NSR Male AOD: Jon “Cole” Higbie, 4.5 DB with 3.5 GPA, from Landmark Christian GA

We are pleased to announce that Jon Higbie, a 2013 defensive back from Landmark Christian in Fairburn, Georgia, has been selected as our Male Athlete of the Day.

In remarks to NSR, Jon’s high school coach said, “Cole is one of the finest young men and players I have ever coached. Cole is an explosive and aggressive tackler. Cole has great vision both in defending the pass and run and has tremendous leadership skills.He makes other sbetter around him. I believe the combinations of these skills has made Cole one of the best safeties in the state. Because of his vision and athleticism, Cole is also a dangerous return man, plays WR, and even runs QB in our Wildcat package. The best thing about Cole though is his competitive spirit and intensity. Cole is a young man that both prepares and plays with tremendous force and effort.”

His NSR scout and longtime high school coach in Georgia, John Arnold, says in his scouting report on Jon that, “…can be a legitimate impact player at the collegiate level. As a defensive back, his 6’1″, 190 lb. size with legitimate 4.5 speed as well as excellent strength (18 reps x 185 lbs.), he will be a welcome addition to the defensive backfield for any college program that he joins in the future. He is an all-around athlete as evidenced by the fact that he is also a legitimate college prospect in baseball as well. In addition, he is a very high quality student in the classroom.  Cole is an aggressive player and is a hitter in the secondary. He has excellent speed and, more importantly, great closing speed on both the run and the pass. He plays both the run and the pass equally well. He is a smart player that is always in position to make plays. He has excellent hands and has a nose for the ball both in pass coverage and in the run game. As a safety, he fills the alley very well from the inside-out and stays in the proper relationship on the back hip of the ballcarrier and finishes through the runner on the tackle. He gets off blocks very well in getting to his spot and to the ball in pursuit. He is relentless in his pursuit and takes the proper angles of pursuit on plays both to him and away from him. He plays with confidence and a passion and plays all-out at all times.”

Speaking to college coaches, Cole said, “I am seeking a college that has a reputation for academic as well as athletic success. My present plan is to pursue a degree in either business or healthcare while preparing for graduate education as a chiropractor. I would like to attend a program where I can play as early as possible while I continue to develop my athletic potential to become a starter and team leader.”