2023 Defensive Recruits Standing Out In June

We’re staying in camp mode! But today, we’re on the defensive side of the ball looking at recruits who have had a great month of camps. [player_tooltip player_id="365989" first="Jaz" last="Boykin"] - Fishers - DB - 6’1" 175lbs Boykin is a fairly good athlete with incredible length who can bounce around the backend of the defense. Fishers has primarily used him as an outside Corner and he’s thrived there. He’s got the ability to run with anyone and his length keeps him in some plays that it shouldn’t. Boykin has good closing speed and is never early. He’s got good timing and won’t get the yellow laundry thrown on the field. He’s shown that he can tackle in the open field and be the last line of defense. Right now, I do think he’s a bit raw but the upside is there. He’s instinctive, lengthy, and can run. His ball skills are decent and he’s going to take his shot at the ball when he can. His length allows him to defend passes and knock some down that he shouldn’t be able to reach. To this point, Boykin hasn’t been the flashiest DB but he’s consistent. He won’t get burned over the top, can come downhill and tackle, and can be left on an island by himself. This past season, he really began to stand out and make play after play later in the season. If that can translate again to his senior year, he’s going to end up with a handful of offers and can develop into a starter at the collegiate level. [player_tooltip player_id="365990" first="Lucas" last="Kleeman"] - Triton Central - FB/LB - 5’8" 175lbs Kleeman is a 2-way player for Triton Central and is able to make play after play. Offensively, while they don’t use FB a ton, when they do use Kleeman he rips off big runs. He’s quicker than defenses expect and can turn the corner. He’s a tough runner and will fight for what he needs to. He’ll block and do the gritty stuff if he has to. Defensively is where he’s best. At LB, he’ll move around. They want to line him up where he gives them an advantage. Kleeman’s instincts and ability to find the ball are what make him unique. He’s able to shoot through small holes and will get smaller than the ball carrier to make the tackle. He’s got no issue running into traffic or hitting a pile. He’ll take a shot at the ball and get it out from time to time. He’s aggressive and wants to be the one to make plays. I do think he could use some physical development to help him play more physically. As that part of his game comes along, his ability to run, see the ball, and tackle in the open field will be what allow him to make plays. Kleeman is able to play the run and the pass without much issue going back and forth. He’s better in zone than man coverage but that’s to be expected for now. He’s a steady hand on the field and wherever Kleeman lands, he’s got the potential to develop into the same guy for them as he is for Triton Central. [player_tooltip player_id="365988" first="Dione" last="Vaughn"] - Lawrence North - DB - 6’1" 175lbs Vaughn is a really good athlete who I don’t think has even come close to his athletic ceiling. He’s twitchy, has really long strides, and his sidesteps are long galloping strides. He’s reactionary, good with the ball in the air, and has no issue going up to compete for the ball when he can. His long arms and lengthy frame give him the advantage more often than not. Vaughn moves all over the backend for Lawrence North. He’s their starting Safety but will come up and play Corner, play at the LOS and blitz, or stay in the box to play the run. Wherever they put him, he’s able to make play after play. He’s got good closing speed and when he sees the ball, he has no issue committing and coming down to make the play. He’s shown that he can tackle in the open field and won’t be giving up 6. Vaughn is someone who energizes the team and when he makes a play they feed off of it. He’s got the swagger to match his ability and sometimes that matters just as much. Luckily, in this case, Vaughn has the physical abilities to match. He is a bit raw but the upside is there. He’s someone who can easily develop into a starter at the collegiate level. If he comes out and has another big fall, there’s a chance he’s picking where he wants to go to school. [player_tooltip player_id="286907" first="Alex" last="Bailey"] - Tippecanoe Valley - DE/DT - 6’4" 243lbs Bailey is someone we covered a few months back but he’s made so much progress and really looked good at the UIndy Mega Camp so I wanted to come back and do another dive. The first thing to point out is he’s currently 13lbs heavier than his listed playing weight from last year. I saw Alex a few weeks ago and then spoke with his coach for a little bit. That’s not fat. It’s muscle and he’s been in the lab working and it’s paying off. His get off his quicker, his feet are faster, and his hands punch a stronger punch. Bailey lines up at DT a lot because of his ability to bull rush. He’s only stronger now so that should be fun to see the improvements. He’s able to drive guys back, keep good leverage, and make the play. He’s consistent and doesn’t get gassed. Bailey is well-conditioned and looked season-ready on that Saturday. He’s good in the run, filling gaps, and making 1 armed tackles. He’s also worked on some pass-rushing moves and he looks more fluid and like everything is in tune together. This upcoming fall, if Bailey is able to come out and show the progress he’s made this offseason, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s buried in offers. He works. He gets better and is someone who is only getting better. Bailey feels like someone who will come in, work his tail off, and develop into a key piece for his collegiate program. He’s got a lot to offer and will make some school extremely happy when he gets the chance. [player_tooltip player_id="365987" first="Ridge" last="Howard"] - Northridge - LB/FB - 6’2" 200lbs Howard is a really good athlete who sees the field really well. He’s able to see the ball in some crazy windows, track it, and shoot through the gap to make the play. He’s able to run sideline to sideline and make tackle after tackle. He’s got an explosive first step and gets downfield rather quickly. When he’s blitzing, he’s got a nice second gear and can track down the QB. He’s got decently strong hands and is usually able to make every tackle with ease. When he’s back in coverage, he’s shown to be patient. He’ll watch the QB’s eyes and break on the ball in zone. In man coverage, he doesn’t like to let his guy get any space but there are times he can play a bit off. Howard just has a knack for the ball and making plays. He’s all over the field and will line up in different spots to keep the offense honest and guessing as well. As he develops and gets stronger, the bigger hits are going to come and he’ll become a potential highlight reel at the next level as well. On offense, he’ll block and lower his head. He’s got no issue clearing the way and trying to do what he can to help on the offensive side of things. When he gets the ball, he’s quick and nimble. He can be hard to bring down and will fight for every inch. While he’s versatile and is good at FB, he’s best on the other side of the ball and I imagine that’s where every school will want him, and they should. Howard is fun because he’s a tackling machine and is just scratching the surface of what he can be. If he comes out and has a big fall, you can expect the offers to pour in.