’28 DL is a two-sport, varsity athlete with tremendous feet
As we have discussed ad nauseam, we really prize athletic skill sets that are pronounced and varied. Participating in various high school sports develops that type of athleticism and develops the ability to compete, which college programs crave. No team in the KHSAA does a better job developing its athletes than Frederick Douglass High in Lexington, KY. No team in the KHSAA does a better job promoting those athletes either. Preston Bates is a prime example. Bates is a 6’3,” 270-pound defensive lineman who could find his way on the Saturday playing surface along an offensive front as quickly as he may on defense. High school defensive linemen turn into darn aggressive offensive linemen and there are plenty of examples. Bates is a multi-sport athlete with a 3.6 GPA, a 79-inch wingspan, nine (9) inch hands, a 300-pound bench press, a 250-pound power clean, a 475-pound back squat, and a player who runs the 40-yard dash in 5.1-seconds. Yessir, we love him.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Lexington, KY: Preston Bates lists himself as a two-sport, varsity athlete at Frederick Douglass. That is smart promotion. Colleges love that almost as much as the 3.6+ GPA additionally included in his X-Account profile.
This kid has plenty of size (6’3,” 275), strength (300-pound bench press, 475-squat, 250-pound power clean), and length (79-inch wingspan, nine (9) inch hands). Bates turns in 40s in the 5.1-second range. His feet are nimble (also plays basketball), his speed is good while not altogether great (for an interior defensive lineman).
Bates is an exclusive defender playing for Coach McPeek’s Broncos. However, this shouldn’t mean colleges envisioning him as an offensive guard should look the other way.
The number of high school defensive linemen who played along an offensive front in college are myriad. Jason Whitten was one of the finest TEs the pro game has ever known and was a DE in high school. Whitten was switched to TE by the Tennessee Vols and continued to play it in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys.
Lamar Brown (Class of 2026) was ranked highly as both a top defensive lineman and a top offensive lineman, demonstrating the versatility to play either side. He is now an offensive lineman at LSU.
Michael Fasusi (Lewisville, Texas): A 5-star recruit with extensive athletic experience, including track, excelled on the offensive line but possessed the athletic traits of a defensive player.
Douglas Utu (Bishop Gorman, Nev.) was a talented offensive lineman capable of filling guard or tackle spots, often recruited for his quickness and strength, traits often developed on the defensive line.
Willie Lampkin was an NFL player who excelled by using defensive line, disruptive-style technique to his advantage on the offensive line, showcasing how high school D-line experience helps in reading and reacting to stunts.
What you play in HS is irrelevant to what you will play in college
Friday Night Fletch
Like we said, there are plenty of examples. What you play in high school is often irrelevant to college programs. They are paying the money. They will decide what you are.
The colleges want you to be athletic and able to remain eligible. Check and check for Preston Bates in both categories.
Look out for this guy to come onto the scene in a big way this coming Fall. The junior year is the year most prospects make the biggest jump.
This kid has the frame, the length, the smarts, and the movement to find himself in the midst of some furious recruiting battles. He has the right school and coaching staff backing his play too.
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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