2024 Rankings Newcomers: Defense

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth analysis of the new defensive prospects to the 2024 PRZ state rankings.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1116116"],"_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":"Strong DL prospect that has the size, skillset, and positional flexibility to play multiple spots on the line at a high level. At 6'3” 245 lbs. he's got good length and growth potential to add size without sacrificing his athleticism and mobility. Flashes good initial quickness out of his stance and the strength at the POA to fight through blocks and double teams. Shows command of a variety of moves to beat blockers, good long arm and swim moves. Like his hand usage, quickness, and placement. Does a good job using them to maintain separation and then free himself up to make a tackle. Can play all three downs with his ability to plug a gap against the run or rush the passer. Racked up 47 tackles, 8 TFL, and 9 sacks in his senior season. Holds an offer from Idaho and is a high academic prospect.rnrn1 Offer: Idaho","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659f66c0e5523"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaunaletor/status/1732045880411422853","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/shaunaletor/status/1732045880411422853 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1116120"],"_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":"Drayton is an aggressive and relentless defender with great size and length at 6'5” 235 lbs. Quick off the LOS, he's got an explosive first step to gain positional leverage and penetration as the play develops. A plus athlete with good natural movement skills and bend. Shows he can work laterally down the line and use his speed to chase downfield or from the back side. Strong tackler that brings heavy contact and is violent at the POA. Uses his hands well to keep blockers away from his body and then shed. Good feel for the game and where the ball is going, he's quick to recognize run/pass and then locate the ball carrier. Picked up offers from UMass and Arizona Chrisitan but his best football is in front of him as he has a ton of upside and room to grow.rnrn2 Offers: UMass, Arizona Christian","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659f66c0e55bd"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/iamconnord1/status/1735004460790014251","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/iamconnord1/status/1735004460790014251 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1116142"],"_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":"Lazcano is a versatile DB that can line up and be effective anywhere in the secondary. At 6'1” 180 lbs. he's got good length and speed to cover the whole field. Well coached, he's got good technique and footwork with the eye discipline to make quick decisive reads and anticipate where the balls going. Aggressive and physical tackler that does a great job breaking down in space and driving through contact. Tough to break even in one on one open field tackle situations. High football IQ, understands his assignment and where the offense is trying to attack. Takes smart and efficient angles to the ball in both coverage and run support. Still uncommitted holding offers from Northern Arizona, Central Washington, and Eastern New Mexico.rnrn3 Offers: NAU, Central Washington, Western New Mexico","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659f66c0e5641"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/omarlazcano_/status/1733044677283401859 ","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/omarlazcano_/status/1733044677283401859 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1116172"],"_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":"Well-rounded skillset for the corner out of Mica Mountain. At 6'0” 175 lbs. he runs well while showing he can stay in phase all three levels of the field. A good athlete that flashes good short area burst out of his transition to close space and recover with the ball in the air. Smooth in the hips allowing him to quickly change directions and match WR movement. Shows the ability to recognize and jump routes in both press and off coverage effectively. He's a competitor that plays the ball well and is physical as a tackler and in run support. High effort guy that plays fast and full speed through the whistle. A grinder that puts in the work in the weight room, in the classroom, and on the field. Performed well throughout the season and at various off-season camps/showcases and has seen his recruiting stock on the rise since. Holds nine total offers from a variety of D2 and D3 programs.rnrn9 Offers: Concordia, Hastings, Wisconsin-River Falls, Western New Mexico, Simpson, Western Colorado, Arizona Christian, Montana State-Northern, Lake Forest","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659f66c0e56cb"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/X_Johnson32/status/1729642492356682001","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/X_Johnson32/status/1729642492356682001 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1116195"],"_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":"Active and violent defender that can play multiple spots in the front seven. At 6'3” 210 lbs. he's got a strong build with good length and growth potential as he develops. Plays well with his eyes with a fast trigger and good reactionary quickness to break on the ball and close space. Physical tackler that plays with leverage while bringing strong contact to every tackle he makes. Explodes at the POA to finish ball carriers to the ground. Does a good job using his speed and short area burst to slip blocks and rapidly close on the ball carrier. Like his ability to diagnose the play and recognize run/pass to read and react. High motor defender that is constantly attacking and is relentless in pursuit. Finished the 2023 season with 100 total tackles, 10 TFL, and 4 sacks. Initially offered by Arizona Christian in late November and followed that up with a D1 offer from NAU.rnrn2 Offers: Arizona Christian, NAU","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659f66c0e5750"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":"","_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659f66c0e5779"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/prayeryb9/status/1729165805793997119","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/prayeryb9/status/1729165805793997119 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->