There are football players and then there are real football players. You know the ones. They're tough guys who love contact.
In this edition of the Premium Prospect Board, we look at players who have that nasty, hard-nosed edge to their game.
S Jeffrey Okudah
ESPN 300: 8
Uncommitted
He is a run-and-hit defender, playing near the box as a true head-hunter who can get after opponents. Okudah plays with passion and brings a hammer as a player who times up coverage hits when tracking down ball carriers.
OG Jack Anderson
ESPN 300: 42
Committed: Texas Tech
He comes from a run-heavy scheme in which he is a relentless mauler at the point of attack. Anderson takes pride in overwhelming defenders and is a true finisher through the whistle. The game is important to him, and the mindset he brings is exactly what you want in an offensive lineman.
OLB Baron Browning
ESPN 300: 29
Uncommitted
Browning is a rugged, downhill player who can plug and drive back ball carriers. While there is room for technical refinement in his tackling, this player is a devastating hitter with bone-jarring pursuit.
OT Trey Smith
ESPN 300: 1
Uncommitted
Smith is raw and loaded with upside to develop technically. He can throw defenders around and overwhelms them with talent, size and attitude.
S C.J. Avery
ESPN 300: 78
Uncommitted
Given his nose for the ball and playing demeanor, Avery could eventually play linebacker. He checks the physical boxes and can be an intimidating presence not only in run support, but in pass coverage coming forward on the ball. There is a mean streak to his style of play that matches his physical stature.
OT Austin Deculus
ESPN 300: 14
Committed: LSU
Deculus is a lot like Anderson in this category. Deculus is a road grater and a devastating blocker when he gets his hands on a defender. He can overpower and drive defenders downfield to the second level.
C Xavier Newman
ESPN 300: 246
Committed: Colorado
Strength and tenacity are huge assets for Newman. He is a player who can get under the opponent's skin with his physical nature, and when he locks down, he can finish with pride and passion.
CB Kary Vincent
ESPN 300: 23
Committed: LSU
From his cornerback position, Vincent finds himself in this category not just as a tackler, but as an overall prospect. He has an edge to his style of play. He's feisty and likes to mix it up. His stature does not allow for him to be a devastating tackler or hitter, but he has a scrappy side that comes from his competitive temperament.
CB Jamyest Williams
ESPN 300: 37
Committed: South Carolina
He could be a linebacker in another life. He is feisty and plays way bigger than his size. Williams is only 5-foot-9, 173 pounds, but he doesn't play like it.
DT Phidarian Mathis
ESPN 300: 20
Uncommitted
He is an angry player who can overpower opponents at the point of attack. Mathis plays with a nasty demeanor and has raw strength and ability to dominate one-on-one situations. His motor and tempo coupled with his pop and strength upon contact make him a handful to contend with on the interior.