DON’T SLEEP | Uncommitted Defensive Seniors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As schools continue to put the finishing touches to their recruiting classes, there are still several hidden gems among the 2024 class, who I believe can make an impact at the next level. So, I started the “DON'T SLEEP” series, highlighting some sleepers in the 2024 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We showcased some of the top uncommitted offensive standouts; NOW we flip to the other side of the ball. Here are four senior prospects who could definitely help improve your defense... DON'T SLEEP!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='250320' first='Alex' last='Runge'] | 2024 | DB/WR | Gretna | 5'11" 195 lbs </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14501677/Alex-Runge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/alexrunge6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top remaining DBs in the state, Gretna's [player_tooltip player_id='250320' first='Alex' last='Runge'], has both the production and film to show that he's a next-level talent. Runge had a productive year on both sides of the ball, leading the team in receiving 342 yards and two touchdowns while notching 40 tackles, two TFLs, and a fumble recovery on defense. Alex has spent the last two seasons as the starting safety for the Dragon's defense, which has been one of the top units in Class A. What stands out right away is Runge's football IQ and ability to diagnose plays. Starting even before the snap, Alex is already reading the offense and communicating what he sees to his teammates. Runge's toughness and willingness to defend against the run were impressive. He uses great tackling technique and can take on ball carriers in the open field. He reacts to the ball very well— he does a great job reading the QB's eyes and firing toward the ball when the ball goes up. Alex also showed his overall versatility as he stepped up big time on the offensive side of the ball. Alex has solid offers from William Jewell and Hastings College but has remained fairly under the radar. Team player, smart, physical, well-coached... what else do you need?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14501677/6515b0bbbee0b4045c290343' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659f8aac480f6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='844946' first='Sam' last='Clements'] | 2024 | DL/LB | Elmwood-Murdock | 6'1" 225 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14785146/Sam-Clements" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/sclements52" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elmwood-Murdoch's [player_tooltip player_id='844946' first='Sam' last='Clements'] emerged as one of the more disruptive big men coming from the 8-man ranks. Clements ended his senior year with 66 tackles, 9 TFLs, two sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and a blocked kick. He's a solid athlete and a flat-out football player who I can see filling several different roles at the next level. Sam mainly played nose tackle on the Knight's defense, but I could see him playing anywhere from defensive end to 3-tech DL or even moving to linebacker at the next level. My biggest takeaway from watching Sam's clips was that he does a very good job exploding through his hips and making powerful impact with his hands. He combines this with smart use of his natural leverage, and it's a no-brainer why he was such an issue for opposing offenses. Legit offensive guard prospect as well! Sam is still waiting on his first offer... scoop this guy up ASAP!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14785146/6511db3fb3d3620ee0294810' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659f8aac48126"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='845643' first='Kaden' last='Roberson'] | 2024 | DL/OL | Grand Island | 6'4" 220 lbs </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14719188/Kaden-J-Roberson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Kaden56822937" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='845643' first='Kaden' last='Roberson'] quietly enjoyed a very successful season on the Islanders' offensive and defensive line. Kaden finished year 4 with 69 tackles, 11 TFLs, and 5 sacks. Roberson is a lengthy, athletic defensive end who is fast and physical at the point of attack. His lengthy frame allows him to get a nice extension when taking on blockers and create separation for himself. Roberson was very effective as both a run-defender and when at providing pressure on the QB. He does a great job setting the edge to help contain any outside runs or scrambling QBs. When playing downhill, he's relentless with his pursuit and will use violent hands, power moves, and even some finesse moves to penetrate the backfield. Good speed for his size— allows him to track down ball carriers downfield. One of the top unoffered DL/OL in the 2024 class! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14719188/656b8eb36e82720a0c88d7a9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659f8aac48147"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='516765' first='Barrett' last='Lavaley'] | 2024 | LB | Wahoo | 6'2" 185 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11819757/Barrett-Lavaley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BarrettLavaley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a player ready for a nice bump in the next rankings update. Wahoo's [player_tooltip player_id='516765' first='Barrett' last='Lavaley'] had a fantastic senior year in which he finished with 81 tackles, seven TFLs, six sacks, four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), a forced fumble, and a blocked kick while helping the Warriors reach the state championship game. Barrett is a very well-rounded linebacker who excels both in coverage and as a run-stopper. Lavaley has a quick trigger when he keys on the run and is very effective at plugging in his gaps. He does a great job fighting through blocks and has a great pursuit of the ball, which resulted in several splash plays behind the LOS. Barrett also flashed a very high football IQ and quick instincts, which shined through in his coverage reps. He breaks on the ball very well and has great range from the middle of the field. Smart hand use— Lavaley showed good ball skills in coverage and ended the year with four picks as a middle linebacker. Barrett also played a huge role on offense with 13 receptions for 313 receiving yards and scored four receiving touchdowns with an eye-popping 24 yards per reception as a tight end. Solid size at 6'2 and 185 pounds with room to add onto his frame at the next level. Great athlete to have on your team— upside on both sides of the ball with LB being the more natural fit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11819757/65651c9ea681b113647f3e6a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659f8aac48166"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->