WEEK 9: Notable Defensive Standouts

Every Sunday and throughout the week following Friday HS Football Game Day, Prep Redzone scout Drew Johnson will be highlighting some of the standouts and notable performances from the weekend. Teams around the state kicked off week 9 and there were certainly some “Game Changers” and Notable Standouts to make note of.   Note: If you feel we missed a prospect or have a notable prospect that is worth mentioning, DM me @RealNews102.   CJ Cresser | DB | 2026 | CAI | @CJCressser   What a way to put yourself on the map. Cresser was ready pregame when I ran into him and he backed up his confidence with a breakout game against Lakeland. He finished the night with a game-changing pick 6 but also had another momentum-shifting play with a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown. He provided solid coverage throughout the night as well but was one of the top playmakers of the week.   Film: <a href="https://x.com/polk_way/status/1715537764970533326?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ">https://x.com/polk_way/status/1715537764970533326?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</a>   Keon Young | DB | 2025 | Lakeland | @KeonYoung55   I'm telling you now, Young is a 5-star product. Young did all he could on the defensive side of the ball against a talented CAI team but it was more than effort but big game-changing plays made by Young that stamped him as the Real Deal. He had a 95-yard interception and also was a few yards away from another. That was two interceptions for Young and can't forget to mention his ability to tackle and cover in man or zone. A really versatile prospect that'll be at a Power 5 school.   Film: <a href="https://x.com/polk_way/status/1715529594185351593?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ">https://x.com/polk_way/status/1715529594185351593?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='849626' first='Sean' last='Sevillano'] | LB | 2024 | CAI | @59_problemz   First time getting my eyes on real game-time action of the Notre Dame commit and he didn't disappoint. He's a Beast in the trenches that O-line coaches wake mid-sleep thinking of ways to game plan around. He had multiple tackles for loss but was just a force in the middle for CAI.   Film: <a href="https://x.com/polk_way/status/1715501813577748914?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ">https://x.com/polk_way/status/1715501813577748914?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</a>   Michael Mcclenton | DL | 2026 | Ocoee | @michaelmcclent5   Wow, this kid has seemingly come out of nowhere but has put up Madden franchise numbers throughout the season. He currently leads the nation in sacks with 28.0 per game, and second in the nation with 176 total tackles. Just check the film, this isn't little boy football or padded stats but he's a production beast with incredible upside for the college level.   Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18295377/6533c50c02b14a0a3c2e1f04">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18295377/6533c50c02b14a0a3c2e1f04</a>   Malik Morris | LB | 2026 | Lakeland | @MalikMoriss43_   The tough loss Friday night has overshadowed Morris' performance and ability to dominate in both sides of the ball. I witnessed great running back play from CAI but Morris matched the effort and talent as he was fired out of a cannon to make some of the physical tackles. He was also used as a bruiser back to finish touchdown runs near the goal line.    Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19358559/651d6bce6898c806b09f60ac">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19358559/651d6bce6898c806b09f60ac</a>   Trey'On Ellington | LB | 2024 | Winter Haven | @TreyEllington   Ellington has been the engine of the Blue Devils defense this season and had a big-time performance against Lake Gibson on Friday night to spoil the Braves' homecoming. He finished with 11 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. For sure a player who can contribute at the next level for some of the local Florida schools.   Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16426658/6533ee51a6765707989a550f">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16426658/6533ee51a6765707989a550f</a>   Zsacari Minnis | EDGE | 2024 | Eustis | @Zsacarim6ix   A monster that will play Power 5 football before it's all said and done. He has underrated technique and a nice build that college coaches can use at the next level. He finished with 7 total tackles with 2 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 sack on Friday night.    Film: <a href="https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/650096ad63cb6718dce65bbf">https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/650096ad63cb6718dce65bbf</a>   Samuel Ehret | DL | 2024 | CAI | @SamuelEhret1   The Ohio Football defensive line commit had 5 total tackles and a couple of big-time sacks against Lakeland on Friday night to help close out a 17-point second-half comeback win. Ehret made one of the plays of the night off the edge with a huge sack with one minute remaining on the clock. He's a good framed prospect at 6'4, 248 pounds with developing upside and technique for the next level.   Film: <a href="https://x.com/samuelehret1/status/1715599833585660391?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ">https://x.com/samuelehret1/status/1715599833585660391?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</a>   Best of the Rest: (Noted for performance- Stats/Film)   [player_tooltip player_id='283732' first='Elijah' last='Dias'] | LB | 2026 | Auburndale | @twin_frmpolk   Stats vs. Davenport: 12 total tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss   Film: <a href="https://x.com/theplatformdr/status/1716216428246741057?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ">https://x.com/theplatformdr/status/1716216428246741057?s=46&t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='392094' first='Josiah' last='Taylor'] | LB | 2024 | Sebring | @josiahkeepit1   Stats vs. Bartow: 12 total tackles, 2z0 tackles for loss   Dillano Glauad | LB | 2024 | CAI | @DillanoGlaud0   Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15277370/65346934041e09073851e2b2">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15277370/65346934041e09073851e2b2</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='1035186' first='Quinton' last='Moore Jr'] | LB | 2024 | Lake Gibson | @QuintonMooreJr2   Stats vs. Winter Haven: 11 total tackles, 1.0 TFL   Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14974995/650b6d44da51790660cfd85c">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14974995/650b6d44da51790660cfd85c</a>

Every Sunday and throughout the week following Friday HS Football Game Day, Prep Redzone scout Drew Johnson will be highlighting some of the standouts and notable performances from the weekend. Teams around the state kicked off week 9 and there were certainly some “Game Changers” and Notable Standouts to make note of.