Broussard closes in

Photo by Chris Martinez/DB Nation

If you may need one explanation as to how Clovis High had the best defense in the Central Section in 2011, I can probably tell about one man coming back that had things on lock down for the Cougars, a former junior varsity quarterback.

C.J Broussard wasn't hard to spot on the field if you were ever inside legendary Lamonica Stadium or in other Central Valley football fields. Just look for a tall 6-foot, 180 pound cornerback wearing No. 3 flying around and getting his hands on the football, from his defensive back spot.

A swat down artist with a tremendous nose for the football, Broussard used his long arms and instincts to help spearhead a very fast and aggressive Cougar defense, which on five occasions gave up zero points. Broussard showed off tremendous angle pursuits, hip direction, and was unafraid to sacrifice his body by leaping forward and disrupting a potential first down pass.

Broussard mainly played in a zone coverage, but he has been active with refining his press man, especially being around renown defensive back guru Tony Perry of Central-Fresno. I like his potential as a cornerback because of his long arms and hands. He's also capable of delivering the big hit when receivers try to jump for a football. He'll get low enough to bring them back down quickly to the turf.

He'll obviously need some bulk. Plus he can continue to build on his jamming of wide receivers. It's also likely that the Cougars won't call on him so much as a quarterback. But speaking of playing the signal-caller position, Broussard can use that to his advantage at the next level, with knowing how quarterbacks will think and their different throwing motions.

So far, Azusa Pacific has shown the most interest. Eastern Washington seems intrigued. An even bigger season though, plus Clovis High reclaiming the title as the Central Section's best defense in 2012, could mean even more interest.

MORE ON BROUSSARD: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/530733/cj-broussard?view=public