Versatile 2023 Defenders To Put On Your Radar

We’re staying in the 2023 class today looking at the defensive side of the ball. The class has really begun to fill out and looked stacked. These guys are only adding to the talent and depth in Indiana right now! Nicholas Katris - Warsaw - LB/SS - 5’11" 180lbs Katris is a smart player who understands how to read gaps and holes in order to anticipate the play to make the tackle. He’s athletic enough to cover sideline to sideline and help in the passing game just as much in the running game. He trusts his eyes and what he sees developing in front of him and always reacts accordingly. When he decides to commit and come downhill, he’s going full speed until he makes contact. This can force him to overpursue sometimes, but if he’s able to come to balance he’ll be just fine. He’s got strong hands and once he gets his hands on the ball carrier they’re going to end up on the ground. While I do think currently he’s a touch light, it doesn’t impact his play at all. As he bulks up and adds weight, he’s only going to be making bigger hits and coming downhill faster. He’s light on his feet and won’t get caught standing around. His feet are always moving and he’s been well-coached in that area. In coverage, he’s decent in zone and knows where to be and how to watch the QB’s eyes. In man, he’s able to run with them, typically stay in their back pocket, and make a play at the ball. He can play a bit loose sometimes but it’s likely because finding that balance of going too early and getting a DPI call and being late takes time to get down. Katris is one of the more sound recruits I’ve come across in terms of mechanics and footwork. He’s a tackling machine and is only going to get better. He can easily move around all 3 LB spots and colleges will see that. His football intelligence and mechanics give him that flexibility. If they haven’t started yet, the offers will come. Bryson Hobbs - Park Tudor - DE/DT - 6’7" 255lbs Hobbs is a long athlete who is explosive enough to match the frame he was given. Park Tudor will move him around on the line to keep the offense guessing. For a guy his size, he gets off the ball really quickly and is able to cover a ton of ground. When he comes off the edge he’s able to get upfield and force the QB to step up rather early in the development of the play. When he’s in the middle, he’s able to drive his guy back, shed a block, and make the play. His length and arms give him the first point of contact pretty much every time he steps on the field. If he’s able to bulk up some and get the strength to match, it’s over for opposing players. You can’t block a guy you can’t reach and who is stronger than you. Hobbs also understands how to shoot gaps and split holes on the line. I do think with his frame, some colleges may ask him to move to the OL. He could be a dominant tackle if he’s coached up. Also, for a guy his size, he bends fairly well and is able to keep his balance because he’s fairly nimble. There’s a lot to like with Hobbs and what he’s able to do on the field. The more exciting part is to think how far he could go. He’s got the tools, the natural instincts, and a special frame. If he’s able to develop on the same path he’s been, the offers will come. There’s too much to like and too much upside to pass on Hobbs. If he gets into the right college program, he could develop into something special. I’m excited to see what he can do this fall. [player_tooltip player_id="300586" first="Noah" last="Richhart"] - LaVille - LB - 5’9" 160lbs Richhart is an aggressive player who is best when he’s around the line of scrimmage. He’s able to split gaps, shoot holes, and make the play in the backfield. He’s got the speed to match his aggression which allows him to get by some slower offensive guys. When he’s blitzing, it’s a safe bet that he’s going to get home and make the play. He’s got a good understanding of things around him and is able to anticipate plays as they happen. This allows him to be 1 step ahead and make the play. While I do think there’s some physical development to be done, it’s not holding him back at all. He’s tough enough to fight in the trenches and do the dirty work and then bounce right back up for the next down. Richhart has the speed and athleticism to be really good in coverage. As of now, he’s decent but could use some work just to finish refining his tools. Richhart is a high motor guy who gives the same effort in the 1st QTR as he does in the 4th QTR. He’s someone who could move back to DB and have some success if he wanted to. He’s a guy who won’t make many mistakes on the field and is only going to make more plays in the future. The versatility and football IQ are the most desired traits for schools and Richhart checks those boxes. If he’s able to develop and remains a playmaker this fall, the offers are going to come. [player_tooltip player_id="39067" first="Chris" last="Jordan"] - Warren Central - LB - 6’1" 225lbs Jordan is a fantastic athlete who can make just about every play that comes his way. His frame is nice and he’s naturally thick and well built. He’s able to play deep in the trenches, drop back into coverage, or make those 1 on 1 tackles in the open field. His versatility has really helped Warren Central’s defense move things around and be able to do more. They trust Jordan in the middle of the field and know that he’ll be there to make the tackle. When he blitzes, he’s able to blow back some OL and get there immediately. He’s a violent tackler in the backfield and wants to make his presence known. When they put on him the edge, he’s great at sealing it and forcing stuff back inside and then being able to shed the block and make the tackle if the ball comes his way. He’s stronger than offenses anticipate at first and it can throw them off. While he isn’t the fastest player on earth, he’s got decent speed and can run with pretty much every RB and TE he’s asked to. In coverage, he’s patient and trusts what he sees. While Warren Central typically keeps him around the LOS because good things happen for them, I’d love to see them give him some more freedom in coverage. He comes across as a guy who could jump routes and make interceptions because it seems like he’s always 1 step ahead of his guy. I could see some colleges asking him to move to the DL because of how powerful his lower body is, but I’m not sure if that’s something Jordan would entertain. As it stands now, Jordan is an exciting LB recruit who is going to get offers there, if he hasn’t already. I do think he may get some DL offers but like aforementioned, not sure how Jordan would feel about that. Regardless, if the offers haven’t started coming yet, they will soon and he’s going to have his choice of schools.