Final 2025 Rankings: Defensive Stock Risers

Prep Redzone release our final edition of the 2025 rankings.  These are just a few of the top stock risers on the defensive side of the ball in the Illinois 2025 Rankings!   LB [player_tooltip player_id='831092' first='Carson' last='Cooney'] (Oswego)   Cooney is a strong and physical tackling linebacker that is constantly knifing through the defense.  He has long arms to corral the ball carrier.  Excellent straight line speed with good instincts.  Always in downhill attack mode and pursuing the ball sideline to sideline.   DL [player_tooltip player_id='830840' first='Ke'Andre' last='McClendon'] (East St. Louis)   I really do not understand what colleges do not see in McClendon.  He is slightly undersized, but man is he productive.  The defensive tackle is an absolute force with his quickness and athleticism.  Lives in the opposing backfield both vs the run and pass.   DL [player_tooltip player_id='162631' first='Cameron' last='Brooks'] (Homewood Flossmoor)   Brooks is an Illini commit at defensive tackle that really pops.  His quickness inside being able to get up field with his athleticism and speed along with his burst off the snap is big time.  Physical and powerful use of his hands.  Holds up well against the run and can pursue outside of area.   DB [player_tooltip player_id='1292071' first='Charleston' last='Coldon'] (Belleville Althoff)   Coldon was one of the more consistent corners we saw all year.  He is fluid in his back pedal, changes direction, and makes plays on the ball.  Also is effective coming up in run support and contributed as Althoff's go to wide receiver.   DB [player_tooltip player_id='1292111' first='Jermaine' last='Jones'] (Bolingbrook)   Jones is a Cincinnati commit who is a long and rangy defensive back with potential at both corner and free safety.  Fluid flipping his hips, tackles well in space, and brings kick return potential.   ATH [player_tooltip player_id='831095' first='Nathan' last='Cleveland'] (Hoffman Estates)   Cleveland is a two-way player that defensively had 81 tackles, 3 PBU, and a pair of forced fumbles.  On offense he recorded 1,849 all purpose yards and 28 touchdowns.  Well built QB that ran it well projecting best offensively probably as an RB on that side.  Defensively he is a hybrid safety/linebacker that can come down to make plays in box.  Physical and attacks the ball.   ATH [player_tooltip player_id='830846' first='Mason' last='Ellens'] (Glenbard West)   The Iowa State commit had a big senior year as the defensive back recorded 56 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 3 pass breakups.  Most of his tape is of him on the offensive side of the ball so we switched him to an athlete.  Shows kick return ability and as a receiver being effective on bubble screens.  As a defensive back he shows solid instincts on the ball making plays along with coming up in run support from his safety spot.   DL [player_tooltip player_id='1292125' first='Chuck' last='Lanier'] (Sacred Heart Griffin)   Defensive lineman that brings scheme versatility being able to play end or tackle.  Plays with physicality and is a good overall athlete shown playing some tight end as well.  Like how he uses his hands to shed blocks and has a powerful punch.  Nice frame and solid instincts holding up against the run.   DL [player_tooltip player_id='1292097' first='Bryce' last='Griffin'] (Yorkville)   As a senior the 6'4” edge posted 5 sacks, 50 total tackles, 7 hurries, 18 tackles for loss, and scored 1 touchdown.  He was even more impressive on tape.  His bend and burst off the snap give him a big advantage as a pass rusher.  Good use of his hands shedding tackles.  Bit on the thin side but his length and frame will allow him to add more strength.  Good up and over move.  Crashes down the line making plays in the run game.  You are buying the speed rushing ability here!   LB [player_tooltip player_id='1292104' first='Cooper' last='Zimmer'] (Belleville Althoff)   Zimmer is a straight up tackling machine.  He is a missile going to the ball especially against the run.  Knifes through the defense making plays in the backfield on a regular basis.  Runs sideline to sideline.  Has potential as a cover guy as well.   DB Xavier McGruder (Simeon)   The 6'2” corner has plus size and athleticism.  Smooth back pedal with the ability to break on the ball for interceptions.  Mirrors the wide out getting in and out of their cuts.  Good speed downfield and always has his head turned around to make a swipe at the ball or get an interception.  Also brings physicality hitting with force.   DB [player_tooltip player_id='1292245' first='Clayton' last='Lakatos'] (Edwardsville)   We were able to see this Southern Illinois commit play multiple times in person this season.  He is a good sized backend player that has speed, athleticism, and range.  Can also come up in run support on a consistent basis.  Return potential.   DB [player_tooltip player_id='831099' first='Andruw' last='Ellis'] (Roxana)   Ellis is a 6'0” 185 pound do it all athlete for his team.  Offensively he scored as a pass catcher and as a side back.  Touchdown threat on every play.  Projects best on the defensive side as a defensive back with his athleticism, fluidity, and ball skills.  Tackles with force causing fumbles.

Prep Redzone release our final edition of the 2025 rankings. These are just a few of the top stock risers on the defensive side of the ball in the Illinois 2025 Rankings!