Takeaways from Jaiden Ausberry, University's quarterfinal win

NEW ORLEANS — On3 was on hand for the star-studded showdown featuring Five-Star Plus+ QB Arch Manning’s Newman at home against Baton Rouge (La.) University Lab on Friday Uptown.

University, the defending Division II state champions, features a bevy of Power-level prospects that see action in multiple positions on both sides of the ball. The group is headlined by On300 Notre Dame linebacker commit Jaiden Ausberry, as well as notable underclassmen 2025 hybrid LB Keylan Moses, 2025 DL Alec Haynes, 2026 OL/DL Lamar Brown and 2024 DBs Marcus Dawson Jr. and Tony Burns.

Here’s a recap of Manning’s final prep game and a look back at his four-year run as a starter. Now, let’s dive into this group of University prospects.

Ausberry flashes in record fashion

Ausberry has been an impact contributor on University’s defense the past four years and he’s added new roles as a senior, including action in the backfield and on special teams, including returning punts in key situations. Mostly, however, the Notre Dame commit has been a force in the middle of the defense. Against Newman, Ausberry spent time spying on the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Manning and preventing him from escaping outside the pocket, flashing his speed to the sideline in the process. He also excelled at shedding blocks and stifling inside run attempts.

In the victory, Ausberry eclipsed former No. 1 overall player Dylan Moses for most tackles (381.5) in University Lab program history. The Consensus‘ No. 12 LB is at 384, and counting, with a Division III semifinals game on deck this Friday. Ausberry’s athletic profile has been on full display in many instances this season and should be a steady force in the middle of Marcus Freeman’s defense for years to come.

Hybrid ATH Moses steps up in big way

2025 EDGE/LB Moses was undoubtedly one of the cheat codes unlocked by the University defensive coaches last weekend. Moses racked up 2.5 sacks, unofficially, while also flying off the edge and aggressively pressuring on the quarterback, and causing havoc in the backfield. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder uses his hands well and is explosive turning the corner. He bends well and closes in a hurry.

Moses also accounted for 66 yards rushing on 13 carries with two touchdowns. The same twitch and burst he displays as a stand-up rusher is evident as a ball carrier. One SEC assistant compared the sophomore to LSU freshman Harold Perkins. Interestingly enough, the Tigers lead early on On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine.

2026 OL Brown checks the boxes

In the win, University dominated in the trenches and 2026 OL/DL Brown was absolutely brilliant. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound freshman works along both the offense and defensive lines, and in this analyst’s opinion is poised to be one of the best players not only in The Boot but nationally in his respective class.

In the spring, a Big 12 coach told this analyst that he’d sign Brown to his recruiting class this year if possible. During a live evaluation, he was nimble on his feet and dominated at the point of attack, and was able to reach multiple levels of the defense for blocks on occasion. That type of effort from the likes of a freshman is telling.

Brown also saw action at defensive tackle, where his power and ability to command multiple blockers to free up his teammates around him to make plays is noted. Brown also applied some pressure inside. He’s one of two bonafide stars in the 2026 class in Louisiana and has the makings of a nationally coveted OL in due time.

2024 DB both notch INTs

On3 took notice of strong showings this offseason by 2024 University defensive backs Burns and Dawson, ranked as top-20 players in-state in the next year’s recruiting cycle and already on the national radar.

Burns, the little brother of LSU safety Major Burns, was the first player to intercept Manning this season. The junior DB also came away with a pass defended in the middle of the field and was active defending the run.

Dawson, whose father played linebacker at Southern, brings that same mindset to the safety position, where he’s corralled multiple interceptions this season, including both in-person evaluations by this analyst. At 6-foot-2 and a shade under 200 pounds, Dawson might’ve delivered one of the hardest hits in this contest and then secured any comeback efforts with a 100-plus-yard pick-six in the fourth quarter.

With his frame, ability to cover real estate and nose for the football in coverage deep, he projects as a hybrid safety, though with his physical nature and playmaking ability near the line of scrimmage he could certainly wind up growing into a linebacker.

2025 DL Haynes makes his mark

Another underclassman that contributed in the trenches was 2025 DL Haynes, another hybrid defender along the University front seven. Haynes is impactful with his hand in the dirt playing at defensive end, and at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds could continue to grow to be either a traditional weakside end or even a stand-up rusher.

Haynes plays with a high motor and came away with a sack and a few additional pressures and quarterback hits and tackles in this win. The physicality the sophomore plays with should open the door to collect multiple Power 5 opportunities after the season as one of the notable 2025s in The Boot.