Defensive Recruits Bursting Onto The Scene

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dantu Gardner - Lawrence North - DE/TE - 6'4" 205lbs - 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gardner is a lengthy recruit who is also just as versatile. With his length, he's able to play on the inside and outside of the line. He's rather athletic and has a decent get off. He's able to bend around the corner and has a high level pursuit speed. He's able to win his 1 on 1 match ups and get into the backfield and affect the rush. With his frame, he's got the ability to reach gaps and players you wouldn't expect him to. He's got strong hands so once he gets his hands on you, it's over. He's athletic enough to drop back into coverage if needed as well. He's nimble, smart, and checks a ton of boxes. He's able to rush the passer and as he develops physically, he'll only get better. There's a lot to like with Gardner and how he's started his season. All eyes on him moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taysire Williams - Jimtown - DE/TE - 6'6" 230lbs - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams has a frame that you can only dream of having step onto the field. He's incredibly long, rather strong, and bounces around for Jimtown. He's shown that he can play on the line and the running game and that he can drop back from time to time into some basic coverages. He's a really high motor guy and gives every ounce like it's his last. He's able to tackle in space as well. He's a bit raw, but the physical frame and effort are there and stand out all day long. If Williams gets into the right college program, he could really develop for a stud for them. He checks a ton of boxes and has had a really good start to the season. He's someone to watch moving forward as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dalton Hughes - Whiteland - OLB/P - 6'3" 220lbs - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hughes is a really fun player because of his versatility and IQ on the field. While not the most developed player, he's very instinctive and can see things happening. There are times they put him down on the DL to contain the edge and rush the passer just because he can actually get home. He's good in the open field and is able to tackle, cover, and play the running game. He understands alleys and coming to balance when he needs to. He's also a high motor guy who is going to give everything he's got. He's able to do just about everything you ask of him and as he develops, he'll only get bigger and stronger. Hughes is also an elite Punter who can flip field position regularly. He's got a cannon of a leg and has made his value known on Special Teams since day 1. Hughes has as bright of a future as he wants and this fall, he's off to a great start.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='361037' first='Tylen' last='Cunningham'] - Lawrence Central - MLB - 5'11" 205lbs - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cunningham is one of the most dominant LBs in the area and this fall, he's come out swinging. He's going to hit, fly around making plays, and change the game for Lawrence Central. He's as good as they come and for good reason. He's able to cover, line up out wide, tackle in the box or in the open field, and is trusted to lead the defense week in and out. He's as good of a field general at the HS level that you'll find. Cunningham has been dominant to start the season and that's not going to slow down. He's one of the more exciting defensive recruits in the area, and for good reason. He's earned it, he plays hard, and makes offensive players hesitate when going over the middle. Cunningham is doing exactly what he should as one of the better recruits in the area. Hopefully, he starts to get the respect he deserves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->