PRZMI Preseason Underrated Underclassmen Dream Team: Defense
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Michael Reder MI #67 DL #15 HEIGHT 6'3" WEIGHT 260 POS DL CLASS 2025 View Profile Michael Reder Instagram Twitter State: Michigan School: Saline Michael played a ton of meaningful snaps last season for Saline as a sophomore, and his…
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Continue ReadingMichael played a ton of meaningful snaps last season for Saline as a sophomore, and his role is only going to increase in 2023. He has the size and agility to be a menace for offensive lines, and is going to live in the backfield. He’s got a number of good moves, along with a growing tool box he continues to add. He’s a pretty easy choice here, as I think he has a ton of potential that people don’t even realize. I think he will end up as one of the top DL in the state before his career at Saline finishes up.
Highlights
I got to watch Kharon work recently, and came away extremely impressed. He may be underrated right now, but I think that will change very soon as he has all the athletic ability to shoot up the charts. He won’t blow you away with size yet, but the way he fires off the ball and can use his speed to get by offensive lineman is elite. The more he fills out his frame, along with working on his craft, the higher this guy will be very soon. I can’t wait to watch him this season, as I think he will really break out.
Jake stepped up nicely last season, but I think he still has potential to go from good to great. I think he’s a little underrated, but as he matures and works on his craft, you can see where he could go. His size is a huge plus, and is really good in the run game. If I can nitpick anything, it would be to continue to work on his moves in the passrush, but overall he is a really solid prospect that colleges need to get in on because he could be shaped into a really special player.
I’m not sure if it’s just due to the conference and area he plays in or what, but Aiden needs to be thought of much more highly than he is now. He’s got all of the tools to be a next level player, as he’s got size, agility, aggression and technique. He’s got a lot of motor, and is relentless in pursuit. This season he is in line to jump out to a lot of people, and I am stoked to see it.
You know I had to include someone to represent the 8-Player divisions! Carter is spoken very highly of from his coaches and other people that know him. High character and could possibly be one of the most talented players in 8P. You can play him anywhere and he would produce. He reads his keys, sheds blocks and flat out hits! He may be the one that could surprise a ton of colleges when they actually dig into him. A real diamond in the rough that is just waiting for someone to give him a shot.
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Reed is a really interesting prospect, as he definitely has the size and strength to be a problem for offenses. He moves really well side to side and sheds blocks pretty well. I think some more time being molded in the weight room and more experience boosting his football IQ is going to continue to make him a viable prospect. Don’t be shocked if he makes some noise and starts to move up the rankings quickly with a productive 2023 season.
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Another LB you have to pay attention to here, as he is a thumper that loves contact. He has a ton he can add to his game, but watching his film will make you realize he is going to be a force very soon. Pursuit of the ballcarrier is a non issue for him as he has a high motor and is really athletic. I am really impressed with his football IQ as young as he is. Jilek recognizes plays and formations quickly and can diagnose them in a split second to read his keys and make plays. I think he’s underrated right now, but will quickly climb once he shows what he has added to his game in the offseason.
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Connor has a strong case to be on the offensive part of this list, but I think he is really underrated as a DB. He’s got some really strong fundamentals and has all the athleticism to keep up with a variety of receivers, and as a good WR, he is able to play the ball really well on the defensive side. I love watching him play WR, but I think he could really shock some people when he shows off what he can do in the secondary.
Highlights
The Gladwin secondary was one of the most impressive units I got to watch last season, and I remember making the comment that they were extremely long, lanky and would completely shut down any team that dares pass. One of the most vital parts of that was Corlew, who is a ballhawk, and can go up and get it from their intended targets. Not only that, but he jams receivers off the line and makes their life a lot more difficult to get open. He’s got the size and technique to really be one of the best DB’s in the Mid- Michigan area. Another impressive part is he is a really good kick return guy, and I watched him take one to the house in the semi- finals to lift his squad to the state championship. QB’s beware, when he breaks on the ball it is probably going the other way. I can’t wait to see how he has improved in the offseason.
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Duggins has a few good DB prospects in his class, and maybe that’s some of the reason he seems underrated to me, but I really like Duggins and how he plays the game. He has a nose for the football and breaks quickly on the ball to make plays. He can also come up in the run game and make plays. Do not be shocked if he ends up elevating himself above a few others in the near future, as I think he could end up becoming a solid prospect. At this early of a stage, size isn’t really an issue, but he is showing progress there, but his football IQ is advanced beyond his years already and it will only continue to get better.
Highlights
Another guy that may be getting overshadowed due to having another DB on his team currently ranked #4 in the class of 2026, but Pruitt has a ton of upside and potential as well. I knew he could cover well, but when I dove into his film I was surprised at how well he came up and stopped the run. He reads a defense well and has the athleticism to get to where the play is heading. His sticky hands and football IQ make him an INT machine, look for him to take a lot the other way in the coming years.