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#ScottsTots21: Three-Star Auburndale S Jaelen Stokes Signs LOI with USF Football

A key member of the class of 2021, and one that should pave the way for the Polk County to Tampa pipeline.

By Robert Steeg
Photo taken by Will Turner of 247Sports

Three-star DB Jaelen Stokes contributed in all three phases of the game for Auburndale this season and will be a key part of the Polk County pipeline for Coach Scott as he signs his LOI to play at USF.

Three-star (0.8400) per 247, Two-Star per Rivals

Other notable offers: Kansas State, Missouri, Illinois

Original Committed on April 10th

One of the longest secured commitments for Jeff Scott and one that he hopes yields a successful pipeline to Polk County, Stokes has the measurables to be a successful player for the Bulls. Coming in at 6’1” and 175 pounds, he has the length to be a hard hitting corner, but possess the field vision to play safety in the Green and Gold.

As a four-year varsity starter for Auburndale High School, Stokes accumulated 96 tackles, four interceptions, one forced fumble, and 15 pass breakups according to MaxPreps. His senior year had him branching out to other facets of the game, including playing wide receiver and returning kickoffs where he housed a kick off for a touchdown against Pasco High School for 86 yards. Stokes helped lead his team to a 4-3 regular season, before losing to Hillsborough high school in the second round of the state playoffs.

Watching his Hudl film, not only does he show a flashes of speed and strength, but provides excellent and intelligent coverage at multiple defensive positions. His coaches utilized him in one-on-one coverage on the goal line, in press coverage against top wide receivers, and even along the line to get into the trenches.

Stokes is at his best when he is closing in on opposing wide receivers for pass breakups or tackles. Curls and outs seem to be his favorite routes for coverage, as he can quickly get in the way for a pass break up or an interception.

By getting in the weight room early with USF’s strength and conditioning, Jaelen can come in and contribute right away on special teams, as well as seeing plenty of live coverage with USF losing both starting cornerbacks, KJ Sails and Mike Hampton, to the draft.