Underclassmen Defensive and Special Teams Prosects on the Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With most underclassmen having completed their seasons, now is the time to look back on the campaign's that they put together and look at how the Classes of 2025 and 2026 are shaping up. Today, we are going to break down some of the best prospects on defense and special teams in the underclassmen ranks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='320277' first='Brady' last='Ballart'], 6'2, 195 pounds, South Dearborn, 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='320277' first='Brady' last='Ballart'] has proven himself to be an outstanding Outside Linebacker. The South Dearborn freshman is good at moving parallel to the line-of-scrimmage. Ballart adds versatility in the sense that he can cover kickoffs. Ballart appeared in ten games on varsity. Ballart recorded 98 tackles this season with six tackles-for-loss. He added one sack, and he also forced a safety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='466343' first='Van' last='Krisiloff'], 6'0, 150 pounds, Indianapolis Cathedral, 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The importance of having a reliable kicker cannot be understated. It is assuring to know that at least three points are practically guaranteed at the end of a good drive. [player_tooltip player_id='466343' first='Van' last='Krisiloff'] is that reliable kicker, and he is working his way up in the Cathedral program. The right-footed kicker has earned playing time on the varsity squad. Krisiloff is accurate, and he gets plenty of height and drive on his kicks. In his pair of varsity appearances, Krisiloff has connected on all of his extra points and each of his three field goal attempts. Krisiloff was named Cathedral's Special Teams Player of the Game for their matchup with Lawrence Central last week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1512365' first='Dominic' last='De Freitas'], NorthWood, 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In my eyes, kicker swag is as real as it gets. Upholding that narrative is the form that [player_tooltip player_id='1512365' first='Dominic' last='De Freitas'] has been in for NorthWood. This past season, De Freitas was remarkably efficient. De Freitas was a perfect 53/53 on extra points. He was seven of eight on field goals. In total, De Freitas- who also plays soccer at NorthWood- accounted for 74 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='334064' first='Mark' last='Zackery IV'], 6'0, 155 pounds, Ben Davis, 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mark Zackery is quickly becoming an integral part of the Ben Davis program. Zackery is a terrific Defensive Back. Zackery can also deputize as a Wide Receiver. On both sides of the ball, he finds ways to make plays and help the team's cause. Zackery's season ended with 18 tackles and four passes defensed. Offensively, he caught eight passes for 65 receiving yards and one touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='377342' first='Frank' last='Bertram'], 6'2, Ben Davis, 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ben Davis' future is bright with the top performers that they will be returning on defense. In the front seven, Defensive End and Outside Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='377342' first='Frank' last='Bertram'] is poised for big things in the second half of his high school career. Bertram is outstanding off the edge. He is quick around the corner, and he gets into the backfield. Bertram works well out of two- and three-point stances. Bertram had 24 tackles with three tackles-for-loss this season. He sacked the quarterback three times. Bertram defended against one pass, and he forced one fumble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='196670' first='Michael' last='Thacker'], 6'1, 268 pounds, New Palestine, 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='196670' first='Michael' last='Thacker'] is developing into one of the state's top Defensive Tackles. Thacker has a big frame, and he can take up space in the trenches. Thacker moves well and can cover ground. Thacker consistently shows great effort and hustle to the ball. The sophomore is a disruptor. He is capable of taking the opposing offense completely out of their rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->