Top Under the Radar Defenders in 5A

Matt DeBary July 31, 2022 @ 02:51 PM

Heading into the 2022 season, it's always fun to talk about under the radar prospects on the verge of a possible breakout season. There are plenty of defenders ready to break out this fall, and many are playing in the 5A classification this season.   Here are some under the radar defenders in 5A to know about for the 2022 season...     [player_tooltip player_id='330769' first='Dajwon' last='DeLoach'] – Northside    A big, physical linebacker at 6-foot-2 220-pounds, Deloach was able to roam the field and leave a lot of bruises on ball carriers this season. He's a versatile defender who can line up in multiple spots, rush off the edge and also playing in the middle of the field. He can play inside linebacker, outside linebacker, and play on the edge as well. He's quick off the ball, uses his hands well to get off blocks, and knows how to chase down the ball-carrier. He's coming off a really impressive season as a junior, racking up 115 total tackles this season with four forced fumbles. He'll be a prospect who could see some offers come his way in the off-season.   <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/dvon-duplessis/nO9oF_eTHk60NGJD-5BNQw/football/stats.htm">D'von Duplessis</a> - Eastside   His size may not blow anyone away, but after a strong junior season, it's safe to call Duplessis one of the more underrated linebackers in 5A. He's a tough linebacker who gives it his all, and he's coming off a strong junior season where he made 88 tackles and 10 TFLs. He gets off blocks consistently and has a true nose for the football. He's instinctive against the run and does his job each and every play. He can rack up tackles in a hurry and does a good job of making plays in the backfield. He runs well and shows great burst when dissecting the play. He's tough to block due to his quickness and overall athleticism. He's an excellent defender who has the potential to play somewhere at the next level and has a chance to light up the stat sheet as a senior in 2022.   <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/chandler-harris/4TuhLS5XzEm_tsYXYsqM_w/football/stats.htm">Chandler Harris</a> (Jones County)   One of the more underrated linebackers in the 2024 class, Harris is coming off an excellent sophomore season for Jones County, making 84 tackles and 16 TFLs. He's a hard hitter, can rush the passer, and one of the toughest defenders on a very talented Jones County roster. One of the more productive sophomore linebackers in all of 5A last year, Harris showed good instincts against the run and knows how to deliver a punishing blow to the ball carrier. He's versatile, athletic, and knows how to elude blocks. He times the snap well on the blitz and knows how to run down the ball carrier no matter where he is on the field. He consistently flashes on film and he's bound for a gigantic junior season this upcoming fall.   <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/johnathan-navakas/mdfp2rGiEeqAzqREozo6lw/football/stats.htm">Johnathan Navakas</a> (Whitewater)   A tough EDGE defender and one of the more underrated DL prospects in the area, Navakas was a terror for opposing linemen last year and wrecked havoc in the backfield all season long. The 6-foot-3 225-pounder out of Fayetteville was a 2021 All Region First Team selection after making 92 tackles, 17 TFLs, and 4 sacks on the season. He's quick off the ball, knows how to shed blocks, and then gets after the ball carrier. He's great in pursuit and gives it everything he has on ever play. He's smart, physical, and doesn't miss many tackles. He dominated at times in his region and appears to be playing on a different level at times. He did it all as a sophomore and has a chance to have a breakout junior season this fall.

Heading into the 2022 season, it's always fun to talk about under the radar prospects on the verge of a possible breakout season. There are plenty of defenders ready to break out this fall, and many are playing in the 5A classification this season.