2022 Rankings Risers: Defense Part 1

An inside look into some of the 2022 defensive prospects rising up the Prep Redzone Rankings. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="42857" first="Lance" last="Holtzclaw"], LB, Desert Ridge</strong> Holtzclaw made a huge jump in the rankings and has continued his hot streak in recruiting since the start of the year. Committed to Washington in early July after racking up 13 offers from some big name programs including Iowa State, Michigan, Kansas State, and a handful of PAC12’s. He’s one of the more versatile prospects I’ve seen in the 2022 class, especially at his size of 6’4” 205 lbs. He’s a pure athlete with exceptional body control and coordination. Great physical skillset to build on at the college level with his speed, burst, and initial quickness. Projects as an edge guy at UW but will have an impact wherever he’s lined up this upcoming season for Desert Ridge. [caption id="attachment_69083" align="alignleft" width="314"]<img class=" wp-image-69083" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/IMG_4888-1.jpg" alt="" width="314" height="206" /> Photo: Twitter[/caption] <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="42840" first="Jacob" last="Holmes"], DL, Chandler</strong> Holmes transferred to Chandler after being voted first-team all-region and defensive player of the year at Cesar Chavez. He’s had a huge offseason where he’s picked up 11 offers including six P5 programs. Possesses ideal size for an interior defensive lineman at 6’4” 285 lbs. with a strong and sturdy lower half. Plus athleticism and mobility he’s light on his feet and loose in the hips. Use his initial quickness to explode off the ball and beat blockers to the spot before they can get in position. His natural strength allows him to overpower opponents and put himself in position to disrupt plays at or behind the LOS. He’s violent and efficient with his hands to disengage or neutralize blocks. Made a huge jump in the rankings since our last update. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="42841" first="Malaki" last="Ta’ase"], DL, Mountain View</strong> The three sport athlete (football, basketball, track/field) is finally getting the recruiting attention he deserves after picking up a handful of offers including Nevada, Utah State, Southern Utah, and Idaho. Had a breakout year as a junior when he was voted region player of the year and recorded 13 sacks. He’s extremely disruptive to opposing offenses coming off the edge making plays in the backfield before they can develop. Explosive first step off the ball in combination with his lateral quickness and burst make him tough to block for even the most athletic offensive tackles. He’s a high effort always attacking player that plays with good pad level and leverage throughout. Expect the offers to keep rolling in with a big senior season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="42846" first="Connor" last="Clinton"], DB, Casteel <img class=" wp-image-136696 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/PREP-REDZONE-PICTURE-NEW-crop-1225x805-1615138875.jpg" alt="" width="262" height="172" /></strong> Clinton’s recruiting is taking off with recent offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Dartmouth, Navy, and Northern Arizona. He’s an ideal safety prospect with great range and playmaking ability in both coverage and run support. Good natural instincts and anticipation, he plays well with his eyes to quickly diagnose plays and react. Good game speed and change-of-direction to close space and break on the ball or ball carrier. Strong ball skills, he tracks it well in the air and shows good timing at the intersect point. Plays physical and aggressive, he comes downhill in run support showing good strength at the contact point and is a reliable open field tackler. He’s a high academic prospect who’s recruiting stock will continue to rise. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="100667" first="Amari" last="Gilmore"], DB, Poston Butte</strong> Gilmore is an electric athlete with explosive playmaking potential. He’s fluid with his movement and flashes great top end and start/stop speed. He’s loose in the hips with quick feet and great acceleration out of his transition. He’s rangy with the ability to cover effectively at all three depths and play sideline to sideline in run support. Plays the ball extremely well in the air, he competes for every ball and attacks it at the highest point. Love his confidence, he plays fast and physical always bringing strong contact and delivering a blow. Great playmaker in the return game. Holds offers from Southwest Minnesota State and Idaho but expect that number to rise as he showcases his talent.