Throughout our talks with players last week, GoCoogs.com asked each who they believe is the best under-the-radar player at their position or side of the ball. Players were probably happiest answering this question, talking about their teammates and breaking down their games.
Here are the responses from defensive players:
Xavier Stillman (DL): Mike Batton, he’s for sure a guy. He is extremely athletic, he’s extremely strong, he’s extremely fast, and he’s a genius on the football field. He’s the backer that you want behind you. He’s going to make the right decision, he’s going to get you set up if you need it, he’s just the guy you can always lean on. He’s a good brother on the field.
Noah Guzman (DB): I really like Kris Davis. I really like the way he works. He just goes out there and does his job, and he works. I really like that aspect. I think he’s going to really progress during this fall camp and then during this season.
Jamal Morris (LB): Of course you know Kendre Gant. He’s been picked for a lot of awards. But two sleepers are Latreveon McCutchin and Michael Batton. Those guys are two of the fastest guys on the team. With Michael Batton being a senior, with the experience he has and the journey he had, I’m really excited for him. He’s a sleeper. Nobody really talks about him, he’s just more in the shadows, but he’s very fast, he’s very instinctual, he’s smart, and I’m just looking forward to playing with him. Michael Batton. Definitely Michael Batton.
Keith Cooper Jr (DL): Nadame Tucker. He’s a guy that you probably didn’t hear too much about, but he has a motor. Watching him throughout practice go all the time without stopping. He has that motor, he has one tempo that he can only go fast.
Mike Batton (LB): I think Xavier Stillman. I don’t know how under the radar he is, but the way he approaches things, I like a lot. I think Noah Guzman is another one. Very hard worker. Guz is going to come in and help the team a lot and kind of be that Swiss Army Knife: he can go to free safety or strong safety.
Everitt Rogers (DL): Xavier Stillman. He’s a dog. He’s going to come in every day, and he’s going to work. He’s always speaking to everybody. He’s one of the leaders that I’m not sure a lot of people know about, but they will know about him this year. He’s a good guy and he’s going to go get it every day.
Anthony Holmes Jr (DL): Justin Benton. Carlos Allen. Nadame Tucker’s going to show up a lot this year. Zy Strong, Garfield Lawrence. See, we have a lot of guys that have great talent and ability but just haven’t been able to showcase it yet.
Why Justin Benton? He’s a high school guy, just like me. Came here straight out of high school with a lot of talent and a lot of strength. Just hasn’t gotten the chance yet. Once he can express what he can do on the football field, he’ll be a great addition. He’s a great D-line player with a great background. He’ll be one of the next up here.
Latreveon McCutchin (LB): Obviously, I’d have to say my brother (Latrell McCutchin). With him sitting out last season, fans probably bypass or overlook him. But that’s a guy right there. That’s a dog. Also, I want to shout out #21, Juwon Gaston. He’s a sleeper that really didn’t get too much playing time, but I feel like is going to be a really good guy for us.
Kentrell Webb (DB): Our DB room is tough. We’ve got two corners: Chris Davis came from Southern. He’s a baller and had a good spring. Jalen Emery, he’s been here. He’s getting his groove back.
Bryan Massey (DB): I just got here, so I’d probably be under the radar. But looking at some guys who have been here, I think Jalen Emery is one guy. He’s a cornerback, and he has a lot to prove. Safeties? I’d probably say Kentrell (Webb) or Guz (Noah Guzman). They’ll probably be under the radar.
Brandon Mack (DOG): Juwon Gaston and Noah Guzman. Noah is a technician. I’ve never really seen Noah mess up or blow coverage. He’s the guy you want to start drills because he’s going to do it the right way. He handles himself like a pro. He’s the model of what you want your players to be.
Hershey McLaurin (DB): Latrell (McCutchin) and probably Kentrell Williams. Latrell didn’t play last year. He’s a long corner, he’s fast. He’s a player. He’s going to shock a lot of people. Kentrell came from Tulane with Coach Fritz. He’s a baller, he knows defense, he knows the ins and outs, he knows everybody’s spot and their job. He’s going to shock a lot of people.
