Class of 2024 Under the Radar: Defense

In addition to the class of 2024 in Ohio having several very talented players under the radar on offense, there are also several very talented players under the radar on defense. Here are five very talented under the radar players that are looking to have a great Junior Season in 2023. DB, [player_tooltip player_id="284537" first="Brodyn" last="Bishop"], 6’1, 170, Bloom-Carroll [player_tooltip player_id="284537" first="Brodyn" last="Bishop"] is the 11th ranked DB and the 56th ranked player overall in the class of 2024. In 2021, he helped the Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs to a 14-1 season, held opposing offenses to just 6.3 points per game and advanced to the Division IV semifinals. He plays predominantly at CB. Against the run, he quickly keys and diagnoses the play, shows good closing speed in pursuit, plays at a good pad level and shows great explosiveness as he makes the tackle. Against the pass, he does a good job of covering his zone with his good play speed and athletic ability, tracks the ball well in the air and times his hands perfectly to disrupt the trajectory of the ball for a PBU. DL, [player_tooltip player_id="284829" first="Landan" last="McDonald"], 5’11, 215, Upper Arlington [player_tooltip player_id="284829" first="Landan" last="McDonald"] is the 9th ranked DL in the class of 2024 and is currently on the Prep Redzone Watchlist. In 2021, he helped the Upper Arlington Golden Bears to a 14-1 season, held opposing offenses to 11.6 points per game and advance to the Division I championship game. He plays as a NT. Against the pass, he shows very good play strength to shed the block from the IOL. Does a good job of trying to get his hands in the way of the passing lane while in pursuit of the QB. In addition to playing well on defense, he is also a talented OL as well where he lines up at LG. DL, [player_tooltip player_id="284546" first="Devan" last="Diedrick"], 6’2, 230, Wellington [player_tooltip player_id="284546" first="Devan" last="Diedrick"] is the 11th ranked DL and is currently on the Prep Redzone watchlist for the class of 2024. His awesome play as a sophomore in 2021 (94 tackles, 14 TFL, 9 sacks, 2 FF, 2 FR, 1 PD) was a bright spot in the 4-7 season of the Wellington Dukes. He plays as a DE. Against the run, he shows excellent play strength and physical toughness to defeat the OT block with ease. Uses his elite range to play sideline to sideline in pursuit of the RB. He delivers a big hit bringing down the RB for a TFL. Against the pass, he shows a great combination of power and speed as he penetrates the LOS. He shows good play speed in pursuit and finishes up with a sack. DL, [player_tooltip player_id="284825" first="Griffin" last="King"], 6’2, 215, Dublin Scioto [player_tooltip player_id="284825" first="Griffin" last="King"] is the 12th ranked DL and is currently on the Prep Redzone Watchlist for the class of 2024. In 2021, he helped the Dublin Scioto Irish to an 8 win season, held opposing offenses to 16.67 points per game and advance to the 2nd round of the playoffs. He plays as a DE. Against the pass, he uses his good quickness to penetrate the LOS, shows good athletic ability and closing speed in pursuit before finishing up with a sack. Against the run, he quickly keys and diagnoses the play, plays at a good pad level while showing good play strength and use of hands as he sheds the OT block and delivers a nice form tackle preventing a gain of significant yardage. DB, [player_tooltip player_id="161107" first="Elijah" last="Simms"], 6’0, 150, Ross [player_tooltip player_id="161107" first="Elijah" last="Simms"] is on the Prep Redzone Watchlist for the class of 2024. In 2021, he helped the Ross Little Giants to an 8 win season and held opposing offenses to 18 points or less 5 times. He plays as a CB. Against the pass, he does a good job of reading the QB while staying in phase with the WR, tracks the ball well in the air and shows good hands as he comes down with the interception. Against the run, he shows great instincts as he takes the correct angle in pursuit and exhibits good play strength to make the tackle on larger RB with ease.