Five Senior Defenders to Keep an Eye on This Fall
The season opener on August 26th can’t get here soon enough! We’re going to try & give you as much coverage on some of the state’s best players to hold you over in the meantime. Today we’re looking at a…
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Continue ReadingThe season opener on August 26th can’t get here soon enough! We’re going to try & give you as much coverage on some of the state’s best players to hold you over in the meantime. Today we’re looking at a strong group of senior defensive prospects from all around the buckeye state. These young men had a productive junior season in 2021 and are looking to capitalize on that movement this fall. Their size and skillsets do vary, but they all have one thing in common… They can flat-out play ball! The offers may not have trickled in just yet, but there’s still plenty of time before the second signing day in February.
DE: Aiden Knepshield, 6’2″ 235, Elyria Catholic
- Shows a quick first step off the ball.
- Has the strength and mental fortitude to split double teams in the run game.
- Hands remain active while pads stay low.
- Has a strong lower half that leads to a dominant bull rush.
- Motor is always filled and ready to go.
ATH: Heath Fetchik, 6′ 204, Chardon
- A north and south return man with good acceleration & vision.
- Has a quick trigger when diagnosing a play.
- Times up blitzes well to the snap.
- Sure hands for a defensive player.
- Has a knack for making impact plays.
- Could project as a strong safety at the next level.
ATH: Wyatt Crabtree Wyatt Crabtree 6'2" | 195 lbs | LB Waverly | 2023 OH , 6’2″ 195, Waverly
- Has impressive bend-around opposing tackles.
- Played as a five-technique in 2021 but will probably move to a 3-4 OLB at the next level.
- Makes long sticks look easy.
- Quickness gives opponents issues on twists and stunts.
- Hands will stun tackles in their tracks.
- Plays with a “never say die” mentality.
LB: Pavel Henderson, 6’1″ 195, Ravenna
- Is an explosive athlete on either side of the football.
- Has the body control to make off-balance sacks and TFL’s behind the line.
- Will sell out to make a big play for his team.
- Has the speed and hip flexibility to run with wideouts vertically.
- Speed was on full display in 21, as he made a multitude of plays off the edge on the backside of runs.
LB: Nick Cuva, 6′ 190, Tallmadge
- Burst and effort work quite well together.
- Proven that he’s comfortable working as an in-box tackler.
- Could be a day one special teams contributor.
- Receivers struggle to block him out on the perimeter.
- Knows when to use the gator roll tackle if leverage seems to be an issue.