2025 Defensive Rankings Risers: Part 1
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In-depth evaluations of the 2025 defensive prospect rising up the PRZ state rankings. David Kuku WA #11 DB #1 HEIGHT 6'0" WEIGHT 165 POS DB CLASS 2025 View Player Boost Profile Download Image David Kuku Class 2025 Position DB…
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Continue ReadingIn-depth evaluations of the 2025 defensive prospect rising up the PRZ state rankings.
Kuku is a dynamic athlete at 6’0” 160 lbs. Projects as CB in college but is a difference maker in all three phases at Kamiakin. Checks all the boxes as a D1 DB prospect with his combination of length, speed, and natural coverage ability. Everything he does is instinctive and his reactionary quickness puts him in the right spots to make explosive plays. He’s a strider with a sustained second gear to gain ground and cover all areas of the field. Like his lateral agility and change of direction to match movement and accelerate out of his transition. He anticipates well and has great route recognition to stay in phase at all three levels. Jumped into the top ten overall prospects in the state and is the top ranked DB after a strong junior year. Recruitment has been on a steady rise since August pulling in eight D1 offers with more on the way.
8 Offers: Nebraska, Arizona State, Idaho, Boise State, Eastern Washington, Washington State, Jackson State, San Diego State
Kahai was one of our top newcomers to the last rankings update at the beginning of the 2023 season but has since moved up to our top 20 overall prospects after jumping over 30 spots. Showed great year over year improvement during his junior campaign that saw him collect his first D1 offer and voted to the PRZ All-Northwest team. He’s continued to add weight now at 6’0” 180 lbs. Possesses exceptional natural athleticism with good all-around speed and quickness. He’s effective in press man or zone coverage and can lock down opposing team’s top target. Plays with good pad level and leverage and is smooth transitioning from his backpedal to his breaks. Excels in short area acceleration allowing him to recover and close separation with the ball in the air. Finished the season with five interceptions and 13 PBU’s. West Virginia offered in December but is still under recruited. Expect it to pick up as the recruiting cycle progresses.
1 Offer: West Virginia
Highlights
At 6’3” 215 lbs. Thumlert is an attacking defender with plus athleticism and speed to redirect. He’s got great initial quickness and an explosive first step to beat blockers off the edge and gain penetration as the play develops. He’s a natural bender with good body control, coordination, and speed to close space in the short area. Excels as a pass rusher with a good variety of moves but is also a high IQ defender that is well-coached and understands his assignment in the run game. Colleges will love his high motor and aggressive/physical playing style. He’s relentless in pursuit and has the agility to work laterally down the line and make plays sideline to sideline. Made a huge jump in the rankings and should continue to rise through his senior year. Picked up his initial college offer from Montana State in December and was also voted to the PRZ All-Northwest team.
1 Offer: Montana State
Highlights
Speer had a breakout junior season racking up 143 tackles on his way to being named 4A GSHL Defensive Player of the Year and All-State. He’s continued to add weight and mass to his frame now at a solid and well-built 6’2” 225 lbs. He’s an extremely active defender with a great nose for the football. Quick to read and react he anticipates well to locate the ball and trigger. He’s an aggressive tackler that is tough/physical bringing strong contact and finishing ability to every play. Beats blockers with both his combination of strength and speed. Uses his hands well to take on and disengage to free himself up. He takes smart angles and can close on ball carriers in a hurry. Would be surprised if he didn’t see his initial college offer come in soon. Has the size, talent, and upside to see be a high-level college recruit.