Sophomore Defenders Primed For a Big 2022 Season

I’ve loved my time covering the state of Ohio for Prep Redzone. Why, you may ask? There’s just so much darn talent throughout the Buckeye state. It’s not just position heavy either; you can find big men, skill guys, quarterbacks, you name it, and they got it. Well, today, I shifted my focus to the defensive side, looking at 2025s who are primed for a big fall. These guys are flying under the radar and are not big-name prospects with huge offer sheets. However, these are some talented recruits and are definitely names to watch for this season. <hr /> <em><strong>LB: Michael Mulvihill, 6’1" 190, Blanchester</strong></em> A slippery inside linebacker that shows solid body control in space and a high motor. Michael closes on ball carriers quickly and has active hands when engaged. He plays with a low pad level, rolls his hips on contact, and will speed his feet on tackle attempts. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15835811/617ef6853df4d30ba819c3dd" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <hr /> <em><strong>Edge: Nino Hill, 6’ 190, Alliance</strong></em> A talented pass rusher with a great first step and elite bend. Hill was highly productive in 2021, totaling six sacks in his first season at the varsity level. He’s awfully explosive, can hold his own against the run, and is a nightmare for a quarterback if left unblocked. This kid has a ton of upside in my eyes. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16130496/6182b71d8cdee90368b3ea7b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <hr /> <em><strong>DB: Reese Powell, 5’10" 170, Licking Heights</strong></em> A fearless tackler with a quick trigger and noticeable closing speed on film. Powell is pretty versatile, proving that he can play rolled up in the slot or as a single high safety. This kid is everywhere on film; he’s competitive, plays with disciplined eyes, and shows a high football IQ. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/8393063/6189cf01d469060340e45a0d" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <hr /> <em><strong>DB: Laron Anderson, 5’10" 180, Elyria</strong></em> A smooth operator out of a pedal with easy hips. Anderson stays over the top of wideouts in zone and can easily overlap in coverage when need be. He’s not afraid to stick his nose in there in the run game and delivered some pretty physical shots on tape. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16381411/61647a5d664b6e011425fa4e" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <hr /> <em><strong>ATH: Connor Corbett, 5’7" 165, Heath</strong></em> Corbett may only be 5’7", but man, does he play like he’s 6’5" on tape. This young man’s motor is non-stop; he has impressive burst, acceleration, and closing speed. He’s a patient creeper who times up blitzes well, and can wreak havoc in the backfield. He has plenty of speed to run with three up the seam and is dependable as they come as a tackler. What this kid is doing at his size and position is nothing short of spectacular. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16921498/616831d05b479a0a1cb8e863" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <hr /> <em><strong>DB: Tallen Hulvey, 5’11", 165, Medina</strong></em> There’s not a ton of film on Hulvey, but from what I was able to pull, I saw plenty of potential. This is a safety with good speed, who sees the quarterback well, can cover a ton of ground while the ball is in the air, and has reliable ball skills. He takes great angles to the football and will use the sideline as a weapon as a tackler.