The recruiting process had sped up in recent years, but a big senior year can still generate recruiting momentum. This is the case for Monterey Trail defensive back Jehiel Budgett (6-foot-0, 185 pounds). He has a power/speed blend that was on display on both sides of the ball Friday in a win over Pitman.
Offensively, Budgett had two touchdown runs, including one where he was bottled up in the backfield, made a guy miss and then broke multiple tackles for the score. He also took a run out wide and turned the corner to get to the left sideline where he outran the defense for a 57 yard score. He put a strong stiff arm on a first half pitch play and has some shiftiness in close quarters.
On defense, his best play happened when he met a ball carrier about five yards downfield and ripped the ball out of his hands in the pure definition of a takeaway. Budgett delivered a big hit on a receiver going down the seam in the first half too.
He is an interesting prospect because his biggest high school impact isn't at his likely college position. Budgett can fill multiple roles, but is best suited as a physical safety who could moonlinght as a coverage linebacker.
Budgett, ranked No. 26 in the 2019 class, has offers from Sacramento State and UC Davis. He is a Mountain West Conference level recruit and packs the versatility that is in high demand.
Offensively, Budgett had two touchdown runs, including one where he was bottled up in the backfield, made a guy miss and then broke multiple tackles for the score. He also took a run out wide and turned the corner to get to the left sideline where he outran the defense for a 57 yard score. He put a strong stiff arm on a first half pitch play and has some shiftiness in close quarters.
On defense, his best play happened when he met a ball carrier about five yards downfield and ripped the ball out of his hands in the pure definition of a takeaway. Budgett delivered a big hit on a receiver going down the seam in the first half too.
He is an interesting prospect because his biggest high school impact isn't at his likely college position. Budgett can fill multiple roles, but is best suited as a physical safety who could moonlinght as a coverage linebacker.
Budgett, ranked No. 26 in the 2019 class, has offers from Sacramento State and UC Davis. He is a Mountain West Conference level recruit and packs the versatility that is in high demand.
