Spotlight: Defensive Players to Watch

<span id="more-325344"></span>The popular saying is, "Defense wins championships". While some will say that is no longer true, these defensive players look to make sure that remains true. This list of athletes have received invitations to several camps and unofficial campus visits and are expecting to have a tremendous breakout season in 2022 to solidify their name on the recruiting front. <strong>Esaui Uribe | 5’9 180 | FS/CB | Eastlake (El Paso, TX)</strong> (2023) - Esaui is an extremely passionate player, his body language on the field makes it known in a positive manner. When playing the Free Safety position, his instincts and ability to track the ball when helping in coverage standout. In coverage at Cornerback, he does a great job of staying on the hip of the receiver and being disruptive. Possesses good sideline to sideline speed, closes on the ball quickly on outside and inside runs. I could see Esaui being versatile and able to excel at the linebacker position as well. He is looking forward to the 2022 season, bringing a high level of confidence and the expectation of having a breakout season. <strong>Jalen O’Neal | 6’2 170 | FS/CB/KR | Manvel (Pearland, TX)</strong> (2023) - Jalen is a physical defensive player built on a solid frame. He really stands out when playing in coverage with his ability and awareness of the ball. Jalen also plays a key role in run support, with great make up speed he is able shutdown a ball carrier running on the outside. The physical side of Jalen comes to life when he breaks down on an open field tackle, you see the relentless effort and strength in him on every tackle. He also adds value to Special Teams as an explosive kick returner. Jalen looks forward to being able to join his high school teammates for one more season, as well as letting the state know, that despite losing 10 starters, Manvel is still a top contender for a state title. <strong>Chase Brown |6’1 190 | LB | Lake Creek (Montgomery, TX)</strong> (2023) - Chase comes with a high level of patience and instincts. Those two attributes along with his footwork allow him to have an excellent nose for the ball. Chase’s strength is apparent by the way he is able to shed blocks easily and get to the ball providing run support. His speed and discipline shine by how quickly he fills a hole or gets in the backfield to stop a scrambling quarterback. In speaking with Chase, he looks forward to implementing the new skills he has learned in off-season competition in order to stand out, as well as bonding more with his teammates this upcoming season. <strong>Blake Holt | 6’1 190 | LB | Tomball Memorial</strong> (2024) - Blake is a very patient linebacker who makes sure he gets involved in almost every play. Also shows very good technique when breaking down for an open field tackle and squaring up to take down a running back early. This has also allowed for him to create a few turnovers. Blake has also progressed tremendously from his Freshmen year. In speaking with Blake, he and his teammates are ready to put Tomball Memorial back in the playoffs and he anticipates doing everything he can to help the team win. <strong>Zanden King | 6’2 210 | LB | Midland Christian </strong> (2023) - Zanden is a linebacker full of tenacity and plays a very physical game. I think the key to his game is his high football IQ and his patience when reading the play, good patience before reacting in order to not over pursuit. When blitzing, he uses his speed to bull rush an offensive lineman and get to the running back or quarterback with ease. Good lateral speed to get sideline to sideline along with excellent footwork. Zanden is anticipating this upcoming season and looks forward to helping keep his team in the win column and having a stellar Senior season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="277594" first="Ja’Mari" last="Laye"] | 5’10 200 | ILB | DeSoto</strong> (2024) - Ja’Mari is an exciting linebacker to watch. His explosiveness and strength are constantly on display with how quick he is able to get in the backfield. With excellent make up speed to go along with his explosiveness, makes him out to be a playmaker by creating turnovers. Ja’Mari has a good nose for the football as it shows with his pre-snap reads and instincts once the ball is snapped. He plans on staying on the minds of offensive coordinators, creating problems on defense, and flying around the field. Ja’Mari’s main goals are to come away with a state title and earn All-State Defensive Player honors. &nbsp; &nbsp;