2023 Rankings Newcomers: Defense

<em>Here’s an in-depth look into some of the top 2023 defensive prospects that are new to the state Prep Redzone Rankings. </em> <strong><img class=" wp-image-155914 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/06/PrzIcon3.png" alt="" width="226" height="231" />[player_tooltip player_id="165889" first="Faimafili" last="Snuka"], LB, Williams Field</strong> Snuka is a throwback LB that plays fast and physical. He’s a violent finisher that brings a thud every tackle firing his hips through contact while using good leverage/pad level. Good game awareness combined with his ability to diagnose allows him to quickly locate and attack the ball carrier. He does a good job using his hands and disengaging to free himself up to make a tackle. In pursuit, he’s smart and efficient with his angles and flashes good short area burst to close space quickly. He’s a great effort player that should have a big junior year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="165894" first="Mason" last="Stromstad"], DB, Marcos De Niza</strong> Playing the centerfield safety spot well, there’s a lot to like about Stromstad. He’s a plus athlete with the speed and range to make plays all over the secondary in coverage and in run support. He plays well with his eyes making quick reads to anticipate and be in position to make a play on the ball. Flashes great ball skills, he adjusts well and shows good timing at the intersect point. He’s a smart decision maker when it comes to making a play on the ball or breaking down to make a tackle. He’s not afraid of contact and never hesitates to come downhill and deliver a blow. A lot of tools to build on and could develop into a quality college safety prospect. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="165909" first="Antonio" last="Delgado"], DL, Desert Vista</strong> Good versatility to play multiple positions on the defensive side. Possesses a well-built compact frame at 5’11” 205 lbs. with great natural strength. Impressive initial quickness and explosiveness off the ball allows him to quickly gain penetration and make plays behind the LOS, sometimes at the exchange point. Shows his natural strength in tackling when he delivers a thump and drive his feet through contact. He’s a plus athlete with quick feet and good mobility to pursue ball carrier’s sideline to sideline. Expect him to be extremely disruptive in the Desert Vista defense this upcoming season. High academic prospect. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="165900" first="Dominic" last="Hanger"], LB, Chandler<img class=" wp-image-136303 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/PRZ-Generic-Gray.jpg" alt="" width="397" height="248" /></strong> Good versatility from the OLB position with his ability in coverage and as a run stopper. He possesses a high football IQ showing a good understanding of his assignment while making quick and decisive run/pass reads. In coverage, he shows good foot quickness and flexibility in his hips to change directions and break on the ball. Great ball skills. Does a good job filling in run support and stepping up to take on lead blockers while keeping his shoulders square and outside arm free to make a tackle. Great motor in pursuit and has the speed to chase down ball carriers all over the field. Strong natural skillset to continue to develop on. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="165907" first="Pierson" last="Watson"], LB, Coconino</strong> Voted second team all-region after a strong sophomore campaign racking up 36 tackles, 9 tackles-for-loss, and five sacks in 7 games. He’s got a good frame to build on with length at 6’2” 190 lbs. Quick trigger to break on the ball and has the speed and burst to close space in a hurry. He plays downhill and is an aggressive body tackler that explodes through contact. He’s savvy with his ability to slip blocks and avoid contact to get to the ball carrier. Would like to see him add weight but love his competitive nature and shows good upside/potential. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="42925" first="Jason" last="Kirkland"], DL, Mountain Ridge</strong> College coaches will love his length at 6’5” with tons of room to add weight and fill out his frame. He’s an impressive athlete that bends well and shows good speed in pursuit and coming off the edge. Great reaction time and explosiveness off the ball to quickly work around blockers and disrupt plays in the backfield. Also shows good command and usage of a variety of moves to effectively disengage. His athleticism and COD allows him to easily redirect and pursue ball carriers at every level. He’s an intriguing prospect that has performed well on the camp/showcase circuit this offseason.