Rookie Rampage: 5 Defensive Freshmen Shaking Up the Game

We've got 5 talented freshmen who are breaking out right away for their respective programs and have a bunch of potential!    Woolever is a fairly impressive linebacker who is just getting started on Fridays, yet is already a team leader, all over the field, and showcasing as much potential as anyone we've come across yet. He's got a nose for the football and is always one of the guys part of the play. He's incredibly strong for his age and well built which helps in the trenches. His first week in Varsity was Week 1 where he only had 3 tackles. Since then, he's had double digit tackles in a few games, never less than 7, and does a good job getting his arms up to bat down balls. With 39 solo tackles just a few games into his career is a very promising sign and it'll be fun to watch Woolever over the next few years.     There is quite a bit of buzz in the area about McCullough and his potential. His frame and athletic potential are obvious. He's strong, has broad shoulders, can turn and run, and his hips seem to flip very naturally. So far, he's on the field, producing, and doing what he should be to set himself up down the road. While he's young and will make mistakes it's paramount someone as talented as him stays on the field. If the staff lives through some of the growing pains, it'll pay off big time. McCullough checks so many boxes that it's hard not to look over again and again. Through 4 Varsity games, he's put up 21 tackles and 2 TFLs, which should be just the tip of the iceberg.     Andrean quietly develops and puts fantastic players on the field year after year, yet doesn't get the respect it should. It gets overshadowed by bigger named schools like Merrillville and some others, but it's arguably the most consistent program and they've found another stud. After producing Notre Dame's starting LB, they went and found a young clone who is a ball hawk, is thick, strong, and has the entire staff excited. 31 tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 sack, and a recovered fumble is what he did in the first month on Varsity. With how well he's playing right off the bat, I think he's likely exceeding expectations which is impressive enough in it's own right.     Luzadder is a 2-way player for Frankton who doesn't come off the field much, but that's because he's so talented it's hard to pull him off the field. He's got elite speed and vision. When he touches the ball he's got a chance to house it. He's then got the same vision on defense and does a good job tracking the ball, fighting through traffic, and making the tackle. While he's not the biggest or heaviest player, as young as he is, he's got plenty of time to build up the frame. To be on the field and producing at the level he is while being a little undersized is exciting to see. As he develops his frame that'll only help him become more physical. With just under 200 all-purpose yards, 28 tackles, 2 hurries, and 3 passes deflected Luzadder is taking advantage of every opportunity that comes his way.     Patton is a versatile player who is rotating back and forth for Bishop Noll on both sides of the ball as they work out his potential. He's a powerful back and does a good job staying behind his pads and following his lead blocker. He's got 108 rushing yards and 1 TD on offense while putting up 33 tackles and 3 TFLs on defense where he's able to get off blocks, tackle in open spaces, and knows to force the ball carrier back inside if he's not able to make the play. I like the aggression and passion he plays with too. He's someone who can help energize guys around him and that's something I always appreciate.

We've got 5 talented freshmen who are breaking out right away for their respective programs and have a bunch of potential!