JACKSON, Miss. - On day four of GoMajors.com coverage of the incoming freshman class, we will shift sides to the defensive side of the ball and look at the front seven, defensive ends and linebackers. Some of biggest hitters and impact players come out of this group. Here is a look at the front seven from the 2011 recruiting class.
DE Jeff Milner, Vestavia Hills HS, Birmingham, Ala.
If an opponent watching Jeff Milner out of Vesatvia Hills High School, it can't help but notice the explosiveness of this athlete. Milner is quick off the ball and uses his hands very well to shed blockers. Milner can also use his speed to get by a blocker making him tough all-around. He also brings a ton of energy to the field. Milner helped lead Vestavia Hills to the Alabama State Playoffs and at the conclusion of the season, was named to the All-South Team in the Alabama North-South All-Star Game.
DL Will Oakley, Estero HS, Ft. Myers, Fla.
Will Oakley brings size to the defensive line as he stands at 6'1” 295 pounds from Fort Myers, Florida. Oakley shows power and at times commands double teams which opens up holes for his linebackers. He also has good football instincts which lead him to make plays on the ball. Oakley will join a deep defensive lineman group that looks to make an impact this season.
DE Nick Ehrhardt, Norcross HS, Norcross, Ga.
Nick Ehrhardt is a big defensive end standing at 6'2” 220 pounds with a big motor. Ehrhardt out of Norcross High School is quick off the line and has great closing speed. He does a great job getting off blockers and getting to the football. Ehrhardt also delivers a devastating hit as he stays low and will drive a player straight into the ground. Ehrhardt helped lead a talented Norcross team to Class 5A Georgia State Playoffs before being knocked out by the eventual state champions. Ehrhardt also earned second team All-District honors his senior year.
DT Cooper Hastings, St. Frederick HS, Monroe, La.
Cooper Hastings comes out of Monroe, Louisiana and was a four year starter with the Warriors. Hastings has power as he was a state powerlifter, being a finalist his junior and senior year. At defensive tackle, Hasting is able to explode through lineman with his strength and make plays in the backfield. With the Warriors, Hastings was named All-District three years in a row.
DL Dylan McDonald, Centennial HS, Frisco, Texas
Dylan McDonald comes into Millsaps from Frisco, Texas as he played both sides of the ball at Centennial High School. McDonald earned Second Team All-District in 4A as an offensive guard. At Millsaps, McDonald will be looked to play defensive line. The versatility of McDonald playing both sides could land him on the offensive line, but McDonald's strength and ability to get off blockers should play a key role on defense.
DE Zach Bell, Brother Martin HS, Metairie, La.
Zach Bell joins teammate Chris Sutton as he comes to the Millsaps program as a defensive end. Bell shows power off the line and can throw offensive lineman off of him. He also showed agile moves and has the awareness to find to the ball carrier and make a play. Bell is an offensive nightmare when it comes to turnovers as he can force fumbles and cause interceptions. Bell was a huge part of Brother Martin's run in the State 5A Playoffs.
DT Karl Timmons, St. Augustine HS, New Orleans, La.
Karl Timmons is built very well for a defensive end at 6'1” 240 pounds. He plays with a great motor as he comes to Jackson out of St. Augustine High School. Timmons has great speed and great ability to shed blockers, but can also show power when trying to get off a block. Timmons is looking to make an immediate impact and will be joined by his teammate Donald Cane this season.
DL Leland Elchos, Hancock HS, Kiln, Miss.
At a daunting 6'2” 245 pounds, Leland Elchos is a powerful defensive end coming out of Hancock High School. Elchos runs through offensive lineman and wreaks havoc in the backfield with his strength. Elchos also showed agility when getting off of blocks. He racked up 77 tackles his senior year and an interception. Elchos joins teammate Alex Jackson in the purple and white this upcoming season.
LB Jon Peterson, Sulphur HS, Sulpher, La.
Jon Peterson is a stout linebacker coming from Sulphur High School in south Louisiana. He helped lead Sulphur to the Class 5A playoffs before falling early on. He has great awareness as he can read lineman and cover his position well. He can also deliver a big hit. Peterson earned First Team All-District this past season at linebacker.
LB Daniel Carter, Booker T. Washington HS, Pensacola, Fla.
A Pensacola, Florida native, Daniel Carter comes to Jackson as a linebacker out of Booker T. Washington High School. Carter will come to Millsaps set to play linebacker. He shows great awareness and break to the ball as he reads everything in front of him. Carter also shows he is an excellent tackler and wraps up very well.
LB Garrett Coble, Grand Island Central Catholic HS, Saint Paul, Neb.
Garrett Coble comes from a place where they husk corn and play football. He was the defensive leader for Grand Island Central Catholic in Saint Paul, Nebraska as he racked up 143 tackles to lead his classification and was named All-Conference and All-District three straight years. Coble has a knack for finding the ball and making a play. He will make the long trip to Jackson and join a stellar group of linebackers on the defensive side.
One more group remains in the coverage of the 2011 recruiting class and that is the secondary. Tomorrow we will examine these big time skill players a little closer as we conclude the week of the Millsaps football freshman class.
If you missed any previous articles on any of the offensive athletes, then click the link below to learn more about that group.
Part I: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Kickers - Part II: Wide Receivers, Tight Ends - Part III: Offensive Lineman
