Scouting Report: Xavier Lherisse

 

Scouting Report: Xavier Lherisse

Position: Safety / Wide Receiver
School: Eau Gallie High School
Class: 2026
Height/Weight: 5-10, 180 pounds
Athletic Traits: Explosive, instinctive, hard-hitting

Strengths:

Elite Range & Closing Speed: Lherisse is at his best patrolling the deep third of the field. His ability to cover ground and react to plays is impressive, especially when breaking downhill on passes. He has natural instincts in zone coverage and times his breaks well to make plays on the ball.

Ball Skills & Playmaking Ability: One of the most noticeable improvements from his sophomore to junior year is his ability to generate turnovers. He recorded six interceptions as a junior, up from limited ball production in his sophomore season, showcasing his ball-tracking skills and ability to read quarterbacks. His return ability after the interception is also a plus, as he turns takeaways into offensive opportunities.

Physicality & Hitting Power: Despite being on the smaller side for a safety, Lherisse plays with an aggressive mindset. He delivers punishing hits and isn't afraid to separate receivers from the ball. His ability to jar passes loose makes him an enforcer in the middle of the field.

Two-Way Development: As a junior, he expanded his impact beyond defense, becoming a major offensive weapon with 53 receptions for 776 yards and 9 touchdowns. This demonstrates his improved hands, route-running ability, and explosiveness in space. His ball-tracking as a receiver complements his defensive skills, further showcasing his natural instincts.

Areas of Growth (Sophomore → Junior Year):

Increased Ball Production: Lherisse's ability to generate turnovers improved significantly between seasons, as evidenced by his six interceptions and three pass breakups. His ability to read routes, anticipate throws, and position himself improved noticeably.

Expanded Versatility: While primarily a safety, Lherisse’s transition to a key offensive player as a junior highlights his overall athleticism and ball skills. His development as a receiver suggests a strong understanding of route concepts, which benefits his ability to anticipate plays defensively.

Improved Recognition & Instincts: His reactions in coverage appear quicker as a junior. He consistently positions himself well to make plays, suggesting improved film study and understanding of offensive tendencies.Play Strength & Physicality: Even as an undersized safety, Lherisse’s tackling technique and ability to deliver forceful hits remained consistent. He doesn’t shy away from contact, and his ability to bring down larger ball carriers in space improved from his sophomore season.

Projected Fit & Future Outlook:

Lherisse’s skill set translates well to a free safety role at the next level. His range, ball-hawking instincts, and closing speed make him a natural fit as a deep-field defender in a Cover 3 or Cover 2 scheme. His ability to generate turnovers and contribute in multiple phases of the game will make him an intriguing prospect for college programs.

If he continues to refine his technique and prove his ability to play man coverage against higher-level competition, he could develop into an impact defensive back at the next level. His growth from a solid high school safety to a legitimate two-way playmaker as a junior suggests that his best football is still ahead of him.

Overall Thoughts:

Strengths: Explosiveness, range, ball skills, hitting power

Weaknesses: Undersized, limited man coverage reps

Best Projection: Free safety with high playmaking upside