2025 Rankings Newcomers: Defense

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deep dive into the new defensive prospects in the updated 2025 PRZ rankings. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1136301"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Smith is a quick reacting DB with great feel and instincts in coverage. At 6'1” 170 lbs. he's a smooth and savvy athlete that shows high level anticipation skills to get an early break on the ball. Limits wasted movement with efficient footwork and good eye discipline to take good angles towards the ball both in run support and in coverage. Plus ball skills and does a great job establishing positional leverage so he can make a play at the catch point. Times out his jump and competes for the ball at the high point. He's a physical DB that brings strong contact as a tackler. Good positional versatility to play all spots in the secondary but projects as a college level safety prospect. Currently holds offers from Arizona and Eastern Washington but should see more as the recruiting cycle progresses.rnrn2 Offers: Arizona, Eastern Washington","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66188e1400b7a"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BryceSmith_332/status/1736943372500430949","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BryceSmith_332/status/1736943372500430949 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1136303"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A lot to like about Crawford's skillset with his combination of speed and power. At 6'1” 240 lbs. he's a quick twitch athlete that applies early pressure with an explosive first step off the LOS. Good natural strength at the POA with a powerful initial punch and violent hand usage. Does a great job taking on blockers while maintaining separation so he can disengage and locate the ball. He's a plus athlete with the short area speed and change of direction to adjust his angles while pursuing the ball carrier. Well-coached he understands his assignment and does a good job holding containment while keeping his shoulders square to the LOS. Recruitment is still in its early phases but he's a high ceiling prospect and one of the top 2025 defensive linemen in the state.rnrn2 Offers: Montana State, Nevada","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66188e1400be4"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/pakicrawford/status/1734632523026596189","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/pakicrawford/status/1734632523026596189 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1136312"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Kuchenbuch is a pure football player with a versatile skillset to be effective from multiple positions on both sides of the ball. At 6'5” 230 lbs. he's got an ideal frame with length and growth potential to add mass. He's a good athlete with natural movement skills and bend to work down the line and make plays sideline to sideline. Possesses a physical and aggressive style of play that is full speed and always attacking. Shows good command of a variety of moves to beat blockers but often times can use his strength and hand usage to shed. Flashes good contact balance and leverage at the POA, he stays within his framework and its rare to see him out of control. Big time playmaker on both sides of the ball on Okanogan's run to the 2B state championship and racked up numerous post season accolades after a great junior season including 2B State Player of the Year and First Team All-State. Recruitment is picking up with three D1 FCS offers to date.rnrn3 Offers: Idaho, Eastern Washington, Montana","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66188e1400c42"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CarterKook/status/1752871627594084609","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CarterKook/status/1752871627594084609 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1136314"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"At 6'2” 205 lbs. MacPherson is an active defensive prospect that does a lot things well from his OLB position. Shows he can fill aggressively as a run stopper, effectively drop back into zone coverage, or rush the passer off the edge. He's an instinctual player that has a great nose for the football. He anticipates well to be in the right spot and has the natural playmaking ability to be a difference maker. He runs well in pursuit to chase and has the lateral agility to redirect in the short area closing space quickly. Strong tackler that can break down in space and is tough to break once he gets his hands on you. Possesses good physical measurements and testing numbers, plus length with a 4.6 40, 36 inch vertical, and 9'7” broad jump. Voted Defensive Player of the Year in the 4A Mid-Columbia Conference in addition to being name First Team All-State totaling 55 tackles, 25 TFL, and 12 sacks as a junior. Expect him to see his initial college offer come through soon.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66188e1400c9e"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/coopmaac/status/1726077088879526365","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/coopmaac/status/1726077088879526365 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1095831"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Hamlin is an attacking LB that is equally effective in coverage as he is as a run stopper. At 6'1” 220 lbs. he's got a strong and well-built frame that is powerful at the contact point. Brings heavy thump as a tackler that accelerates his hips and feet at the POA to violently finish ball carriers to the ground. Plays well with his eyes to read and react to run/pass and has a quick trigger to break on the ball and close space. As a run stopper, he plays downhill flying up to fill gaps with his shoulders square and good leverage/pad level. He takes good angles and can adjust as the play develops to line up the ball carrier and get to the spot. Knows how to drop into coverage and read the QB's eyes, he's able to step into throwing lanes and make a play on the ball at the catch point. Had a solid junior campaign recording 86 total tackles. Picked up his first offer from Linfield in December and should see a bump in recruiting going into his senior year.rnrn1 Offer: Linfield","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66188e1400cfb"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/kadenhamlin4/status/1727766736790032794","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/kadenhamlin4/status/1727766736790032794 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->