Small School Breakout Defenders
When looking around the state of Illinois, there are plenty of players who could see a significant leap in their production this coming season. Here are a few small school, 4A and under, players that could break out this year.…
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Continue ReadingWhen looking around the state of Illinois, there are plenty of players who could see a significant leap in their production this coming season. Here are a few small school, 4A and under, players that could break out this year.
SS Ashton Harvey, JR – Coal City (3A)
Any time a first-year varsity player puts up numbers like Harvey did (90 tackles, 4 interceptions and 9 tackles for loss) it is going to get your attention. Although Harvey showed some promise on the offensive side of the ball, his upside as a defender is more tantalizing. He is a bit undersized at 5-foot-8-inches for a defensive back, but Harvey isn’t afraid to throw his 180-pounds around. He is built solidly and uses his shorter stature as leverage when making tackles. Harvey shows great awareness and instincts, as he typically plays in the box. What he lack for in height, Harvey makes up in different areas and should continue to put up more impressive stats as his career continues.
DE TJ McMillen, SO – St. Francis (4A)
It’s fairly obvious that McMillen is advanced for his age, as a coaches son it’s hard not to be, but that doesn’t always equate to success on the field so early. That wasn’t the case for McMillen as his skills showed bright in his first year in high school. Already with great size at 6-foot-3-inches and weighing 235-pounds, he will be the focal point for opposing offenses over the next 3 years. The frame could be college ready right now as over the next few years should fill out and become a very sough after prospect. McMillen’s first step is impressive, often putting himself in good position to make plays in the backfield which led to 6.5 sacks last year. At this level it will win him a lot of battles, but as the competition increases, McMillen will have to work different moves when attacking offensive tackles. His athleticism plays on both sides of the ball, but once he concentrates solely on defense, watch out. McMillen already holds three offers, Syracuse, Central Michigan and Eastern Kentucky and expect that list to continue to grow throughout his high school career.
DT Matthew Haan, JR – Chicago Christian (2A)
Haan is your classic two-way lineman in high school playing on the outside for offense and inside on defense. He projects well on either side of the ball, but if I have a preference it’s on the defensive side at tackle. Haan’s 6-foot-3-inch and 250-pound frame looks like there could be plenty of good weight added while not losing his athleticism. The jumbo athlete probably would have to move inside to guard at the next level, but if he stay’s on defense he could be a terror on interior linemen. Haan shows good bend, although he get’s a bit stiff sometimes, a full-time move to the defensive side would negate that bad habit. Look for Haan to continue to improve in his junior year, which could see him explode on the recruiting scene.