2023 Rankings Newcomers: Defense
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Check out some of the top defensive newcomers to the 2023 Prep Redzone CA Rankings. Makhi Connor Makhi Connor 6'1" | 190 lbs | DB Inglewood | 2023 State CA , DB, Inglewood Makhi is having a big month of…
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Continue ReadingCheck out some of the top defensive newcomers to the 2023 Prep Redzone CA Rankings.
Makhi Connor Makhi Connor 6'1" | 190 lbs | DB Inglewood | 2023 State CA , DB, Inglewood
Makhi is having a big month of May adding four new offers to his list. Offered by Arizona State in late February he’s added Ole Miss, USC, Pitt, UNLV, and Mississippi Valley State. At 6’1” 180 lbs. he’s a rangy safety that flashes great instincts and anticipation. He plays well with his eyes reading the QB and putting himself in good position to make plays on the ball. His anticipation of where the ball is going allows him to get an early break and cover a lot of ground to break passes at the intersect point or make quick open field tackles without allowing the receiver to pick yards after the catch. Possesses a great nose for the football in both the run game and in coverage. Expect the offers to keep rolling in for him as his recruiting stock skyrockets.
Lucas Conti Lucas Conti 6'5" | 260 lbs | DL Centennial - Corona | 2023 State CA , DL, Centennial – Corona
Conti checks a lot of boxes as a Power 5 DE and should see an increase in his recruitment after receiving offers from Arizona State and Montana State. Good balanced and athletic frame at 6’5” 260 lbs. with a huge wingspan. He’s disruptive off the edge with his quick and explosive first step that allows him to gain penetration before the play can develop. He shows great short area quickness and burst in pursuit to chase down ball carriers all over the field. Very strong and efficient hand usage, punches with a purpose and shows good strength to fight off blockers and maintain separation. He’s an aggressive body tackler that is powerful at the POA. Love his ability to rush the passer off the edge.
Marcus Ratcliffe Marcus Ratcliffe 6'3" | 190 lbs | DB Cathedral Catholic | 2023 State CA , DB, Cathedral Catholic
A versatile DB that projects as a Safety at the college level but can play any position in the secondary. Possesses an ideal frame at 6’3” 180 lbs. with length and room to grow. He shows good quickness and lateral agility to match opponent’s movement and COD. He transitions well into his break with good leg drive out of his back pedal to close space. Does a great job staying square to the LOS as long as possible and not committing his hips to either direction so that he can maintain close coverage. He plays the ball well in the air with good timing and high point ability. Shows to be a reliable open tackler that wraps up through contact. Picked up his first offer from San Diego State in late March that could spring board his recruitment with more D1 programs coming in.
Jaden Hunt Jaden Hunt 5'9" | 160 lbs | DB Millikan | 2023 State CA , DB, Millikan
Hunt is a talented athlete and strong cover corner. He shows a great ability to match up in man coverage and run stride for stride while covering the whole field. He’s fluid with his movement showing very loose hips and quick feet to change directions on a dime and match WR movement. His transition is smooth and the burst out of his break allows him to close space quickly and make plays on the ball. Strong perimeter and open field tackler. Holds three D1 offers to his name so far including UNLV, Arizona, and Nevada but his recruiting is on the rise and he should add to that list with a strong offseason and camp/showcase performance.
Victory Johnson Victory Johnson 6'4" | 230 lbs | LB Cathedral Catholic | 2023 State CA , LB, The Bishop’s
Impressive athlete with good size/frame for a high D1 LB at 6’4” 230 lbs. He shows plus flexibility in his hips with the footspeed and mobility to get to his spot and establish positioning. He’s an extremely violent and physical football player that uses his leverage and strength to overpower opponents at the POA. He plays sideline to sideline with a high motor flying around to attack ball carriers. Does a great job taking on and fighting off blocks to locate then chase down the ball carrier. Good nose for the football, he is able to diagnose plays quickly and efficiently. Made first team All-League in the shortened spring season as a sophomore then pick up his first offer from Arizona State shortly after. More Power 5 programs will come in as long as he continues to develop on the same trajectory.