talented receivers but his potential upside is clear as day.

Offers: 16 offers

Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17333824/63a9f730ab92580cf4e3ba70

Devin Jackson | DB | Class of 2026 | West Orange | @DevinJackson010

Jackson was one of my top DOG standouts because he wasn’t afraid to step up and get extra reps against others that were calling him out. He had a solid 1v1 session winning a few reps and looked the part going through the technical session of the showcase. The West Orange product has plenty of time to sharpen his bag of skills and see a big uptick in offers.

Offers: UF

Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17699777/devin-jackson

Kenyon Alston | ATH | Class of 2026 | Bishop Moore | @KenyonAlston

Alston continues to be one of my sleeper DOGs in the 2026 class that can play at the next level on both sides of the ball. He has a great frame at 6-foot-2 combined with good speed and agility to take the top off the defense or shut down your featured receiver. Wasn’t afraid to rack up reps today at the showcase which in my opinion is important when factoring in a prospect’s will to compete. Surely will keep my eyes on his development as his game and recruitment begin to take off.

Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18017846/638626b538634d050c3d8bb6

Dariyon Gordon | DB | Class of 2026 | West Orange | @dariyon_gordon

The class of 2026 continues to produce DOGs as Dariyon Gordon adds to a long list of potential Power 5 prospects. He put on a decent show today at the Elite DB showcase and had some of the best man coverage skills despite the weather conditions. He has a good frame at 6-foot but it’s the mentality to win and compete that will separate him in the long run. Another West Orange athlete will make noise this fall season. Picked up a recent first offer from FSU in June.

Recent Offers: FSU

Hudl: https://twitter.com/dariyon_gordon/status/1668029302082875397?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ

*Coach Lindsey’s DOG of the Day:

Trenton Gummer | DB | Class of 2026 | Lake Highland Prep | @trentongummer

Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16117774/633424ccbee111095c5bce49

Best of the Rest:

Jermicheal Gillis | Class of 2025 | St. Frances Academy | @JMike2025

4-star prospect. 8 offers including Tennessee, Michigan State, Colorado, and more.

Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15163360

Lagarion Wilson Jr. | ATH | Class of 2026 | Boone | @LagarionWilson

Hudl: Lagarion Wilson – Hudl

Rameir Gordon | Class of 2024 | Deland | @RameirGordon9