Defensive Diamonds In The Rough

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='314039' first='Calab' last='Utley'] - Reitz Memorial - DE - 6'3" 245lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Utley is off to a phenomenal start and looks better and better every week. He's got a huge frame and stands out as clear as day. He's off the ball really quick, and especially for his size, is a fairly good athlete with good bend. He's nimble and can get around the corner and be flexible without an issue. His arms are like cheat codes. He always gets the first reach on Offensive Linemen which allows him to make the first move. If he doesn't get home, he knows to throw his arms up and bat the ball down. He's tipped a few in his career that have been picked off, including 1 of his own. He's good against the run and defenses go away from him now. He regularly impacts the game and prevents offenses from getting the running game going consistently. He's played on the outside and shown he can set the edge and force the ball carrier back in towards his teammates. He's also played on the interior of the line and plugged the running game. I think once he hits a collegiate lifting program and gets that next level coaching, he's got the potential to take off. Utley has the intangibles you look for in a guy his size. Wherever he ends up, the future is bright and he could really flourish on that stage as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='322416' first='Evan' last='Collins'] - Portage - DB - 5'11" 180lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collins may be the best hidden secret in the Northern Indiana area. He immediately jumps out on the tape as an explosive athlete with a ton of upside. He's someone I'd like to see get a chance to touch the ball and see what he can do with it. However, defensively you can't help but like what you see. A guy who can explode towards the ball and either break up the pass or pick it up. A guy who can jump as high as anyone and go up and make a play. In the end zone, he's really making a name for himself. He's able to go up and defend the paint and make plays is worth his weight in gold. Collins can then come down and play the running game and make tough tackles. While he has lowered his head from time to time, if he gets his mechanics cleaned up he'll be just fine. Collins can play Corner or Safety and be just fine. He's got the range for Safety and the ability to be consistent to play Corner. If he played at a bigger school, or down in FW or Indy, everyone would know his name. He's an exciting recruit with all the talent and ability. I'm excited to watch him this year and next and see where he ends up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='384036' first='Emmanuel' last='Montgomery'] - Avon - DB - 6'1" 170lbs - 2023</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Montgomery is a lengthy Safety who has plenty of speed and range. He's got good vision and can see things developing. When he comes downhill, he's coming full speed and committing 100%. He's typically able to breakdown and make the tackle. He's not afraid to be physical in the running game. He's got fairly good raw cover skills and is able to stick in the back pocket of anyone he comes across. He's got a decent back pedal and can explode out of it. Montgomery typically takes the right angle and can make the tackle when it matters most. He's got the speed to get back in every play. He's a bit raw, but the tool and potential is obvious. He's got a lot of tools and plays with a ton of confidence. He's recently been showing up on some radars but not enough. Montgomery is a gem that someone is going to end up with and sleep good at night knowing their future at Safety is secured.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Jeremiah Timberlake - North Central - DB - 5'11" 180lbs - 2023</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Timberlake is a versatile player who can bounce around on the defense. He's played Safety, Corner, and OLB. He's got the frame and ability to do it all. If he wanted to be, I believe he's got the frame to develop into an OLB at the collegiate level. While there would be a learning curve, he comes across as a guy who can play in the box and not be afraid. If not, he's shown the ability to be a decent corner on the outside. He's got long arms and can bat balls down from a good distance. He's got decent closing speed and if he can clean up his footwork some, he'll be a smoother operator. Timberlake has a lot of good things to offer a program. While I do think he may be a bit raw in some spots, he's getting better and still developing. If he keeps playing like he is now, he'll have no issue finding a program at the next level who can get the most out of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='326215' first='Kolin' last='Jolas'] - Bishop Luers - LB - 6'0" 200lbs - 2023</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jolas is one of the most consistent guys in the area. He's all over the field and can be used as such. He's able to come into the box and play the run, line up on a WR in the slot, and can play zone. He's got a good head on his shoulders and understands football and plays when they're developing. He won't over pursue and just about always plugs the hole and makes the play. He won't be caught out of position and does his job. He's got a decent frame and is obviously still developing. When he gets into a college weight room, he's someone who could easily end up bulking up quite a bit. There's been a few times he's come on a blitz and timed the snap so perfectly he almost got the hand off himself. He's blown plays up in the backfield and has a knack for TFL's. Through the first half of the season, he's taken a big step from last year and that says quite a bit considering he was still pretty good last year. Jolas is going to make some program really happy on National Signing Day and I'm excited to see where that'll be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->