Scouting Report: Ezukanma, Mosley, Preston

Erik Ezukanma is more than just a pass catcher. This wide receiver has an uncanny ability to avoid tackles and pick up yards after the catch. The Fort Worth (Timber Creek High School) native is listed as a four-star prospect by Rivals and for good cause.

Ezukanma’s highlight film shows a player that excels in the open field, taking multiple screen plays for touchdowns of 40-plus yards. Although he is 6-foot-3, Ezukanma is as elusive as a smaller slot receiver, with the smooth speed of a downfield threat.

Attacking the ball in the air is a trait all quarterbacks appreciate and Ezukanma does that as well. Aside from his explosiveness of screen plays, he is dangerous on go routes and end zone fades. His speed allows him to put his body in a better position than most defensive backs which only increases his ability to make plays in the end zone. Ezukanma will most likely have to expand his route running arsenal at the next level because he will not be the go-to receiver on deep routes right away. His ability on screens though is so powerful though, that he could easily see the field in year one of college.

Ranked as the 48th receiver in the class of 2018, Ezukanma currently holds offers from seven power-five schools along with SMU.

The SMU secondary took a substantial step forward in 2016. Catapulted by an increased in turnovers, the defense was held together by the secondary, which was essentially a liability just a year earlier.

SMU offered on Monday a scholarship to Colleyville Heritage (Colleyville High School) cornerback Marcus Mosley, a member of the class of 2018. Mosley seems to be a perfect fit for SMU’s aggressive approach to defending the pass, reeling in seven picks in 2016.

Mosley’s hands are his best asset. With experience at wide receiver, clearly his hands have been tested before. He displays an ability to catch on the run and make plays on the ball on his highlight film, reeling in balls over his shoulder and in traffic. Jumping routes is a calculated risk, but Mosley shows good instincts when reading routes.

Mosley has also spent time as a safety where he can disrupt deeper routes. He will most likely be used in run stopping situations if he plays any safety at the next level because his strength is defending in the air.

Shawn Preston will add versatility to whichever defense he joins at the next level. The six-foot-one, 200-pound safety from St. James, LA (St. James High School) can make plays in both the running and passing game on the defensive side of the ball.

Preston looks more like a linebacker than a safety, but still has the skillset to cover slot receivers and run with them step for step. He also has a solid pair of hands, securing four interceptions this past fall. Preston has lined up at both safety positions, proving his ability to play ‘center field’ and in the box.

Preston also found the end zone twice this season, showing his ability to turn a routine turnover into something much more of a momentum swing. Tackling is another positive attribute of Preston’s. Of his 45 tackles last season, 20 were solo take downs, many of which occurred against running backs in the open field where he was the last line of defense.

The class of 2018 member visited SMU on Saturday and holds an offer from the Mustangs.