2023 Rankings Newcomers: Defense

<i>With the release of the updated 2023 PRZ Rankings, here's an in-depth analysis of some of the new defensive prospects to the list. </i> <strong><img class=" wp-image-24527 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-2.jpg" alt="" width="310" height="194" />[player_tooltip player_id="155631" first="Aden" last="Schaler"], DB, Yelm</strong> Schaler is a strong all-around prospect that is effective on both sides of the ball. He shows plus ball skills with a good ability to track/adjust both as a receiver and in coverage. He flashes good change-of-direction and a sustainable burst to run with vertical routes and stay on the hip of receivers without drawing a flag. He’s a physical player that seeks out contact and finishes the play. His versatility allows him to potentially play either side of the ball at the next level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="202546" first="Mason" last="Chorak"], DL, Mercer Island</strong> Great size and frame for a developing DE at 6’4” 245 lbs. He possesses an athletic build with good balance and weight distribution. Good mobility, he shows he can move his feet and work laterally down the line to make a play. He plays hard and can fire off the ball to quickly gain penetration and disrupt plays as they are developing. Demonstrates a good ability to use his hands and fight through blockers while locating the ball carrier. Good tools to build on as he continues to develop. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="202552" first="Adam" last="Troxel"], DL, Glacier Peak</strong> Not the biggest guy on the line at 6’1” 230 lbs. but has proven effective on both sides of the ball. He’s a plus athlete with good natural movement skills and mobility to redirect and chase. Good initial quickness out of his stance and with his hands to snap them into position and use them to lock out blockers and keep them off his body. Given his size, he’s extremely strong at the POA with the ability to move/overpower opponents using his leverage and natural strength. He’s smart and efficient using great technique/fundamentals on both sides of the ball. He’s an intriguing prospect that will be interesting to watch as he matures. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87484" first="Kruz" last="Wheeler"], LB, Ferris <img class=" wp-image-24526 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-3.jpg" alt="" width="298" height="186" /></strong> Wheeler is a versatile athlete that impacts the game in a variety of ways. He possesses a good physical skillset with his combination of athleticism, speed, and quickness. He’s quick twitch with good lateral agility to beat blockers and play sideline to sideline. Good nose for the football, he diagnoses plays as they develop and triggers to close space on the ball. He’s a high motor guy that is always attacking playing fast and physical. Exciting player to watch that is a playmaker on both sides of the ball. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87478" first="Alexander" last="Shaw"], DL, North Central</strong> Shaw’s off to a strong start to his junior season with 4.5 sacks, 5 TFL’s, and 17 total tackles in his first three games. At 6’3” 245 lbs. he possesses great natural strength and power that comes from his lower half and leverage at the POA. He fires off the ball and gains positional leverage with a quick and explosive first step. Coming off the edge, he shows good bend and flexibility to work around blockers and pursue the ball. He’s a high effort player that is a violent finisher. Depending on how he progresses, he could project to play either side of the line.