2023 Under-The-Radar Defensive Playmakers

These past few weeks, we have given the spotlight to the upperclassmen players who have been flying under-the-radar. Today, the under-the-radar series reaches its conclusion, with a look at the rising defensive prospects in the Class of 2023. We will evaluate four oustanding student-athletes, covering three different positions. These four are high-impact players, on the cusp of breakout seasons this year. With training camp coming right up, these defensive stalwarts are ready to turn heads this season. [player_tooltip player_id="129976" first="Jacob" last="Kissel"], 6’1, 250 pounds, Lowell [player_tooltip player_id="129976" first="Jacob" last="Kissel"] is a dominant defensive tackle, capable of completely disrupting the offense. Kissel gets off the ball well. He plays with great intensity. Kissel is very powerful, and he can drive offensive linemen back. Kissel does a great job taking up space, making running through the middle extremely difficult. [player_tooltip player_id="129976" first="Jacob" last="Kissel"] also plays offensive guard, proving his versatility. He is a tremendous lead blocker on run plays. [player_tooltip player_id="132425" first="Cason" last="Glover"], 5’9, 165 pounds, North Central [player_tooltip player_id="132425" first="Cason" last="Glover"] is a ball-hawking safety, who gives maximum effort on every play. Glover understands his role within the coverage. He does a good job erasing the potential of big pass plays. But Glover does more than just cover the open receiver. He takes the ball away, and completely reverses the momentum of the game. Glover is a very smart safety, who reads the eyes of the quarterback. Once he sees where the throw is going, he breaks on the ball. Glover is a very solid tackler, who can make that solo tackle in space. [player_tooltip player_id="107256" first="Antonio" last="Grant"], 6’0, 165 pounds, Wabash [player_tooltip player_id="107256" first="Antonio" last="Grant"] is a very physical safety. Grant has good coverage skills, and he can win a jump ball, often coming up with a crucial interception. He does well in one-on-one coverage. Grant is an outstanding tackler in space. He routinely makes the pivotal stop that allows his team to avoid conceding a big play. Grant can come down into the box, and make an impact. He takes on blocks very well, and gets into the backfield. [player_tooltip player_id="156748" first="Brennan" last="Balka"], 6’2, 215 pounds, LaPorte [player_tooltip player_id="156748" first="Brennan" last="Balka"] is a physically-dominant outside linebacker. Balka has the power needed to be a successful pass rusher. He is consistently applying pressure on the quarterback. He uses his power to bull rush the offensive tackle. Balka is a great run defender, as well. He does an oustanding job of setting the edge on run plays, not allowing the running back to continue to stretch the play to the outside. He is an outstanding tackler. Balka is incredibly versatile. He can also play middle linebacker at a high level. [player_tooltip player_id="156748" first="Brennan" last="Balka"] is the type of prospect that will be difficult to keep off the field.