Scout Trout

01/31/2026

🔍 5 -Star OL recruit James Cocozzo SCOUTING EVALUATION UPDATE

Top 2027 OL recruit James Cocozzo is one of the premier interior offensive linemen in the country and a true foundational trench prospect. A dominant force at Stillwater High School (NY), Cocozzo combines rare athleticism, technical refinement, and relentless physicality to control games from the inside out.

The son of former NFL O-Lineman Joe Cocozzo, Cocozzo carries elite bloodline pedigree and plays the position with advanced understanding, toughness, and polish well beyond his years. A two-time First Team All-State selection, he delivered a monster sophomore campaign, recording 87 pancake blocks while allowing ZERO sacks or QB hurries, a testament to his consistency, discipline, and dominance in the trenches.

Cocozzo thrives as a pulling guard, showcasing an explosive first step, outstanding balance, and violent leg drive that allow him to erase defenders at both the first and second levels. His hand placement and leverage are advanced, enabling him to displace defenders and finish blocks with authority. In pass protection, he flashes a smooth drop step, quick lateral movement, and excellent footwork, consistently mirroring rushers and keeping his quarterback clean.

His versatility significantly elevates his value. At 6’4”, 290 pounds, Cocozzo projects as a high-ceiling interior lineman with the athletic profile and technique to play guard, tackle, or even transition to center at the next level. His football IQ, movement skills, and positional flexibility make him a plug-and-play Power Five prospect with long-term NFL starter upside.

COMBINE STATS
40 yard dash - 5.13
Broad jump - 8'9"
Bench press - 305 (MAX)

CFB offers - Virginia Tech, Maryland, Indiana, Syracuse &
Rutgers

📊 STEP SCORE BREAKDOWN (HS)

(Scout Trout Proprietary Evaluation)

CATEGORY SCORE
S – Size / Strength 9.5
T – Technique / Toughness 9.8
E – Explosiveness / Athleticism 9.6
P – Production / Pedigree 9.9
🔥 OVERALL STEP SCORE
9.7 / 10.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ELITE • FOUNDATIONAL POWER FIVE PROSPECT

🧠 WHY THE SCORE IS SO HIGH

87 Pancake Blocks (0 sacks, 0 hurries allowed)

Two-Time First Team All-State

Rare athleticism for a 290-lb interior lineman

Advanced hand placement, leverage, and footwork

Multi-position projection (G / T / potential C)

NFL bloodline pedigree + high football IQ

High-academic, high-character profile (3.9 GPA)

https://www.collegefootballnow.org/top2027footballrecruits.html #/

01/30/2026

We have named Patrick Graham as our defensive coordinator.

📝: bit.ly/4q7OpOi

01/30/2026

01/26/2026

Jalon Kilgore — UPDATED 2026 NFL Draft S.T.E.P.™ Rating
Final S.T.E.P.™ Score: 🔥 38.2 / 40 🔥

(Elite Tier — Day 1 / Early Day 2 NFL DB)

S.T.E.P.™ Breakdown (NFL Translation)

S — Sustainability: 9.4

Multi-year starter in the SEC

Durable, physical DB with hybrid usage

Proven production curve from HS → SEC → Senior Bowl

T — Technique: 9.5

Refined footwork and leverage in man & zone

Excellent tackling form (rare for DBs)

WR background shows up in route anticipation

E — Ex*****on: 9.6

ALL-SEC consistency week-to-week

Ball disruption + finishing ability

Performs in high-leverage moments vs elite competition

P — Presence: 9.7

All-American recognition

Alpha communicator in secondary

Senior Bowl / Panini Bowl validation = NFL trust factor

Why This Score Is Justified

✅ ALL-SEC = proven dominance in the deepest DB league

✅ All-American = national validation, not projection

✅ Senior Bowl Invite = NFL-ready processing & technique

✅ ATH background = scheme-proof defender (nickel / safety / CB hybrid)

This is not hype — this is verified NFL grade film + accolades.

NFL Draft Projection (Updated)

Late 1st – Early 2nd Round

Immediate contributor in sub-packages

Starter ceiling by Year 2

Special Teams + DB room culture upgrade

Scout Trout Elite Take

“When an ATH becomes an All-SEC defender and an All-American, the projection phase is over. That’s an NFL profile.”

College Football Now top 2026 NFL Draft Prospect & Class of 2023 Scout Trout All-American Jalon Kilgore's S.T.E.P scouting report highlight's what Jalon will bring to the National Football League. Jalon Kilgore & his brother Gerald Kilgore were two of the hardest working recruits ever scouted at Scout Trout Elite & Jalon has earned a S.T.E.P score that is inching it's way to perennial Pro Bowl status.

2023 SOUTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL COMMIT
40 yard dash - 4.45
5-10-5 shuttle - 4.26
Bench press - 185 X 10, 280 (MAX)
Vertical - 36"
Squat - 445 (MAX)
Dead-Lift - 430 (MAX)
Clean - 285 (MAX)
100M Dash - 11.2
400M Dash - 51
CFB offers - Clemson, Nebraska, Michigan, Florida State, North Carolina, Arkansas State, Pittsburgh, FAU, Oklahoma, Tennessee Tech, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Georgia Southern, Southeast Missouri, Kentucky, Liberty, Troy, Florida, UCF, Indiana, Eastern Michigan, Louisville, Georgia Tech & UConn

https://www.scouttrout.com/breaking-news/top-2026-nfl-draft-prospect-jalon-kilgore-step-scouting-report

01/25/2026

S.T.E.P RADAR EVALUATION HEAT MAPS
Click the S.T.E.P Radar Evaluation Heat Map graphics below to learn more about how top football prospects & recruits are evaluated at College Football Now & Scout Trout Elite on our Top 2027 FB Recruits Position databases!

https://www.collegefootballnow.org/ #/

01/24/2026

🛡️ S.T.E.P™ LINEBACKER FRAMEWORK
(OLB & MLB – Position-Specific Translation)
S.T.E.P™ = Sustainability | Technique | Ex*****on | Presence
Each trait feeds one of the four STEP pillars.

🔵 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (OLB) – STEP FORMULATION
Scout Trout Original Formula
(LI) + (LA) + (ZC) + (MC) + (EB) + (RS) + (MV) = OLB
STEP TranslationS — Sustainability
Traits that project long-term viability, role flexibility, and snap durability.
Motor & Versatility (MV)
→ High-motor players survive scheme changes and special-teams demands
Lateral Agility (LA)
→ Ability to play in space over time without wear-down
🧠 Sustainability answers:
“Can this OLB stay on the field in modern hybrid defenses?”

T — Technique
Refined skill ex*****on independent of raw athleticism.
Zone Coverage (ZC)
→ Hook/curl drops, spacing, break angles
Man Coverage (MC)
→ Footwork, leverage, route recognition
Linebacker Instincts (LI) (technique component)
→ Read keys, eye discipline, play diagnosis

🧠 Technique answers:
“Does this OLB understand what he’s doing—and why?”

E — Ex*****on
How effectively traits translate to results in live action.
Edge Blitz (EB)
→ Timing, angles, sack/pressure creation
Run Stopping (RS)
→ Block defeat, tackling efficiency
🧠 Ex*****on answers:
“Does production show up when the lights are on?”

P — Presence
Impact on game flow, physicality, and opponent decision-making.
Motor & Versatility (MV) (presence component)
→ Relentless pursuit, multi-role stress on offenses
Run Stopping (RS) (presence component)
→ Tone-setting physicality in the box
🧠 Presence answers:
“Do offenses have to account for this OLB on every snap?”

✅ OLB STEP SUMMARY
S: LA, MV
T: ZC, MC, LI
E: EB, RS
P: RS, MV

🔴 MIDDLE LINEBACKER (MLB) – STEP FORMulation
Original Formula(LI) + (LA) + (RS) + (PC) + (BA) + (HS) + (V) = MLB
STEP Translation
S — Sustainability
Ability to anchor a defense long-term.
Versatility (V)
→ Ability to shift to OLB, nickel LB, or sub-packages
Lateral Agility (LA)
→ Sideline-to-sideline endurance
🧠 Sustainability answers:
“Can this MLB survive modern spread football?”

T — Technique
Mental processing and coverage discipline.
Linebacker Instincts (LI)
→ Run/pass keys, anticipation
Pass Coverage (PC)
→ Man & zone technique, spacing
Blitz Agenda (BA) (technique component)
→ Disguise, timing, angles
🧠 Technique answers:
“Is this MLB a processor—or just a hitter?”

E — Ex*****on
Live-play effectiveness.
Run Stopping (RS)
→ Gap control, tackle success
Blitz Agenda (BA) (ex*****on component)
→ Pressure creation

🧠 Ex*****on answers:
“Does he finish plays and affect outcomes?”

P — Presence
Physical and psychological impact.
Hit-Stick (HS)
→ Enforcing will in the box
Run Stopping (RS)
(presence component)
🧠 Presence answers:
“Does this MLB change how offenses run the ball?”

✅ MLB STEP SUMMARY
S: V, LA
T: LI, PC, BA
E: RS, BA

P: HS, RS
🧩 WHY THIS MATTERS (BIG PICTURE)
This keeps every position unique, but:
✅ All scores still roll up to a 40-point STEP scale
✅ Radar charts stay consistent across positions
✅ Recruit → Transfer → Draft evaluations stay aligned
✅ Film > offers > hype remains the foundation

https://collegefootballnow.org/top2027linebackerrecruits.html #/

Boston College
NFLL

01/24/2026

S.T.E.P.™ NOSE GUARD (NG) RATING FRAMEWORK
Original Formula:
(FO) + (PM) + (FM) + (GC) + (PR) + (M) + (V) = NG
We now map those traits into the four S.T.E.P. pillars, with Gap Control weighted heavier than any other interior position.

🟢 S — SUSTAINABILITY (Foundation & Durability)
Can the NG survive, anchor, and dominate over time in the trenches?
Includes:
Motor (M)
Versatility (V) (secondary)
Why it matters for NG:
Nose guards absorb double teams, triple teams, and constant interior contact. Sustainability measures:

Snap-to-snap effort
Conditioning at 320+ lbs
Ability to anchor the defense across full drives and seasons
🔑 Great NGs don’t just win reps — they wear offenses down.

🟡 T — TECHNIQUE (Control, Leverage, Craftsmanship)
How refined is the NG at winning leverage and hand combat?
Includes:
Power Moves (PM)
Finesse Moves (FM)
Why it matters for NG:
Unlike pure pass rushers, NGs must:
Convert leverage into displacement
Stack & shed blockers
Use hands efficiently to disengage without over-penetrating
🔑 Technique separates “big bodies” from true interior dominators.

🔴 E — EX*****ON (Impact at the Point of Attack)
Does the NG execute his job on every snap — regardless of box score?
Includes (Primary Weight):

Gap Control (GC) ⭐⭐⭐ (highest-weighted NG trait)
Fire Off (FO)
Pass Rush (PR) (secondary)
Why it matters for NG:
Gap Control is the defining trait of elite nose guards.
Holding A-gaps
Forcing RB cutbacks
Preventing vertical movement
Keeping linebackers clean
🔑 A dominant NG changes games without recording stats.

🔵 P — PRESENCE (Force Multiplier & Scheme Gravity)
How much does the NG change the offense’s game plan?
Includes:
Pass Rush (PR)
Versatility (V) (primary here)

Why it matters for NG:
Presence measures:
Offensive line slide protections
Centers needing help
Play-calling avoidance (teams running away from him)
Ability to shift between 3-4 NG / 4-3 DT / SDE
🔑 True presence is when offenses must account for you before the snap.

✅ FINAL S.T.E.P.™ NG TRAIT ALIGNMENT
Power Moves (PM)Technique
Finesse Moves (FM)Technique
Gap Control (GC)Ex*****on (Primary Weight)
Pass Rush (PR)Ex*****on / Presence
Motor (M)Sustainability
Versatility (V)Sustainability / Presence
🏆 S.T.E.P.™ NG PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
​“Nose Guards don’t chase plays — they control the battlefield.”
A high S.T.E.P. NG score reflects:
Interior dominance
Structural integrity of the defense
Long-term NFL viability in run-heavy and hybrid fronts

https://collegefootballnow.org/top2027defensivelinemenrecruits.html #/


NFL

01/24/2026

DT RECRUITS → S.T.E.P™ RATING BREAKDOWN
Original DT Formula
​(FO) + (PM) + (FM) + (GC) + (PR) + (M) + (V) = DT
We now map those traits into the four S.T.E.P pillars:

🟢 S — Sustainability
Can this DT hold up snap after snap, series after series, season after season?
Includes:
Motor (M)
• Effort after initial engagement
• Pursuit down the line
• Conditioning and play-to-play consistency
Gap Control (GC)
• Anchor vs double & triple teams
• Discipline in run fits
• Ability to survive interior trench warfare
✅ Why it fits Sustainability:
Interior defenders don’t flash — they endure. Sustainability separates rotational bodies from NFL-caliber DTs.

🟡 T — Technique
How refined is the DT’s toolbox?
Includes:
Power Moves (PM)
• Bull rush
• Rip / forklift
• Leverage and pad level
Finesse Moves (FM)
• Swim
• Spin
• Counter usage when initial move stalls
Hand usage within Fire Off (FO)
• Strike timing
• Hand violence at first contact
✅ Why it fits Technique:
DTs win with hands, leverage, and counters — not just size.

🔴 E — Ex*****on
How fast does it all show up on live reps?
Includes:
Fire Off (FO)
• Snap anticipation
• First-step explosion
• Immediate leverage gain
Pass Rush (PR)
• Interior pressure rate
• QB disruption (hits, hurries, pocket collapse)
• Conversion of technique into production
✅ Why it fits Ex*****on:
Interior disruption kills offenses — and it has to happen now, not eventually.

🔵 P — Presence
How much does this DT change the game without the stat sheet?
Includes:
Versatility (V)
• 3–4 Nose
• 4–3 DT
• Slide to SDE when needed
Functional intimidation & gravity
• Forces slide protection
• Opens lanes for edge rushers
• Alters run game before snap
✅ Why it fits Presence:
Great DTs bend offensive game plans — even when they don’t get the sack.

DT → S.T.E.P™ CATEGORY MAP (Clean Version)
Fire Off (FO)Ex*****on
Power Moves (PM)Technique
Finesse Moves (FM)Technique
Gap Control (GC)Sustainability
Pass Rush (PR)Ex*****on
Motor (M)Sustainability
Versatility (V)Presence

Why This DT S.T.E.P Model Matters
Separates flash interior rushers from true trench anchors
Rewards gap discipline, not just sacks
Translates directly to NFL Draft projection
Explains why some 3-star DTs outplay 5-stars by Year 2

https://www.collegefootballnow.org/top2027defensivelinemenrecruits.html #/

01/24/2026

S.T.E.P DE RECRUIT EVAL FORMULA
S.T.E.P.™ DEFENSIVE END (DE) EVALUATION FRAMEWORK
Original Formula:
(FO) + (SR) + (PM) + (FM) + (EC) + (HC) + (M) = DE
We now map each component into the four S.T.E.P pillars while preserving DE-specific traits.

S — Sustainability (Long-term impact & reliability)
Motor (M)
Plays snap-to-whistle
Pursuit effort away from play
Consistency across quarters & games
Finishing ability as a tackler
Edge Control (EC)
Maintains outside leverage
Discipline vs zone-read, RPO, boot action
Ability to set the edge vs the run
👉 Sustainability answers:
“Can this DE be trusted every snap, every series, every game?”

T — Technique (How refined the skill set is)
Power Moves (PM)
Bull rush effectiveness
Rip, club, long-arm usage
Ability to convert speed → power
Finesse Moves (FM)
Swim, spin, cross-chop
Hand counters when initial rush stalls
Change-of-direction efficiency
👉 Technique answers:
“Does this DE win with skill — not just athleticism?”

E — Ex*****on (Game-speed effectiveness)
Fire Off (FO)
First-step explosion at snap
Reaction timing vs ball movement
Speed Rush (SR)
Ability to threaten the edge
Burst into backfield
Forcing QBs off their spot
👉 Ex*****on answers:
“How fast does disruption show up on tape?”

P — Presence (Defensive impact beyond the stat sheet)
Hybrid Capabilities (HC)
Stand-up OLB reps
Ability to drop into coverage
Scheme versatility (odd / even fronts)
Motor (M) – Presence crossover
Emotional tone-setter
Relentless pursuit changes offensive play-calling
👉 Presence answers:
“Does the offense feel this player every snap?”

S.T.E.P.™ DE SCORECARD SUMMARY
S – Sustainability Motor (M), Edge Control (EC)
T – Technique Power Moves (PM), Finesse Moves (FM)
E – Ex*****on Fire Off (FO), Speed Rush (SR)
P – Presence Hybrid Capabilities (HC), Motor (M)
​
Why this works
Preserves your original DE formula
Translates directly into radar charts
Applies cleanly to HS → College → NFL
Differentiates edge specialists vs complete DEs
Avoids box-score bias (sacks ≠ impact)

https://www.collegefootballnow.org/top2027defensivelinemenrecruits.html #/

01/24/2026

S.T.E.P.™ OG RECRUIT EVALUATION BREAKDOWN

Original OG Formula
(GO) + (ETP) + (EB) + (LB) + (PS) + (V) = OG
We map these 6 football traits into the 4 S.T.E.P pillars the same way scouts, NFL evaluators, and front offices think:

S — Sustainability (Can it hold up snap after snap?)
Lead Blocking (LB)
Ability to consistently reach and seal second-level defenders
Play-to-play stamina, angles, balance, and finish
Shows up on long drives and late-game film

Versatility (V)
Ability to slide to OT or OC without drop-off
Scheme-proof interior lineman
Long-term roster value and durability

Why it fits Sustainability:
These traits determine whether the OG can stay on the field, stay valuable, and survive full seasons and multiple schemes.

T — Technique (How clean is the craft?)
Get Off (GO)
First-step explosion at the snap
Pad level and leverage immediately after engagement
Pass Sets (PS)

Footwork
Hand placement
Arm extension
Anchor and agility
Why it fits Technique:
Interior line play is won in inches. Technique separates starters from liabilities.

E — Ex*****on (Does he finish the job?)
Engage to Pancake (ETP)
Speed from contact → control → turf
Ability to overwhelm defenders quickly
Edge Blocking (EB)
Pulling efficiency
Kick-out timing
Accuracy when targeting DEs/OLBs
Why it fits Ex*****on:
Ex*****on is about finishing, not just engaging. These traits show who creates movement vs. who stalemates.

P — Presence (Does he impose himself?)
Combined Impact of ETP + LB
Physical dominance

Tone-setting mentality
Defenders feel him after the whistle

Why it fits Presence:
Great OGs don’t just block — they change how defenses play inside.

FINAL S.T.E.P.™ OG STRUCTURE
S – Sustainability Lead Blocking (LB), Versatility (V)
T – Technique Get Off (GO), Pass Sets (PS)
E – Ex*****on Engage to Pancake (ETP), Edge Blocking (EB)
P – Presence Physical finish, second-level impact

WHY THIS WORKS (BIG PICTURE)
✔ Keeps recruiting → NFL continuum intact
✔ Aligns OL evaluation with how Sundays evaluate guards
✔ Avoids overweighting “hype” traits
✔ Makes OGs comparable across classes and systems
Scout Trout Elite Take
“Interior dominance is not flashy — but it wins championships. S.T.E.P. exposes which guards can actually control football games.”

https://collegefootballnow.org/top2027offensivelinerecruits.html #/