2025 Final Rankings: Defensive New Additions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What prospects that debuted in the final 2025 rankings made the biggest impressions?&nbsp; Here are some of them in <strong>Final 2025 Rankings: Defensive New Additions</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1564027' first='Lamarcus' last='Hicks'] (Maine West)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smooth athlete that can play on both sides of the ball.&nbsp; Defensively he has game changing ability including a pick 6.&nbsp; Tracks the ball well in the air, cuts to the ball, and comes down in run support.&nbsp; Also brings potential as a wide receiver with his smooth route running and soft hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB [player_tooltip player_id='1564036' first='Jet' last='Reese'] (DePaul Prep)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'4” linebacker was a big part of his teams run through the playoffs.&nbsp; Technically sound shuffling side to side then attacks downhill.&nbsp; Very instinctual linebacker that is a physical tackler and runs well to the ball.&nbsp; Also shows capabilities in coverage going backwards covering over the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id='1564057' first='Matthew' last='Shelton'] (Wheaton North)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 6'3” long armed corner is a playmaker!&nbsp; He has great body control when attacking balls in the air while getting his fair share of interceptions.&nbsp; Good tackler as well that plays with physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL [player_tooltip player_id='1564059' first='Diyonnes' last='King'] (Wheaton Academy)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>King is a 6'1” 190 pound undersized edge rusher that will need to add strength going forward, but there are intriguing tools.&nbsp; He is a speed rusher with excellent bend around the edge.&nbsp; Plethora of pass rush moves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL [player_tooltip player_id='1326078' first='Owen' last='Lightner'] (Triad)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I saw Triad in person a couple times this season and Lightner popped both times.&nbsp; He is an edge that can translate into a defensive end or outside linebacker.&nbsp; Sets the edge, pursues the ball, and has pass rush ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB [player_tooltip player_id='1564069' first='Javion' last='Smith'] (Edwardsville)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is a thumper in the middle that had a big year for Edwardsville.&nbsp; Two way standout also as a running back.&nbsp; We like the angles he takes to the ball as a tackler and his closing speed really stood out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB [player_tooltip player_id='1564808' first='Kadin' last='Sabree'] (Belleville East)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Want production?&nbsp; Sabree has it.&nbsp; He brings it game in and game out.&nbsp; The 6'1” 205 pound linebacker has excellent instincts breaking on the ball while running sideline to sideline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->