2024 Rankings Newcomers: Defense

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth analysis of the new 2024 defensive prospects to the PRZ state rankings.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1108262"],"_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 6'3” 235 lbs. Gipson is a versatile defender that is effective lining up as an edge rusher or as a LB. A plus athlete with natural movement skills showing good bend off the edge, initial quickness out of his stance, and lateral mobility in pursuit. Strong power rusher that is violent at the POA exploding on contact with good balance, leverage, and forward momentum to deliver a thump as a tackler or when taking on blockers. Can also beat blockers to the spot with his speed and quickness. Great in pursuit, he's a high effort player that flashes good burst to close to play the whole field. Throughout his senior season he showed he can also drop back into coverage and play the ball in the air finishing with two interceptions and nine PBU's. Racked up 89 total tackles with 22 TFL's in the 2023 season. Committed to Idaho State over a PWO spot at Oregon State and an offer from D2 Minot State.rnrn3 Offers: Idaho State, Oregon State (PWO), Minot State","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6584084794444"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Darrell_Gipsonn/status/1719157750641615073","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Darrell_Gipsonn/status/1719157750641615073 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1108270"],"_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":"6'3” 235 lb. edge prospect with a strong well-built frame and good growth potential. Quick and explosive first step off the LOS to work off the edge and gain penetration as the play is developing. Makes a ton of plays at or behind the LOS. Possesses the short area speed to quickly redirect and chase the ball carrier, shows he can make backside plays and downfield tackles. Flashes good command of a variety of moves to beat blockers at the POA but excels using his hands with good placement to maintain separation and shed to free himself up. Plays with leverage and is strong at the POA to be a heavy striker while wrapping up to the ground. Committed to Eastern Washington prior to his senior season over an Idaho offer and a PWO spot at Washington State.rnrn3 Offers: Eastern Washington, Idaho, Washington State (PWO)","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65840847944b5"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/waylonromero_/status/1689704029365166080","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/waylonromero_/status/1689704029365166080 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1108283"],"_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":"Walcker is a pure football player that is a difference maker no matter where he lines up. Combining his savvy athleticism and great instincts/anticipation he's an explosive defensive playmaker that possesses a strong 6'3” 205 lb. frame with length and growth potential. His size, positional versatility, and range allow him to be effective lining up as a deep cover safety or come down in the box as an OLB. He's a force that plays with an edge and is a violent finisher at the POA. He flies around and attacks the ball with good game speed. He's got good acceleration in the short area to break on the ball and shows the change of direction and long speed to cover the whole field. High football IQ with good eye discipline and awareness allow him to diagnose plays quickly and trigger. Signed to his only offer from Eastern Washington but went under recruiting given his size, talent, and upside. Finished the season with 112 total tackles to go with his 1,100 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns.rnrn1 Offer: Eastern Washington","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6584084794536"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ConnerWalcker/status/1725244322403225859","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ConnerWalcker/status/1725244322403225859 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1108347"],"_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":"Talented safety prospect with good size, length, and athleticism at 6'3” 200 lbs. Shows the ability to play deep center field safety in coverage or come down in run support and bring strong contact. Plays well with his eyes to process his reads quickly and react. Smooth out of his transition he's able to plant and drive on the ball accelerating into his break to close space. Great judgement and ball skills to make a play at the catch point, he times out his jump while going through the hands to break up a pass. Efficient with his movement, he takes good angles in both coverage and run support while limiting wasted steps. Aggressive and physical striker that can deliver a blow when he lines up a ball carrier but can also break down in space and be a reliable one on one open field tackler. Finished his senior season with 113 tackles, 11 PBU, 15 TFL, 2 INT, and six FF. Signed to Eastern Washington over an offer from Linfield.rnrn2 Offers: Eastern Washington, Linfield","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65840847945a4"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DonovanTyce/status/1724244951846777328","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DonovanTyce/status/1724244951846777328 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1108292"],"_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":"Kissick is an active defender with good size and a great skillset to play the hybrid LB/Edge spot. At 6'2” 235 lbs. he plays a downhill and aggressive style that is relentless in pursuit allowing him to be a sideline to sideline playmaker. He flies up to attack ball carriers quickly filling gaps between the tackles and uses his speed and lateral agility to chase down tackles to the perimeter. He's got a fast trigger and is quick to recognize run/pass to anticipate and put himself in good positioning. Strong and powerful body tackler that takes good angles of pursuit and drives his feet to explode on contact. Like his ability as a blitzer and pass rusher, does a good job timing the play and using his bend to turn the corner and close space. Picked up his initial offer from Idaho State in late July and quickly committed prior to the start of the 2023 season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6584084794608"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/FrankKissick/status/1689421030027341824","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/FrankKissick/status/1689421030027341824 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->