LOOK: Auburn, LSU assistants at high school game in Louisiana
On Thursday night, Baton Rouge (La.) Catholic defeated Zachary (La.) 24-21. Both Auburn EDGE linebackers coach Roc Bellantoni and LSU safeties coach Kerry Cooks attended the matchup.
Two LSU commits, Baton Rouge (La.) Catholic five-star wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr. and Jackson (La.) Zachary four-star safety Kylin Jackson, took part in the game. So did Zachary (La.) four-star EDGE Ashley Williams, who is committed to Auburn.
Sampson is the No. 30 overall prospect and No. 5 wide receiver in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 2 player in Louisiana.
On3 rates Sampson Jr. higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2023 On300, he is the No. 20 overall prospect and No. 4 wide receiver in the country.
Jackson is the No. 158 overall prospect and No. 11 safety in the On3 Consensus. He also ranks as the No. 9 player in Louisiana.
Meanwhile, Williams is the No. 359 overall prospect and No. 39 EDGE in the On3 Consensus, as well as the No. 17 player in Louisiana. He chose Auburn after decommitting from Nebraska.
On3 rates Williams higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. The On300 ranks him as the No. 261 overall prospect, No. 31 EDGE and No. 13 player in Louisiana.
Kylin Jackson, Shelton Sampson Jr and Ashley Williams On3 Scouting Summaries
The following are the On3 Scouting Summaries for Kylin Jackson, Shelton Sampson Jr. and Ashley Williams:
Jackson: “State champion defensive back as a junior for undefeated Zachary (LA) who can plant and drive downhill as well as cover tight ends and running backs in the slot. Stands over 6-foot-2, 195 pounds with room to grow and fill out naturally. Striker as a tackler who looks to make plays in the backfield. Comfortable in coverage but not necessarily his strong suit. Needs to quicken his feet and loosen his hips in order to excel in coverage against more dynamic slot options. Has the size and frame to excel working in the box and covering jumbo slots at the next level. If he can become more dynamic and explosive in college then he could see his name appear on more draft boards once the time comes.”
Sampson Jr.: “Big-play wide receiver with one of the best combinations of vertical speed and catch radius in the 2023 cycle. Clocked a sub 4.4-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4 prior to his junior season. Uses that speed to create separation on downfield routes with regularity. Pairs the long speed with advanced ball skills. Shows the ability to leap over defenders to high-point the ball in contested situations. Comes down with some fantastic one-handed and diving grabs. A younger prospect for the cycle who continues to show improvement over time.”
Williams: “State champion edge rusher for Zachary (LA) as a junior who wins with burst, bend and the ability to close on ball carriers. Stands in at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds with a 6-foot-5 wingspan. Lacks ideal NFL length off the edge. Body type is narrow and will struggle to add substantial weight for the next level but not impossible. Likely to end up at stand-up backer than a true defensive end. Explosive and plays with tremendous leverage.
“Plays very low to the ground and gets underneath offensive linemen with ease. Ran an electronically-timed 4.87 40-yard dash and 7.52 3-cone drill during the spring camp circuit prior to his senior season. Jumped a 27-inch vertical and a 9-foot-6 broad jump during the same circuit. Has the athletic ability and bend to excel at the next level. His ability to maintain movement skills while attempting to add weight will determine his ceiling. Early impact player at the next level as a situational pass rusher with a chance for role expansion pending on physical growth.”