2024 Watchlist: Defensive Players

<strong> <em>Early analysis of the top defensive players on the Prep Redzone 2024 Watchlist.</em></strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="115483" first="Jaci" last="Dickerson"], DB, Saguaro</strong> Dickerson seeing the field as a freshman on varsity in one of the best programs in the country is a testament to his talent and ability. He’s an elite athlete with great versatility and playmaking ability. Has shown he can be a lockdown corner using his speed, quickness, and change-of-direction to match receivers movement. He possesses great timing, anticipation, and ball skills to effectively play the ball in the air. Already has an offer from ASU and other Power 5 programs are not far behind, he will be one of the top 2024 athletes in the state. <strong><img class="size-medium wp-image-24527 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-2-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" />[player_tooltip player_id="115501" first="Kennedy" last="Urlacher"], DB, Casteel</strong> Great foundation of size and frame to build on as he matures, has all the signs you’re looking for in terms of potential growth. He’s a plus athlete with good speed and versatility to play multiple positions as he develops. He’s fluid in the hips out of his transition and shows great acceleration and closing speed in his break on the ball. Good ball skills, he shows he can track and adjust to ball flight while maintaining coverage. Colleges will love his toughness and physicality combined with his athleticism. Offered by Arizona and New Mexico, he’ll be a double digit Power 5 offer prospect before long. Father is Chicago Bear’s LB Brian Urlacher. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="115486" first="Miles" last="Lockhart"], DB, Basha</strong> Already a Power 5 recruit with offers from Arizona, Arizona State, and Iowa State. He’s a smooth athlete with good speed and explosive playmaking ability. He shows good burst out of his backpedal and plus short area quickness and lateral agility. He’s calculated, patient, and efficient with his movement and footwork with little wasted motion. Plays well with his eyes putting himself in position to make plays both in coverage and in run support. High ceiling. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="115484" first="Nijrell" last="Eason"], DB, Higley</strong> Impressive athlete that is already getting Power 5 recruiting attention with offers from Iowa State and Purdue. Eason has great speed, quickness, and COD to stick with receivers all over the field. Possesses elite level ball skills, he shows a great ability to close on the ball, time out his jump, and play the ball in the air like a receiver. He shows good route recognition and anticipation without being overly aggressive and eager. His speed and hip flexibility out of his transition allow him to run with receivers in short and deep coverage. Strong open field tackler. Great upside and potential. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="115494" first="Memphis" last="Palelei"], LB, Shadow Ridge</strong> A downhill physical LB with a great frame for the position. He’s strong and powerful at the POA always driving his legs through contact. He’s a sure tackler in the open field but has the ability to deliver violent blows when he’s able to line up a ball carrier. He’s relentless in pursuit, he plays hard and aggressive with a high motor. He’s patient with his movement but makes decisive reads and reacts quickly. Shows a good ability to rush the passer. As he progresses, he’ll be one of the top LB’s in state. <strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="115497" first="Jack" last="Bleier"], LB, Basha</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="115500" first="Elijah" last="Rushing"], DE, Salpointe Catholic </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="115487" first="Jeremiah" last="Newcombe"], DB, Casteel</strong>