Show-Me State Playoff Defenders: Round One

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I wanted to highlight several defenders who are some of the most dominant in the state. There are several Missouri linebackers who will have dozens of eyes on them this postseason. Below, I highlight some of the most coveted linebackers in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["328601"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='328601' first='Chase' last='Pearsall'] is one of several elite defensive prospects for Lee's Summit North. Chase has received interest from Mizzou, Kansas, and Iowa State this fall, so watch for more schools in the region to recruit the hard-hitting defender this winter. Chase's awareness and acceleration in pass coverage give him a chance to be a great three down linebacker in college. Good power and closing speed get displayed running through ball carriers in pursuit. Chase's strength, good flexibility, and explosiveness shown blitzing the quarterback highlight his pass rush potential at the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["275597"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='275597' first='Jax' last='Fosnow'] is one of the most underrated 2024 defenders in Missouri. Jax has received offers from Pitt State and Missouri Western State just this month, so don't be surprised when more schools in the region come in late to his recruitment. Jax's good change of direction, shed technique, and tackling ability excite coaches about his potential to be a true middle linebacker at the next level. Good quickness and power get displayed when Jax redirects to flatten ball carriers at the point of attack. Length, closing speed, and good flexibility give Jax the potential to add value as a versatile pass rusher in college.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["931234"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='931234' first='Ashton' last='Phillips'] is one of several De Smet defenders who are being recruited to play college football. Expect the talented inside linebacker's stock to continue to rise as De Smet prepares for a playoff run. Good power gets displayed exploding through ball carriers in the run box. Good strength, size, and quickness allow Ashton to easily dispose of blockers in the run game. Coaches like Ashton's combination of instincts and closing speed shown decisively redirecting to chase down screen passes.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["385094"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='385094' first='Elijah' last='Morton'] has been a solid contributor for the Bruins in his first and final season at Rock Bridge. He has visited Missouri State and Northwest Missouri State just this month. Expect coaches around the region to keep an eye on the talented linebacker's playoff run. Elijah shows his versatility immediately on tape shedding blockers and closing on ball carriers from a defensive end alignment. A fluid change of direction and good tackling ability shows dropping running backs in the backfield. Elijah's good length and power shows stunning blockers from an outside linebacker alignment; Good pass rush potential gets highlighted by Elijah's consistent production as either a true defensive end or standup outside linebacker.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["172304"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='172304' first='Melvin' last='Laster'] is one of the most dominant defenders in Kansas City. The UNLV commit is sure to keep disrupting opposing offenses in the playoffs. I was impressed at Melvin's improved explosiveness and pass rushing ability on his senior tape. Good instincts, size, strength, and tackling ability highlight Melvin's ideal inside linebacker skillset. A great combination of athleticism and closing speed show why Melvin is ready to contribute early in a college defense.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653bb2ea16026"} /-->