Defensive Seniors Being Slept on Heading into the ’22 Campaign 

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The calendar has finally turned to August, which means the 2022 season is now just weeks away. What better way to kick off the month than to follow up on bonus coverage for the recent Class of '23 Player Rankings update?  In this second part of the bonus coverage we're switching to the defensive side of the ball to highlight four defensive prospects that shouldn't be taken lightly this season. They're being slept on for now, but they won't be for long. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='237219' first='Chris' last='Brown'] – Bishop Ward, 6'5”, 205, DL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Twitter:</em>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/cb_isthename?s=21&amp;t=WQISZRzrM2Me4R_mxojzVA" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/cb_isthename?s=21&amp;t=WQISZRzrM2Me4R_mxojzVA">@Cb_isthename</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The talent from the Kansas City, KS., area doesn't get enough recognition. It's produced quality next level players over the years, and [player_tooltip player_id='237219' first='Chris' last='Brown'] of Bishop Ward is looking to be the next prospect from the area to draw interest from recruiters. The 6-foot-5 defensive end has raw abilities, but his potential is undeniable. His length can't be taught, and he uses it to his advantage to wrap up ball carriers in the backfield and to bat passes at the line. Look for the rangy edge rusher to have a breakout year for the Cyclones. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='87855' first='Matthew' last='Lierz'] – Holton, 6'0”, 190, DB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Twitter:&nbsp;</em><a href="https://twitter.com/lierzmatthew?s=21&amp;t=WQISZRzrM2Me4R_mxojzVA" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/lierzmatthew?s=21&amp;t=WQISZRzrM2Me4R_mxojzVA">@LierzMatthew</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Holton Wildcats are set to have an impressive senior class this year. While it is headlined by D-I commit, [player_tooltip player_id='243301' first='Jace' last='Boswell']; [player_tooltip player_id='87855' first='Matthew' last='Lierz'] is another prospect on their defense that needs to be recognized. He is arguably Holton's top returning defensive back after a strong junior campaign. Lierz ended the '21 season with 38 total tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble. He performed well during combine season earlier this year too; posting a 4.62 40 and a 4.15 pro-agility time. Opposing teams should opt to throw away from his side of the field this season.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='395642' first='Christian' last='Ramirez'] – Lansing, 6'0”, 205, LB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Twitter:</em><a href="https://twitter.com/christi95095394?s=21&amp;t=WQISZRzrM2Me4R_mxojzVA" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/christi95095394?s=21&amp;t=WQISZRzrM2Me4R_mxojzVA">&nbsp;@Christi95095394</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are several players throughout the state that will have the opportunity to really make a name for themselves this season. [player_tooltip player_id='395642' first='Christian' last='Ramirez'] of Lansing is a perfect example of that. With Lansing graduating key starters on defense this past May, Ramirez is looking to step up and become one of the main leaders for their defensive unit. He heads into the '22 campaign as the Lions' top returning tackler, and is likely to lead the team in that category as a senior. Ramirez has put in a lot of work this offseason, and it is sure to show this fall.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='254425' first='Roman' last='Boden'] – Derby, 6'0”, 185, LB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Twitter:&nbsp;</em><a href="https://twitter.com/romanboden?s=21&amp;t=WQISZRzrM2Me4R_mxojzVA" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/romanboden?s=21&amp;t=WQISZRzrM2Me4R_mxojzVA">@RomanBoden</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Derby has consistently produced high-profile players the last few years, which can sometimes overshadow the rest of the talent on their roster. Their linebacking corps will be headlined by [player_tooltip player_id='87678' first='Miles' last='Wash'] this season, but folks shouldn't forget about [player_tooltip player_id='254425' first='Roman' last='Boden']. He was a key contributor for Derby's defense last season, as he'd finish fourth on the team in total tackles with 57, and had two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one sack. Boden excels at putting himself in the right position to make a play, and displays great instincts. Expect to see his numbers increase during his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->