Underrated Show-Me State Defenders
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I am impressed with Missouri’s depth of talent on the defensive side of the ball. However, there are countless defenders that recruiters need to get on their radar. Below, I highlight five prospects who are set to blow up this…
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Continue ReadingI am impressed with Missouri’s depth of talent on the defensive side of the ball. However, there are countless defenders that recruiters need to get on their radar. Below, I highlight five prospects who are set to blow up this fall.
Parker Mann
Parker Mann
Parker Mann is a talented two-sport athlete out of Nixa. I suspect he has a future on a college defense if he chooses not to play baseball at the next level. Parker’s strength, closing speed, and tackling ability shows blitzing from space as an outside linebacker. Parker’s power, instincts, and next level quickness suggests he can be a versatile second level defender in college. Good awareness and acceleration shows exploding through contact and laying out underneath receivers at the catchpoint. Coaches like Parker’s experience rushing the quarterback and dropping in coverage when slotting him in as a hybrid linebacker on their depth charts.
Makiye Hughes Makiye Hughes 6’3″ | 200 lbs | DB Summit | 2025 State MO is a versatile edge defender out of Fenton. He is currently competing in national seven on seven tournaments, and he has been on a visit to Kansas State in the past. Be on the lookout for Makiye’s defensive recruitment to skyrocket in 2024. A good first step and lateral quickness highlights Makiye’s potential to be a true speed rusher at the next level. Makiye consistently shows good strength and tackling ability finishing plays in the backfield. Makiye’s length, instincts, and quickness suggests he has all the tools to develop into a versatile run defender at the next level.
Isaac McIntosh Isaac McIntosh 5’8″ | 170 lbs | DB Lees Summit North | 2025 State MO is another defender flying under the radar on powerhouse Lee’s Summit North’s roster. I am confident the talented two-sport athlete will see his football recruitment heat up this year. Coaches like Isaac’s physicality and good tackling ability displayed in the run game. Good instincts and ball skills shows as Isaac consistently makes plays on the ball when in coverage versus bigger receivers. Isaac’s burst, quick feet, and physicality at the catchpoint suggests he can thrive as a man defender in college.
Highlights
Dain Almquist Dain Almquist 6’3″ | 260 lbs | DL Rock Bridge | 2025 State MO is one of the most underrated DL prospects in central Missouri. Dain has visited Mizzou in the past, but I am surprised he has not received more attention from schools in the region. Watch out for his first offer to come in sooner rather than later. Dain’s next level combination of power and range shows in run defense easily defeating blocks and disrupting plays in the backfield. Good quickness and tackling ability shows making tackles on outside runs outside of his vicinity. Dain’s size, strength, speed, and athleticism suggests he has all the tools to develop into a quality power rusher in college.
Romie Still Romie Still 6’4″ | 230 lbs | DL North Kansas City | 2026 State MO is a rising pass rusher out of North Kansas City. Romie’s teammates in the trenches have been receiving attention this offseason, but his recruitment has been quiet. Expect coaches to be in contact with the versatile pass rusher before the fall gets here. The defensive end shows good length, power, fast hands, and flashes of explosiveness beating tackles with speed rushes off the edge. Romie’s athleticism shows easily chasing down ball carriers in space. Good strength, range, size, and instincts highlights Romie’s ability to be a versatile run defender at the next level.