Canada 2025 Rankings New Additions: Defensive Standouts
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This was a huge update in our rankings with the addition of over 100 ranked prospects so checkout the full list here 2025 Rankings Update There were so many additions to our rankings with many new prospects being introduced to the…
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Continue ReadingThis was a huge update in our rankings with the addition of over 100 ranked prospects so checkout the full list here 2025 Rankings Update
There were so many additions to our rankings with many new prospects being introduced to the top half of our rankings – it would take a long time to give you an analysis of each addition so I am taking a different approach. We will see in-depth thorough position breakdowns of our Canada rankings where we will talk about all the top additions at each position group. As that is in the works I wanted to highlight some new additions to the defensive side of the ball that even though they may not sit atop their position rankings are prospects that have some interesting film and developmental qualities that warrant looks from the next level.
Duplessis out of Champlain-Lennoxville in Quebec is a dynamic Defensive End prospect who is one of the top returning CEGEP prospects at the position after we saw several DEGEP defensive linemen from last season move onto the next level. Duplessis needs to continue to add weight and mass to his frame but he showcases the length and athleticism to be an impactful player coming off the edge. Duplessis plays with a high motor and as a pass rusher showcases good footwork and bend around the edge. Duplessis has some really good burst off the ball and showcases solid hand usage at the point of attack. Duplessis may have some of the best lateral movement skills of the defensive ends in this class and showcases some solid finishing ability.
Nissi Ogbebor Nissi Ogbebor 6’6″ | 270 lbs | DL St. Mark | 2025 State CAD is a player who is a raw prospect still putting it together on film but showcases some elite measurables, good movement skills, and plays the game hard. Ogbebor has elite length and he uses that length well, he plays to the whistle and showcases the ability to move from sideline to sideline. There are a couple of clips of Ogbebor playing running back and you can tell he is a special athlete. As he continues to develop stronger hands and more explosive movements off the LOS he has the size and athleticism that cannot be taught. Ogbebor is a big addition to our rankings and is a name to watch as he continues to develop and release more tape.
Out of Brooks composite, Bol Bol Bol Bol 6’5″ | 245 lbs | DL Brooks Composite | 2025 State CAD is a 6’5 230lb defensive end prospect who showcases some good work on film but has the measurables and movement skills to have an extremely high ceiling. Likely not big enough to play OT at the next level Bol Bol Bol Bol 6’5″ | 245 lbs | DL Brooks Composite | 2025 State CAD does have the required size coming off the edge and the defensive end has extremely long limbs and a good burst off the LOS. HE has a long, lanky build that can suit him to get even bigger at the next level. Bol Bol Bol Bol 6’5″ | 245 lbs | DL Brooks Composite | 2025 State CAD finished plays and showcased the ability to get off blocks. Adding more pass-rush moves and a more developed pass-rush plan will help him develop ever more but his tape shows a three-down defensive lineman who has good movement skills and the size to make an impact.
Jesse Deneka Jesse Deneka 5’10” | 185 lbs | LB Grant Park | 2025 State CAD is a LB prospect from Grant Park and although a little undersized he plays the game exactly how you would want your linebacker to. Deneka sees the game well, he can read and react quickly showcases a solid change of direction, and bursts out of his cuts. Deneka’s best skillset may be his tackling ability in the open field. Deneka finishes tackles consistently wrapping up and can bring guys down in open space with no help. He demonstrates the ability to make big hits and is an extremely efficient special teams player with his tackling ability. Although a smaller backer, he tackles and hits hard and does so at a very high level with consistency.
Cole Hamilton Cole Hamilton 6’4″ | 205 lbs | LB St. Matthew | 2025 State CAD has elite measurables and is a player who I think is a big-time addition to our rankings and just scratching the surface of his ability. Hamilton is more of an outside linebacker prospect because of his length and that he is a prospect who can come off the edge and rush the passer. Hamilton is long and lean and still growing as an athlete but he showcases the ability to impact the game rushing the passer, against the run on or off the ball, and even in coverage where his length and instincts help him make plays. Hamilton has a high ceiling and is a player I am really excited to see develop for St. Matthew in Ontario.
Cooper Niedermaier Cooper Niedermaier 5’11” | 165 lbs | DB Ernest Manning | 2025 State CAD out of Ernest Manning in Alberta is a talented Defensive Back prospect who had a solid fall season and a strong start to the spring season. Niedermaier is a strong press corner who can make plays in the run game, reroute receivers at the LOS, and make tackles in space. Niedermaier has solid coverage skills and when he keeps his eyes on the quarterback can make plays at the catch point. Niedermaier showcases one of the more complete skillsets at corner and is a two-way player who can be an impactful slot back. If Niedermaier can continue to develop his ball skills and cause more turnovers he will be a name to watch when it comes time to update and add more prospects to the rankings.