Teams that feature a strong front seven can normally boast of a solid defense and, in turn, of a successful season. Just like on offense, defensive success has to start up front. Today, we shine the spotlight on some of the top defensive linemen and linebackers in the Class of 2024.
[player_tooltip player_id="109629" first="Julante" last="Hinton"], 6’2, 210 pounds, Defensive Lineman, Northrop
[player_tooltip player_id="109629" first="Julante" last="Hinton"] is a versatile player who helps the Northrop Bruins in several different ways. When lined up on the defensive line, Hinton can get great penetration. He frequently gets into the backfield and disrupts the play. Hinton can also line up as a linebacker. On the offensive side of the ball, Hinton is a determined running back who is very difficult to tackle. As a running back, last year, Hinton scored a pair of touchdowns. Defensively, Hinton notched 28 total tackles with ten tackles-for-loss as well as seven sacks, one forced fumble and fumble recovery. [player_tooltip player_id="109629" first="Julante" last="Hinton"] is poised to take another huge step forward in 2022.
[player_tooltip player_id="109619" first="Ethan" last="Elzey"], 6’2, Defensive Lineman, Tri-West Hendricks
[player_tooltip player_id="109619" first="Ethan" last="Elzey"] is coming off of a big sophomore season, and he will be looking for more next year. In 2021, Elzey totaled 34 solo tackles. He accumulated 48 stops in total. Elzey’s disruptiveness was on display all season last year. He recorded one tackle-for-loss, seven sacks and 12 quarterback hurries. Elzey demonstrated the ability to take the ball away. He forced one fumble, three fumble recoveries and one interception.
[player_tooltip player_id="189085" first="Landon" last="Drennan"], 6’2, 195 pounds, Linebacker, Plainfield
[player_tooltip player_id="189085" first="Landon" last="Drennan"] is a premiere outside linebacker who gives offensive linemen plenty to worry about. Drennan sets the edge in the running-game. He does well either making the tackle or forcing the runner back inside. Drennan has fantastic speed off the edge. He can beat the tackle and get to the quarterback and on running plays to the other side he gives great pursuit. When he gets to the ball, Drennan has the tackling ability to bring any play to an abrupt conclusion. Drennan can also contribute on special teams with the punt coverage unit.
[player_tooltip player_id="189105" first="Halbert" last="Aguirre"], 6’0, 205 pounds, Linebacker, Decatur Central
[player_tooltip player_id="189105" first="Halbert" last="Aguirre"] sets the tone for the Decatur Central defense as a stalwart middle linebacker. He is a physical player who can fight off blocks and defend the run well. Aguirre is a solid tackler. On top of his defensive abilities, Aguirre can line up as a fullback. Just like when he plays as a linebacker, Aguirre embraces the physical side of the game when on offense. [player_tooltip player_id="189105" first="Halbert" last="Aguirre"] is ready for a dominant junior season.
[player_tooltip player_id="109608" first="Ralph" last="Rogers"], 6’0, 190 pounds, Linebacker, Bloomington North
[player_tooltip player_id="109608" first="Ralph" last="Rogers"] provides Bloomington North with the ability to play both outside and middle linebacker. Rogers flies around the field. When defending the run or trying to get pressure on the quarterback, Rogers attacks downhill. He has outstanding speed. That quickness helps Rogers in coverage, where he is very dependable. He can handle a lot of assignments while defending the pass.
