2023 Rankings Newcomers: Defense

In-depth analysis of some of the new defensive prospects to the state’s 2023 PRZ Rankings. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="214071" first="Jeremiah" last="Vessel"], DB, Basha</strong> Vessel transferred in from Louisiana and immediately became one the states top DB prospects regardless of class. He’s been a key piece in the star studded Basha defense using his range and speed to be a sideline to sideline playmaker. His effectiveness in both coverage and run support allows him to use his versatility to line up as a deep cover safety or in the box defender. Possesses elite level short area burst and closing speed to quickly transition and break on the ball. He’s a violent and physical defender with great instincts/anticipation to play fast and freely. He’s a national recruit that already has 16 offers from almost every conference in the country and is surely to add more as he works his way through the recruiting cycle. https://twitter.com/jeremiah5vessel/status/1444710899017609216?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="214076" first="Alex" last="McLaughlin"], LB, Hamilton</strong> McLaughlin was a sleeper in the stout Hamilton defense prior to the season but has made a name for himself after a coming out party on national television against Bishop Gorman and racking up over 70 tackles during the regular season. Possesses a good long frame to build on at 6’3” 190 lbs. and the athleticism to play as in space defender. Throughout the season he has demonstrated he can be effective as an outside force guy in run support, an underneath zone cover guy against the pass, or a read/rush defender off the edge. As you would expect in the Hamilton system he’s smart, well coached, and a technician with his fundamentals. Expect him to keep rising up rankings and recruiting boards as he grows and progresses. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="214109" first="Cole" last="Lalama"], LB, Queen Creek</strong> Lalama has been a huge piece in the success of the Queen Creek defense and had a monster statistical season finishing as the 6A leader in total tackles with 144. At 6’1” 210 lbs. he’s a stout run stopper that also shows good ability as a zone defender in coverage. He plays downhill and has a great nose for the football to fly around and fill gaps. High football IQ, good eye discipline, and efficient movement allow him to make quick and decisive reads and always be around the ball. Great ability to redirect and take good angles of attack to put himself in good position. Love his reactionary quickness and anticipation. He’s an intriguing college prospect that is one to watch as he develops. https://twitter.com/LalamaCole/status/1460732516789227527?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="214117" first="Samuel" last="Brown"], ATH, Marana</strong> Brown is an explosive playmaker on both sides of the ball for Marana at WR and DB. Throughout the regular season he filled the stat sheet racking up almost 900 yards receiving on 52 receptions with 9 TD’s and accounted for 65 tackles with 5 interceptions. He’s a smooth athlete with outstanding ball skills. He’s a natural pass catcher that attacks the ball in the air with good coordination and concentration. Flashes some fluidity in the hips, he’s quick out of his transition and can get in/out of his breaks without raising his hip level. Good playing speed, he’s quick to react and has the burst to close space whether he’s eating up a DB’s cushion or breaking on a ball carrier. He’s a high academic prospect that should see his recruiting stock on the rise through the offseason. https://twitter.com/SamBrown2023/status/1442297502858764295?s=20 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="214123" first="Joe" last="Loveall"], DL, Gilbert</strong> Not the biggest guy at 5’11” 190 lbs. but Loveall is a playmaker on the DL, evident by his 17 TFL’s on 57 total tackles. He’s a plus athlete with good all-around quickness and flexibility to work around blockers. His first step and short area speed allows him to explode off the ball and gain penetration to make plays as they develop at or behind the LOS. He’s relentless in pursuit and shows good change of direction and lateral mobility to chase down ball carriers all over the field. He’s an extremely tough block that plays with good leverage and pad level to disengage while locating the ball. He’s an exciting defensive player to watch that OC’s will have to scheme for as a senior. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="214110" first="Ashton" last="Ward"], LB, Sahuarita</strong> The 6’0” 190 lb. junior was voted First Team All-Region LB after a strong season where he had 100 total tackles including 75 solo. He’s a downhill run stopper that is extremely quick to diagnose plays and trigger to react. His initial quickness allows him to scrape over blockers and avoid contact to free himself up and be in position to make a tackle. He’s a reliable open field tackler that wraps up to the ground and shows good strength at the contact point when he maintains his balance and has his feet underneath him. Not the season Sahuarita hoped for but Ward could help them get back on track on the defensive side as a senior. <hr /> <em>Be sure to follow <a href="https://twitter.com/JReyes_NP">Jordan Reyes</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneAZ">Prep Redzone AZ</a> for more PRZ content and news for Arizona High School Football.</em> <em>Want to be ranked? Fill out our FREE <a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/">Prospect Player Index</a>, another tool to help you in your recruiting journey. </em>