Justin Bethel

strengths

Looks the part with good height and length for the position (32½” arms and 9¾” hands). Fluid footwork and smooth backpedal, doing a nice job quickly changing directions. Exceptional vertical leaping ability. Shows very good closing burst, taking decisive angles to the play. Heady player with good awareness and doesn’t get fooled easily. Aggressive but disciplined. Versatile experience at both cornerback and safety as a four-year starter, collecting 280 total tackles. Stand-out on special teams with a school-record 9 blocked kicks. Three career punt returns with two returned for scores.

weaknesses

Lacks elite top-end speed and doesn’t flash a second gear to routinely recover after false steps. Opens his hips too early in his transition and will allow his pads to rise. Loses balance when he gets too upright in his stance. Unpolished instincts and needs to show better anticipation in coverage to recognize what the offense is doing. Only an average tackler because of his limited strength, more of a hugger. Needs to do a better job using his limbs to be physical at the point and consistently finish in run support. Didn’t encounter elite talent at the FCS-level and will face a learning curve dealing with the speed at the next level.

Played for Jeremy Saitz and former PC wide receivers coach Jeff Scott at Blythewood H.S.

Will be reunited with PC Defensive Line Coach Reuben Wright, who was the Defensive Coordinator at Blythewood during the state championship run in 2006

Named Blythewood's Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Defensive Player in 2007

All-region accolades in 2007.

Justin Andrew Bethel was born June 17, 1990 in Sumter, S.C.

Son of Chris and Brenda Bethel

Has three siblings

Majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Music.