Exciting Upcoming 2025 Defensive Recruits
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We’re looking at the class of 2025 today and some defensive recruits who could really begin to make a name for themselves this fall. We’re years out from the 2025 season, but the class is beginning to take shape early!…
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Continue ReadingWe’re looking at the class of 2025 today and some defensive recruits who could really begin to make a name for themselves this fall. We’re years out from the 2025 season, but the class is beginning to take shape early!
Alijah Hackett Alijah Hackett 5'6" | 140 lbs | DB Ben Davis | 2025 State IN – Ben Davis – DB – 5’6″ 150lbs
Hackett is a very natural and instinctive defender who is only going to get better as he gets older. He understands play development very easily and is patient, yet aggressive enough to make the play when it comes near him. He’s shown the ability to fend off a blocker, extend his arms, and get to the gap he needs in order to make the play. He comes across as someone who would be a really good slot CB. He’s just twitchy enough where it gives him the natural flexibility and reactionary speed to be an annoyance for receivers. Right now, he is a bit shorter and lighter than you’d hope, but obviously, he’s got 3 years to continue growing and developing his frame. He’s able to stay in the hip of his guy and be right there to make a break on the ball when he can. He’s got long arms which is not only a great sign about his height, but also it gives him that range to break up plays that some DBs don’t have. Mechanically and footwork wise isn’t perfect but you can tell he spends some time working on it. He’s got those 3 years so I imagine where he is then compared to where he’s at will be night and day different. Hackett has the tools to be really good and successful at the next level. If he’s able to develop like I think he can, there’s no telling how far he can go.
Jeffrey Wickersham – South Dearborn – OLB/SS – 5’9″ 165lbs
Wickersham is a fairly explosive athlete who is only going to get more explosive as he gets older. Right now, physically, he’s a bit raw but you can see the potential. He’s got a really fast first step and can shoot off the ball when he’s coming down to blitz. He’s intelligent enough to pick the right gaps and get home. He won’t overpursue and make the play harder than it needs to be. When he’s coming downhill and hits the ball carrier, they better hold on because he’s got a knack for getting the ball out. He’s able to simultaneously go for the strip as he’s making the tackle. Wickersham has the speed to run with most people on the field which has made him really versatile to this point. I could see him moving to Safety permanently if they asked him to. While I do think there might be a learning curve, he’s a good enough athlete to be able to learn on the fly. He’s instinctive and is always able to find himself around the ball when it matters, and that’s big as a defender. When they’ve had him drop back in coverage, he’s shown the ability to be patient when he needs to and then turn and be aggressive. He’s got that nice balance which only makes things easier. If Wickersham is able to develop and puts the work in, I can see him turning into one of the most versatile defenders in the state and colleges will be all over that.
Khaled Alzeer Khaled Alzeer 5'11" | 210 lbs | LB Boone Grove | 2025 State IN – Boone Grove – MLB – 6’0″ 210lbs
Alzeer is an aggressive player who is only going to get more physical over time. When he’s rushing the passer or blitzing, he takes it almost personally and goes headhunting. He’s able to get underneath the pads of most OL and drive them back. He’s also athletic and flexible enough to bend around the corner as well. When he drops back in coverage, he’s athletic enough to run with most RBs and TEs he comes across. In zone, he’s shown he’s patient, can get to his spot, watch the QB’s eyes, and react when it’s time. I do think over the next few years he could continue to bulk up and it’ll only make him a bigger force on the field. He’s able to anticipate things and see the play develop and then get there to make the play. Alzeer is a fine tackler and won’t miss many 1 on 1s either. He’s best when he’s around the LOS and is able to make plays. Whether it’s splitting gaps, making a reach tackle, or dropping into coverage he can do it and have success. Over the next few years, if he’s able to continue developing like he is, I can see him being 1 of the more highly desired recruits in the state at the position.
Damien Shanklin – Warren Central – DE – 6’4″ 190lbs
Shanklin is a rangy athlete who is just starting to get a feel of how good he can be. His size gives him the leverage to win most 1 on 1’s outright. If not, he’s able to bend around the corner and get home that way. He’s got a rather explosive first step when he’s coming off the edge and with his frame, he’s able to cover a ton of ground and eat up a lot of space. Within a few strides, he can reach the quarterback. His arms are proportionate and he’s got strong hands to go with them. While right now I do think his frame is a bit raw, he’s got plenty of time to grow into it and develop. He could easily fill it out and become a bigger issue for offenses. Shanklin has the speed and ability to drop back into coverage and be successful. While I don’t anticipate it, he’s athletic enough to play OLB but is best coming off of the edge. Despite all the good things he does around the edge of the line, the play that stood out the most was when he ran down the field over 40-yards to make a tackle that he could have easily let go for 6. When you think of high motor defenders, Shanklin falls right in line. The tools are there. The frame is there. The upside is there. If Shanklin puts the work in and develops like I think he can, he’s going to be able to handpick his college.