2024 Watchlist: Defensive Players

<em>Early analysis of the top defensive players on the Prep Redzone 2024 Watchlist.</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="115341" first="Damon" last="Iosefa"], LB, Decatur, 5’11” 235 lbs.</strong> Starting both ways as a freshman on varsity, Iosefa shows great natural instincts and feel for the game at such a young age. He possesses a big frame at 5’10” 245 lbs. with developing strength and power at the POA. Playing as a LB in the Decatur defense, he is quick to diagnose plays and react. He’s a very strong tackler both between the tackles and in space 1v1. He’s a plus athlete with good mobility, speed, and lateral agility to make plays sideline to sideline. D1 talent and ability. <strong><img class="size-medium wp-image-24524 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-5-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" />[player_tooltip player_id="115348" first="Adrian" last="Shields"], LB, Seattle Prep, 6’0” 210 lbs.</strong> Already has great size with an athletic build at 6’0” 210 lbs. He shows good feet and change of direction to go along with his short area burst and acceleration. He had a strong performance at the National Preps showcase in Olympia where he was named a top performer. Has the upside and potential to be a D1 recruit if he continues on the same trajectory. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="115335" first="Jason" last="Brown"], DB, O’dea, 5’8” 170 lbs.</strong> Young DB that can run. He shows fluid hips and good feet that allows him to change directions and match lateral movement. Transitions well out of his back pedal showing good leg drive and burst. He’s a plus athlete with a well built frame in one of the top programs in the state. Keep an eye on him as he continues to develop. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="115336" first="Brandon" last="Ervin"], DB, Lincoln, 5’9” 155 lbs.</strong> Already holds an offer from Nevada. Very impressive athlete with natural ability and talent. Also a sprinter, he shows great ability to run with receivers in both short and deep coverage. Colleges will love his COD, initial quickness, and acceleration out of his back pedal. He flashes great ball skills with his ability to track, adjust, and attack the ball at the highest point. He will be one of the top 2024 DB recruits in the state.