Ohio Stock Up Showcase Preview 5: Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">In advance of our Stock Up Showcase in Hilliard Ohio on January 7th, I'm going to be previewing some of the players who are signed up for the event. These evaluations will be brief, but I hope will give an idea of what kind of traits I'll be looking for when we get a chance to see them workout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">2025 DB Jordan McElroy (McKinley) 5'11 165- McElroy is a strong cover corner who's really strong in man v man coverage. He has loose hips and a smooth transition from backpedal to run. He's a fluid athlete withe the speed to run with speedy receivers. When the ball is in the air he does a great job of playing the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">2025 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1014822' first='Elazar' last='Hood'] (Columbus St. Francis Desales) 5'11 160- Hood is an athletic and technically sound defensive back. He's comfortable in soft or press man coverage. With his smooth back pedal and hips he's always in the receiver's hip pocket ready to play the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">2025 DL Justin Thomas (Centennial) 6'7 225- Thomas is a really intriguing player. At 6'7 225, Justin possesses great length and a frame to continue to add good weight. He's a strong athlete who can play in space. He plays a lot in the 2-point stance for the stars. If he can continue to add weight and strength, he has a chance to put his hand in the dirt and turn into a really good college defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">2024 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1117923' first='John' last='Banks Jr'] (Watkins Memorial) 5'11 215- Banks is an old school linebacker who loves to run and hit. He has a high football IQ. He plays downhill, but he's also gap sound in taking away the cutback on the backside. He has a great feel for playing in space when in coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">2025 DB Tyler Hurd (Newark) 6'0 170- Athletically Hurd fits the bill. He has good speed and is sound in coverage. When the ball goes in the air he has a really strong break on the ball. In the run game Tyler plays downhill and isn't afraid of physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">2025 DL Carter Zuliani (Buckhannon Upshur HS, WV) 6'5 225-Zuliana is a long and athletic defensive end. He does a great job of using length and hands to win reps. He is comfortable rushing out of the 3-point or 2-point stance. He trusts his eyes and has the acceleration to run down in pursuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->