Christopher Pearson is a 6-foot-1, 170-pound defensive back starring at safety and cornerback for the Fairfield Central Griffins, a strong program in South Carolina's 2A that finished 9-3 in 2023 and 9-4 in 2022 behind the play of star quarterback Cameron McMillon, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound pro-style quarterback drawing heavy interest from programs in the Division 1, including an offer from Marshall and camp visit to Tennessee.
Pearson went on game visits to Mercer and Charleston Southern last season and stars for Fairfield Elite, a notable 7-on-7 program in the state, during the offseason. Read a further evaluation on the prospect via Palmetto Preps recruiting editor, Lee Wardlaw, below:
“Rangy defender with size to play the position in either the FBS or FCS. Uses strong arms like barriers. Follows his man through and through.
Check 0:53, where he does this in a big-time matchup against Newberry. I love his form from the line of scrimmage and how he pushes the wide receiver to the sideline from the snap of the ball. Pearson possesses good play recognition from the snap (1:20). Pearson is prone to making big-play, circuit-style pass break-ups in coverage, where the DB utilizes his vertical leaping ability, body control, concentration, and dedication to finishing the play.
Pearson excels in both on and off-man coverages. He also showed he can beat his man on the edge with consistent physicality, peel off that receiver, and cause disruption, getting to the running back in space. At 2:00, he ‘punches’ at his man and hooks the runner with one arm to create a fumble.
He possesses tracking skills and can recognize a receiver in the flat or screen and transform to the second gear to track him down on space, ‘drawing blood’ on a physical hit, where he gets low after speeding to his target with cat-like reflexes. (2:26, 2:54) Again, quickly recognizes what’s coming and finishes the play, tackling in space (3:10, 3:23).
Makes touchdown saving tackles, averting catastrophe. (4:07).
Showed out against big receivers against tough Palmetto State competition like Newberry and others.
Could get quicker off the ball against the pass."
“I’m a smart, zone, press man-to-man CB that loves to compete," he told Palmetto Preps on what makes him a special player on the field.
Projection: FCS
