Defensive Breakout Candidates from the 2025 Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the 2023 season just around the corner, rising juniors are set out to get a huge year on the field and on tape. In our rankings update the past few weeks, we have found several players who had solid to impressive years last year that should blow up this upcoming season. Whether due to physically maturing or figuring the game out better, these guys are set to make their mark on the state this season. We are continuing to find and locate talent across the state in this special class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["920454"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"At 6'3u0022 320, defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='920454' first='Anthony' last='Hopson'] doesn't move like a normal big man. This is a special athlete with a ton of promise this upcoming season. Hopson is light on his feet and has an extremely agile initial get off. His twitch allows him to bend as a pass rusher and chase down ball carriers and opposing quarterbacks far across the field. Hopson has a motor that runs hot - this guy flat out refuses to give up on a pass rush. He already has some advanced hand usage that has surely grown over the summer. As a run defender, Hopson does a great job at using his length and power to overwhelm opposing offensive linemen. He currently holds an offer from Southern Miss and several local JuCos, but this is only the beginning for the junior. Watch as he dominates for Philadelphia this upcoming season and begins to hear his name called by even more universities across the southeast.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6c40c01dd3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["920460"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A 6'0u0022 180 pound defensive back with speed, [player_tooltip player_id='920460' first='Jalyas' last='Winters'] already has the physical skill set that college coaches are searching far and wide for. Winters played all over the secondary last season at Philadelphia and will look to build on a very impressive sophomore campaign. In coverage, Winters has smooth hips and can easily transition in his back pedal. A naturally fast kid, Winters can cover a ton of ground quickly and can run with any receiver he is matched up against. While he played both corner and safety last year, it is hard not to love his future at safety due to his physicality. This guy is not afraid to use the hit stick button when he gets the opportunity. Winters tackles well in space and can cause havoc on a blitz. Having no college offers entering the year, Winters is bound to earn his first opportunity in a matter of weeks.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6c40c01e3f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["920461"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A pass rusher with an intense motor, Petal's [player_tooltip player_id='920461' first='Jaylen' last='Doss'] is set to make a storm in recruiting circles as the year progresses. At 6'2u0022 250, Doss has plenty of room to continue growing and filling out into his long frame. This guy is lightening in a bottle. Doss has a great get off off the ball and has a knack for getting after the quarterback. He has a variety of pass rush moves, but thrives with his quick hand swipe and stack and shed technique. Doss moves really well sideline to sideline as well and can chase down screen passes with ease. As a run defender, he uses his length well to keep distance between himself and the offensive lineman in his path. He currently holds an offer from EMCC, but with pass rush tape like he had last year, should find himself with even more options by the end of the year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6c40c01e9d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["920466"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Flashing on the camp trail this summer, [player_tooltip player_id='920466' first='Malachi' last='Henderson'] is an uber-athletic linebacker that will be making plays for a loaded Oak Grove defense this fall. Henderson stands at 6'1u0022 205 and spent some time playing at h-back last season. His tape from last year gets you excited for his ability on defense. Henderson is a big and fast presence that has some natural strength to him. He does not fear contact at all and looks to dish out a big hit any chance that he gets. Henderson ran well in space last season and at camps this summer, making him have a ton of potential on the defensive side of the football. Waiting to see what he does this upcoming year, but he has all the makings of a blow up candidate.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6c40c01ef8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["920471"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"After his 11 sack, 21 tackle for loss, and 82 tackle season as a sophomore, Louisville's [player_tooltip player_id='920471' first='Tayquan' last='McKinney'] will look to put up a huge year of tape this season. The hybrid linebacker - defensive end has some natural playmaking ability that is hard to teach. Off the edge as a pass rusher, McKinney can win with speed and his ability to bend off the edge. He uses his hands well to beat offensive tackles and possesses a strong football IQ. McKinney knows when to finish a rush through the quarterback and when to simply throw his hands up to tip a pass. As a run defender, he can set the edge well and make big plays on ball carriers in space. While he is still growing, this is a talent that will not go unnoticed throughout 2023.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e6c40c01f54"} /-->