Midseason Scouting Notes: Section I Defense

In Section I, we are over halfway through the season; several prospects have midseason film out so far that I split this by the side of the ball into offense and defense. Here is an overview of a few prospects I have been impressed with through film/production—and a small disclaimer: This article is mostly for prospects who either exceed expectations or are completely new to me. Prospects performing at expectation, even if that expectation puts them amongst the top players in the area, are not included.   This is for the defensive group, although some players may stand out as two-way players in their position.    Mercer is also playing a lot of offensive line, and I do like some of the stuff he has put on film at the position; considering his size, that might be his future at the next level, but early on, Mercer has been one of the more physical interior defensive lineman in Section I. Although ranked high - I think the versatility he has shown this year playing two-way and also being able to play pretty much every position across the defensive line because of his size and athleticism is what stands out. Not only does he do it, but he is doing it at a high level across all positions.     Ababio was already known as a really impressive DE/EDGE prospect and this season he has continued to have success off the edge. I think there has been a considerable improvement in his bend off the edge and his ability to turn the corner and finish the quarterback. He has some quality traits and is physically an intriguing developmental pass-rush prospect who shows violence in his hands. The ability to finish with more consistency is a quality step up from last season.     An EDGE/OLB type of athlete, Moore has been exceptional this year, and he has a really strong set of pass-rush moves he uses to win on the edge. He has a great get-off and swim move and consistently wins. I love how active his hands are, and he has turned from a prospect who flashes certain traits you want to see to a prospect who consistently executes the fundamentals and makes a lot of plays off the edge.     Adebola has stepped up his production this year, and the Ketcham defensive end has shown on film this year, with much more consistent tackling and violent finishing to plays. He is using his length well this season. While it is hard to get a read on his frame over the film, he is a shorter outside-end prospect, and his ability to use his arm(s) to control engagements at the point of attack is something you see a lot more through his midseason film.     Drnek is just the best offensive and defensive player for Dover. Although he is a do-it-all type of athlete, his college projection is likely at the LB position. This year, he has been extremely productive, showing good instincts and closing speed on film. He will need to continue to develop as an athlete for the next level, but you see his ability to play a step ahead of everyone else on film.     The Yonkers Brave OLB/SS prospect has been all over the field for the Brave early on in the season. I thought he had solid Junior film but there has been a quicker step to his game this year so far. It could be his development as an athlete becoming a little more explosive or continuing to develop a natural feel for the game and the ability to play faster.   Cisse is making plays at a higher rate and, over the course of his film, for a few games, shows some positional versatility and the ability to do it from multiple alignments/positions.     Gillies is a slightly undersized DE/OLB who has been very productive for the Rye defense so far this season. A defense that is loaded with talent at all three levels, Gillies showed some flashes to put him in the mix in the 2026 rankings last season but has had a strong start to 2024. On film, he is doing a really good job of maintaining his gap responsibilities and then shedding blocks to make plays around the LOS. His best ability will always be his get-off and ability to win with speed against the pass, but he is showing some quality work on the interior against the run.     The North Rockland safety prospect is part of a really talented Section I defensive backfield. I like how he has tackled this year on film. He shows some violence from that safety spot and does a great job of consistently making tackles in space. He is a smaller prospect at 160, but he plays big, can come down into the box, and fights through traffic. I liked his Junior film a lot but through a few games this year I think his midseason stuff is even better.

In Section I, we are over halfway through the season; several prospects have midseason film out so far that I split this by the side of the ball into offense and defense. Here is an overview of a few prospects I have been impressed with through film/production—and a small disclaimer: This article is mostly for prospects who either exceed expectations or are completely new to me. Prospects performing at expectation, even if that expectation puts them amongst the top players in the area, are not included.