Prospect watch: Five players to keep an eye on in the state quarterfinals

James LynchDL, Round Rock6-5, 280 A big, strong defensive lineman with a high motor for his size, Lynch is a USC commit with plenty of upside. Lynch plays defensive end at Round Rock High School, but could easily grow into a defensive tackle by the time his college career ends. He’s quick for someone 280 pounds. Lynch gets around the edge well and is usually the stronger player at the point of attack. His frame suggests he can carry 300 pounds and keep his athleticism. A move to a three-technique is likely in the future and Lynch is one of those players who could blossom into a multiple-year starter as a defensive end on a three-man front or a three-technique defensive tackle in a normal 4-3. Levi JonesLB, Westlake 6-2, 215 Jones is a playmaker at linebacker. He’s fast enough to play sideline-to-sideline against the run and the pass. He’s also physical enough to take on lead blockers against the run game. Jones’ athleticism sets him apart from most prep linebackers. He runs like a wide receiver and hits like a trunk. His knack for big plays in big games continued in the 2016 playoffs when his caused fumble sealed an overtime win over Converse Judson. Jones is an outside linebacker who can play in nickel situations. He’s also an above-average pass rusher. One of the best players in the state, Jones is expected to star at a P5 school within a few years. Charleston RamboWR, Cedar Hill6-2, 170 Cedar Hill is home to a band of FBS caliber wide receivers and Rambo is the best of the bunch. The Oklahoma commit has 74 catches for 1,302 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior, and the season isn’t even finished. Rambo is stunning in the open field. He’s long enough to win jump balls against normal sized cornerbacks and quick enough to win matchups as an outside receiver or in the slot. His 17 yards per catch proves he is a big-play threat. Rambo possesses the speed to beat teams deep with patterns, but he’s also quick enough in the open field to take a short pass 60 yards for a touchdown. James BrownRB, Stafford5-9, 180 The senior running back is averaging more than 10 yards per touch. As a rusher, Brown had 1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns through 13 games on only 122 carries. He added 26 catches for 294 yards and seven touchdowns. That versatility makes Brown an intriguing prospect for numerous colleges. He doesn’t have the size to be a 25-plus carry running back, but most offenses are going away from that prototype. Brown does offer a change of pace and he should be a third-down back early in his career. He could also contribute as a returner on special teams. Brown is stronger than his frame suggests, but best in the open field. Kody FulpLB, China Spring6-3, 215 Versatility makes Fulp one of the most underrated defensive prospects remaining in the state playoffs. He can play defensive end, linebacker or safety at the next level. Right now, he’s probably most comfortable with his hand in the ground. That’ll change in college unless Fulp can add at least 30 pounds to his frame. It’s more likely he moves towards a linebacker or hybrid safety position. He can cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield, or play in zone coverage against the spread. Fulp is a sure tackler who is still best when coming downhill as a pass rusher or in run support.

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