2022 Rankings Risers: Defense

<em>With the release of the updated WA 2022 rankings, here’s an in-depth analysis of several defensive players who are climbing rankings and recruiting boards nationwide.</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87318" first="DeAndre" last="Gill"], LB, Kentwood</strong> At 6’5” 210 lbs. Gill possesses ideal length with great growth potential to add weight at the college level. Extremely versatile, he has a wide physical skillset with his combination of athleticism and mobility to be a playmaker all over the field and at multiple positions. Shows he can be a three down LB that is effective as an edge rusher, run stopper, or drop back defender in coverage. Flashes good game speed with his ability to read/react and then quickly close space on the ball carrier. Committed to UCLA in early May after pulling in additional offers from UNLV and Florida Atlantic. With his length and ability it’s surprising more PAC12 schools haven’t offered. https://twitter.com/Drippyy_Dre/status/1389310247081189377?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87365" first="Isaiah" last="Malloe"], DB, Kennedy Catholic</strong> Good all-around DB prospect with the versatility to play corner or safety at the college level. Has a strong combination of natural ability and fundamentals to be an effective playmaker in the secondary. He’s a plus athlete showing good top end speed, burst to close, and change-of-direction. Great feel for the game with his instincts and anticipation both in coverage and coming downhill in run support. He’s calculated and patient with his footwork but possesses a quick trigger with little wasted motion/movement. Not the biggest guy but he’s tough, physical, and always playing full speed. Never avoids contact and brings a thump as a tackler. Still holding out for that first offer but his recruiting stock is on the rise and doesn’t lack talent or ability to play at a high level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="151887" first="Kaz" last="Melzer"], DL, Gonzaga </strong> Well-balanced and sturdy frame at 6’4” 250 lbs. Coming off the edge he shows good bend, flexibility, and short-area burst. He comes hard off the ball with a quick first step to gain penetration and disrupt a lot of plays at or behind the LOS. Does a good job using his hands to disengage while also being able to use his bend and quickness to avoid contact with blockers and pursue the ball carrier. He’s a sure tackler in space and can be a violent finisher when he’s able to line up his opponent and has his feet underneath him. Currently has eight offers to his name from a variety of FBS/FCS schools including programs from the Mountain West, Big Sky, and Ivy Leagues. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87328" first="Takari" last="Hickle"], DL, Tenino</strong> Checks all the boxes colleges are looking for in terms of physical attributes with his size, length, athleticism, and room for growth. Currently 6’4” 240 lbs. he possesses extremely rare length with an almost seven foot wingspan and over 11 inch hands. He’s a plus athlete with good natural movement skills, balance, and body control. He explodes off the ball with good reactionary quickness and short area burst to close. Committed to Oregon State in July over an offer from Nevada, he has terrific upside and potential. With his versatility it will be interesting to see how his body continues to develop and where he fits into the Oregon State defensive scheme. https://twitter.com/HickleTakari/status/1414668734338256896?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="151984" first="Ziggy" last="Loa"], LB, Mount Tahoma</strong> Big strong frame at 6’3” 230 lbs. He’s a downhill defender that plays tough, physical, and aggressive. Good open field tackler with natural power at the POA to deliver strong contact and wrap up to the ground. High football IQ with a good understanding of his position/assignment. Shows good eye discipline to read run/pass and put himself in position to make plays. Does a good job taking on lead blockers, keeping his shoulders square, and maintaining his leverage to shed a block and locate the ball carrier. After a strong spring season, he picked up his first offer from Florida Atlantic and has the potential to add more with a big senior season.