The Hunt Report: Small-college defenders who have developed into difference-makers, pro prospects

Developing talent is an underrated part of college coaching. I don’t want to make the mistake of saying that acquiring talent is easy, but in a way, that is the easier part of the equation. It is the development of the acquired talent that’s most important; especially at the small-college level. 

I’ve said this before, but some of the best coaching jobs are happening at the lower divisions of college football. Take Bethel (TN) University’s associate head coach/defensive coordinator Chris Springer for example. Entering his fifth season in that role, he’s put together a fantastic defense this season. Bethel is amongst the leaders in NAIA in takeaways, sacks and points per game. 

Pride in one’s craft is a great thing, which is what Coach Springer has, as he was once a star defensive back for the Wildcats during his playing days. But one of the major reasons why his defense is what it has become is due to 1) the level of talent that is on his defense, and 2) the job that he’s done in not only getting these guys ready to play, but also developing some of them into bonafide pro prospects. 

There are two guys in particular who you should start to get familiar with, as they will become names of interest once the postseason all-star game circuit starts to kick into high gear.

(For last week’s Hunt Report, be sure to click here.)

College Football

DL Darel Middleton

• Year: Senior
• College: Bethel (TN) University
• Height: 6-7
• Weight: 290

Middleton might be the best defensive line prospect in all of NAIA. He has the great combination of length, athleticism and explosiveness. You want to see guys with his attributes dominate his level of competition, and he does just that. I’m a big fan of his technique, showing the ability to strike first with his hands, read a play out well, disengage and then accelerate to make the play. In fact, he’s so athletic that Bethel has used him in goal line/low red zone situations as a fade, 50/50 guy. Expect to see him surface in a postseason all-star game for sure. Next game: Nov. 5 vs. Faulkner

CB Devious Christmon

• Year: Junior
• College: Bethel (TN) University
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 190

Ball instincts and ball skills are two different things, and Christmon has both. With ball instincts, you’re talking about understanding where the ball is going, reading through progressions and being able to anticipate next. This is an area where Christmon shows strength in zone…