Utah’s 3A Class: Hidden Defensive Gems

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's hidden talent in the 3A class of Utah high school football. Check out our scouting reports on the defensive prospects flying under the radar. These prospects are all part of the class of 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1163060' first='Lincoln' last='Alder']: EDGE || 6'0 || Manti HS </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alder is an athletic prospect with bend and brust to play along the LOS. Against the run, he shows initial quickness to read and react at the LOS. As a pass rusher, he shows burst to get upfield, shows UOH to make quick contact and get to the QB. A sure tackler at the LOS. His 19 sacks for the season earned him All State honors and has the frame to add size to play in a 3-4 defensive scheme at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1561946' first='Porter' last='Jackson']: LB || 5'11 || Juab HS</em></strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson is a physical prospect that plays the MIKE linebacker position in the Wasp's defense. Has a knack for the ball to diagnose and read quickly to find ball carriers. Lateral quickness to move along the LOS. Shows take off as a blitz rusher. His 113 tackles for the season earned him All State honors and a top prospect returning for the Wasp. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1207602' first='Taualoa' last='Laupapa']: LB || 6'0 || North Sanpete HS </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Laupapa is an athletic prospect that plays the MIKE linebacker position in the Hawk's defense. Has a knack for the ball to diagnose and read quickly to find ball carriers. Strength at the POA to stack and shed blocks to get to ball carriers. Lateral quickness to move along the LOS. Range to make open field tackles. Laupapa earned All State honors this past season and will need to be on recruiting radars. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='698339' first='Lee' last='Maile']: LB || 5'10 || Grantsville HS </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maile is an athletic prospect that plays the MIKE linebacker position in the Hawk's defense. Has a knack for the ball to diagnose and read quickly to find ball carriers. Strength at the POA to stack and shed blocks to get to ball carriers. Lateral quickness to move along the LOS. Range to make open field tackles. Shows instincts and reaction in coverage. Maile made All State this past season and will be the top three down linebacker to watch this upcoming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1205908' first='Gage' last='Yardley']: DB || 6'2 || Richfield HS </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yardley is an athletic prospect that plays the Strong Safety position in the Wildcat's defense. A good tackler with physicality and toughness. Ball skills to track and judge the ball downfield. Fluid hips and COD to plant and drive. Awareness and instincts in coverage. Yardley is a productive two way player that also contributes in special teams. His productivity earned him All State and a 3A State Championship. I see Yardley playing Safety/Linebacker at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->