Illinois All Off-Season Squad: 1st Team Defense

<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><em><strong>Overview</strong></em></span> This off-season I’ve been fortunate enough to attend numerous workouts, practices, camps &amp; showcases to evaluate some of the most talented prospects in all of Illinois. During this time I’ve seen some of the biggest recruits in the state, who were very much on my radar beforehand. However, I’ve also seen a ton of hidden gem type prospects who I had no idea about and discovered because of these events. I went deep into my notes and gave you my top performers of this off-season. Here’s our complete 1st Team Defensive Squad. <hr /> <em><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>DL</strong></span></em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20913" first="Christian" last="Lorenzo"], DeKalb, JR</strong> Lorenzo dominated at both our camp and the EdgyTim/EFT Showcase. He’s got good size at 6’4, 265, and will make a heck of a 3-technique at the next level. He features a quick first step and drives off the ball with a low pad level. He dominated in 1 on 1’s at both camps and showed he’s a nightmare to single block. I think Lorenzo is no-doubt an FBS type kid and I’d be shocked if someone didn’t come in and offer him at some point. He’s still got time, as he’s only going to be a junior. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20837" first="T.J." last="McMillen"], St. Francis, SO</strong> A future four-star who was spectacular as a freshman and looked better this summer/fall on the camp circuit. T.J. has all the intangibles you look for: good bend, great burst of the ball, a high motor, and multiple counter moves. He went to most camps playing as a five-technique and dominated, however, he’s 100% a 3 technique at the next level and will dominate there as well. It shouldn’t be long before this young man has about every offer in the country. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="65481" first="Caleb" last="Dietlin"], West Aurora, SR</strong> This kid can move for a guy his size and even ran in the 4.8 range at our camp while pulling a hamstring. Caleb shows good bend and plays with a relentless motor on film. He is a bit sporty, as I think he could play as either a 3-4 standup defensive end or a true hand in the dirt five-technique. Every coach I talked to about this kid raved about his upside. <img class="alignnone wp-image-57369" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/Caleb-Dietlin-270x300.jpg" alt="" width="328" height="364" /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20368" first="Carmine" last="Bastone"], St. Charles North, SR</strong> I think Bastone is the fastest rising defensive lineman in all of Illinois. He’s put together, is as strong as they come, and has a heavy punch. Beyond that, he’s a good hand fighter and knows how to slap away an opposing tackles punch. This young man is aggressive and extremely competitive. I think Cornell got themselves a straight steal in this kid, as he had FBS type ability in my eyes. <em><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>LB</strong></span></em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20331" first="Danny" last="Orgler"], Stevenson, SR</strong> Orgler can move around and has potential at both inside and outside linebacker. He showed up to our camp and ran a 4.7, making him the fastest LB there. He dominated during 1 on 1’s and showed loose hips and a physical jam. He’s still uncommitted and could provide some school a ton of value. <img class="alignnone wp-image-57433" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/Danny-Orgler-263x300.jpg" alt="" width="308" height="351" /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20318" first="Malachi" last="McNeal"], Warren, SR</strong> I’ve seen Malachi twice in person and have been so impressed by him. He moves exceptionally well for an inside linebacker and can play man like a nickel. He’s shown great burst when closing in on ball carriers and takes great angles to the football. To me, he’s vastly underrated, and North Dakota should be fired up about locking in his commitment. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20320" first="Al" last="Pontrelli"], Lemont, SR</strong> A long linebacker who can rush the passer. Albert shows good instincts and great acceleration. He can come off the edge, dip and rip a tackle to get to the QB or can effortlessly drop into coverage in zone. He’s got a very high ceiling and could end up playing as a true sam or a 3-4 outside linebacker. <em><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>DB</strong></span></em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20930" first="Saveon" last="Brown"], Thornwood, JR</strong> Our new #1 defensive back in all of Illinois had himself a heck of an off-season. Saveon looks like a Division I DB already and shows quick feet and crisp breaks. He can line up at corner or in the slot as a safety and play man. He can leap too and will attack the football in the air. Right now, he has two FBS offers, and that list is only going to grow. <img class="alignnone wp-image-57646" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/Saveon-Brown-255x300.jpg" alt="" width="290" height="341" /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="65538" first="Justin" last="Gniedziejko"], Taft, SR</strong> A playmaking machine on offense or defense. Justin is as competitive as they come and isn’t afraid to jump in front of a route and take a pass the other way. He moves well in space and does a good job of coming to balance when coming up to tag off on a ball carrier. He’s got loose hips and great ball skills for a safety. I’m pleasantly surprised no FCS schools have offered yet. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20932" first="Peter" last="Roll"], Nazareth, JR</strong> Pete has a bright future ahead of him as a strong safety and has the top-end speed you look for in a Defensive back. He’s got quick feet, a solid off-hand jam, and razor-tight breaks. I saw him multiple times this summer and came away impressed by his athleticism. He transferred to Nazareth this off-season and figures to be a key cog on the Road Runners defense this winter. <img class="alignnone wp-image-57617" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/Peter-Roll-300x276.jpg" alt="" width="382" height="351" /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20931" first="Austin" last="Brown"], Johnston City, JR</strong> Brown can play all over, but I think his future is at defensive back. He showed elite change of direction skills and good recovery speed. His backpedal is smooth and he understands when to open his hips and turn and run. He’s got great instincts and a tough mindset, he’ll make a great safety at the FBS level