2022 Rankings Newcomers: Defense

<em>Check out some of the top defensive newcomers to the 2022 Prep Redzone WA Rankings.</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="151861" first="Reuben" last="Leiataua"], DL, West Seattle</strong> Good size and build for a college level interior defensive lineman at 6’3” 260 lbs. Flashes quick feet with a fast and explosive first step out of his stance. At the contact point he shows natural brute strength and power to be able to control his blocker or disengage. Displays good command, use, and timing of different moves to beat a block. Love his ability to finish and his always attacking/aggressive approach to the game. He’s a strong tackler and great in pursuit but would like to see him play with better leverage and pad level, he tends to get high out of his stance. Recently picked up his offer from Idaho St. and has continued to show good year over year improvement. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="151866" first="Derek" last="Bergeson"], LB, Royal</strong> A versatile athlete with good instincts and feel for the position. He’s a three down LB that is stout against the run and also has the speed/mobility to make plays in coverage. Shows great eye discipline and ability to make quick decisive reads to put himself in position to make plays all over the field. Strong as a tackler and in pursuit, he’s smart with his attack angles and closes space quickly. Does a great job weaving through traffic and slipping blocks to get to the ball carrier. Good skillset to build on and with his range and athleticism he could transition well to safety at the college level. <strong><img class=" wp-image-153109 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/06/Foosers.jpg" alt="2021 Orange Park Ridgeview Football" width="231" height="152" />[player_tooltip player_id="151872" first="Colby" last="Glennon"], LB, Archbishop Murphy</strong> Now at 6’3” 225 lbs., Glennon had a huge growth spurt from his sophomore to junior year growing three inches and adding 70 pounds to his frame. He’s a force in the run game with his ability to diagnose plays quickly and fill the gap. He’s powerful at the POA and uses his strength and hands to shed/disengage. He’s a body tackler that is aggressive and physical driving his legs and wrapping up through contact. Good potential and upside as he continues to develop. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="151874" first="Ephraim" last="Watkins"], DL, Gonzaga Prep</strong> Big frame at 6’2” 265 lbs. with a strong lower half. He excels as a run stuffer that can quickly gain penetration and make plays at or behind the LOS. He does a great job shedding blocks, staying square to the line, and locating the ball carrier. Moves well for his size showing good lateral agility to work down the line and make a tackle. He chases hard with a high motor and is a strong tackler. Displays good POA power with his ability to fight through blocks or anchor down to neutralize and fill a gap. Still waiting on that first offer but is receiving interest from several D1 programs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="151873" first="Austin" last="Harnetiaux"], LB, Seattle Prep</strong> Ideal size and length for a LB at 6’3” 225 lbs. He’s a plus athlete that uses his speed and burst to make plays sideline to sideline. Possesses a quick trigger and good anticipation to read run/pass. Shows good versatility making plays in both the run game and in coverage, also shows he can be an effective pass rusher. Good tackler that wraps up through contact and is reliable in the open field. He’s smart, physical, and a high effort player. Was voted 1^st Team All Metro and has good upside if he continues on the same trajectory.