The Indiana Showcase Gamechangers: Defensive MVPs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive guys at the Indiana showcase were just as impressive as the offensive guys. It's hard to pick 1 top performer from each group because they made it really difficult today. To say this was the most talented defensive group at a showcase event yet, is only being truthful.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='404323' first='Zane' last='Newman'] - Westfield - DL - 5'11" 210lbs - 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":824380,"width":287,"height":287,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG_9596.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-824380" width="287" height="287" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newman is someone who genuinely came out and took the camp by surprise. Coming in, I knew everyone on the list and had a good idea what to expect. I know Newman and have covered him before. I've never seen him person, until today, but it's day's like today that really help shape perspective on guys. Newman's a very fluid athlete, off the ball incredibly quick, and is deceptively strong. He's flexible, which allows him to win around the edge just as easily as he can on the inside. He's got a really good inside move that allowed him to cook the lineman across from him during the call outs. A really solid day of testing and his ability to play at the line is why he left with the MVP nod. That single play late in camp sealed the deal for him. He was good throughout, but a big play in a big moment was cool to see. For him, it was little things where he excelled today and gave him advantages. Hand placement, timing, and that natural twitch. Newman is young, developing incredibly well, and could be one of the single highest risers in the state this upcoming year if he continues to perform at this level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@ZaneNewman9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='582113' first='Jace' last='Deakins'] - Northview - LB - 6'1" 210lbs - 2025</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":824382,"width":288,"height":288,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG_9593.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-824382" width="288" height="288" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Deakins is listed at 6'1" 210lbs, and I have to say, he's every inch and ounce of that. He's a very decent sized LB with fantastic speed. With his frame, he ran a very impressive sub 5 second 40-yard dash at 4.88. For a young LB, that's a decent time. He's got that speed on the field as well. In fact, it comes out even more obvious when he's lose and free just playing football, which is why he ended up taking MVP honors. Whether it was a pursuit drill, drill working on coming downhill, or covering 1 on 1, he passed with flying colors. Of the LBs, he had the most complete day and was just getting better and better with each rep. He was able to cover guys out wide and have success in the DB spot against an X and outside receiver. A versatile LB with sideline to sideline speed and a fantastic frame awaits the right coach in Brazil, Indiana. Deakins is someone who could really begin to get blow up in the recruiting process this, especially if he performs continues to perform at the level he's capable of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@JaceDeakins</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='196650' first='Aden' last='Chase'] - Cathedral - DB - 5'10" 155lbs - 2025</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":824383,"width":300,"height":300,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG_9589.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-824383" width="300" height="300" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chase is so much fun to watch. He's not only the hardest worker you're going to come across, but his attention to detail is fantastic. He's always looking for coaching points and is one of, if not the most, humble young man I've met. He's got a great head on his shoulders and is a joy to be around. His physical development has been insane. I met him last year and truthfully, had to look down to talk to him. Mind you, I stand at 6'2". Today, he came up to me and I had to do a double take. He's grown easily 4-5 inches since last year and then matched that with the proper muscle He looks absolutely incredible, especially for his age. I think the moment Chase won MVP was late in camp. If his handful of interceptions of batted balls down didn't do it, he got the ultimate compliment, which makes any DB an MVP in my book. A WR was going up to take a rep. He saw it was Chase's turn to play DB. All of a sudden, he needed another breather, told someone else to go, and went the next rep. Chase was locking down every receiver that came his way and began to get in some of their heads at a camp. Very few guys are training, working, and preparing at DB like Chase is. To say he's got D1 talent would be a lie. I think if he continues to work the way he does, he could be aiming for Sunday's. Real DBs are rare. Guys who love playing DB are even more rare. Lock-down Corners who are great athletes with elite range are worth their weight in gold, and them some. Add in the fact he's incredibly smart, humble, and coach-able, and you've got a unicorn DB. However, I promise this unicorn is real, he's just at Cathedral high school.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@AdenChase1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->