Player Bio
Then-Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker saw Stokes at a track meet and thought his speed would fit the Bulldogs' secondary quite nicely. He ran a 10.39-second 100-meter dash in a state meet and also won the 200 meters that year. Stokes was also an excellent all-purpose offensive weapon and defender who was named honorable mention Class AAAA in football as a senior. As a redshirt freshman, he was named Georgia's Co-Most Improved Defensive Player after starting three of the final four games and appearing in 13 contests overall (20 tackles, one for loss, nine pass breakups). Stokes started 13 of 14 games his sophomore season, recording 38 tackles, one sack and a team-high nine pass breakups. He was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2020 after leading his squad with four interceptions, returning two for scores. Stokes also broke up four passes and made 20 tackles in nine starts. He opted out of the team's bowl game to begin preparing for the NFL draft. He is nicknamed "Dirty Red" because of his reddish hair and freckles. -- by Chad Reuter
Overview
Depending upon scheme, need or preference, Stokes offers teams the potential to play him outside or from the slot. Speed and quickness should allow him to stay with route runners or within close-out distance when he gets behind. Stokes played with better press technique in 2020 and he's willing to get physical near the goal line, but his play strength is below average. While there have been mild flashes of playmaking potential, he's more likely to play the receiver rather than attacking the football and looking for takeaways. He's twitchy in tight quarters with the potential to become more disruptive in zone. His size, speed and athleticism could make him a Day 2 pick as a future CB3, but his weakness as a run defender will be challenged quickly by NFL offensesStrengths
- Combination of speed/quickness to play inside or outside.
- Occasional flashes of playmaking instincts.
- Had two interception returns for touchdowns in 2020.
- Poised through press release.
- Stands his ground against physical targets.
- Fights back against push-offs at the top of the route.
- Celebrated high school sprint champ.
- Can run with mismatch-caliber speedsters on crossing routes.
- Hyper-twitchy with downhill drive to his target.
- Plays into receiver when phasing downfield.
- Potential for gunner duties on punt team.
Weaknesses
- Slim lower body with lack of play strength.
- Thinks "hands" before "feet" when matching release and breaks.
- Doesn't fully trust what he sees yet.
- Mostly "right place, right time" interceptions.
- Takes extra steps on lateral transition from shuffle/pedal.
- Tardy gaining playmaking positioning in coverage.
- Below-average poise and balance downfield.
- Opponents run through solo tackle tries.
- Likely to be isolated and targeted by run games.
Prospect Grade
6.31
WILL BE STARTER WITHIN FIRST TWO SEASONS
