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<p>There were not many defensive players that appeared in Missouri past weekend, but coaches should be taking notes at the ones that did. LB MVP ([player_tooltip player_id='1127275' first='Mason' last='Wright'], 2026) and DB MVP ([player_tooltip player_id='1581433' first='Israel' last='Conaway'], 2025) Stole the show with the plays that they made. When they both needed to come off the field for a quick break, the rest of the defense did not give the offense room to breathe. Below you will find 6 more athletes that were all at Missouri Western's facilites to prove they belong to play at the next level.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1121224' first='Gage' last='Rickerson'] is a promising defensive back from the class of 2025 with an excellent work ethic and a great GPA. He impressed throughout the day, competing in 1-on-1 drills against some top-tier talent, showing a willingness to test himself and improve. His mindset and approach to the game are standout qualities, always eager to learn and seize every opportunity to get better. Rickerson's discipline and focus make him a coachable player with a lot of potential to develop further. His commitment to refining his skills and competing at a high level will undoubtedly set him up for future success.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1581298' first='Deeron' last='Gibson'] is a 2025 defensive back with a strong presence and great potential for the next level. He possesses good size for a college DB, giving him an advantage when facing taller wide receivers. His ability to break up passes is a standout trait, thanks to his strong hands and physicality. Throughout the showcase, Deeron displayed a coachable attitude, always eager to learn and improve, which bodes well for his development. Being one of the few Kansas DBs at the event, he stood out among the competition, showing that he has the talent and work ethic to excel at higher levels of play.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1581440' first='Pierce' last='Fisher'] is a 2026 defensive back with great size for the position. His long arms were a standout feature, allowing him to disrupt passes consistently throughout the showcase, creating a strong presence in coverage. Fisher's long strides enable him to stay with receivers downfield, showcasing his ability to keep pace with faster opponents and cover a lot of ground. His combination of size, length, and fluidity makes him a promising prospect with excellent potential in both man and zone coverage. With further development, Fisher could become a top-tier defensive back at the next level.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1581442' first='Reid' last='Smith'] is a standout defensive back from the class of 2026 with elite size for the secondary. His physicality allows him to match up against almost any receiver, and he demonstrated this ability throughout the showcase by blanketing his assignments. Smith's ability to open his hips smoothly and run with receivers on deep passes was especially impressive, showing his agility and fluid movement. His combination of size, athleticism, and technique makes him a top-tier prospect with the potential to be a dominant force in the secondary.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1581296' first='Aden' last='Rolle'] is a promising linebacker from the class of 2028 with a lot of potential despite his small size. Throughout the showcase, he demonstrated growth as he became more comfortable with each session. Although he was tasked with covering a much larger back, he showed resilience and an ability to stick with the assignment. His willingness to be coached and adapt to different situations stood out, showcasing his coachability. With time, he has the chance to develop into a strong player, particularly as he gains more experience and builds his physical frame.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Aiden Arellano is an impressive linebacker from the class of 2027, showcasing elite potential at the position. His speed stands out, allowing him to cover ground quickly from sideline to sideline. With a well-built muscular frame, Aiden possesses the physicality to compete at a high level while maintaining quickness and agility. His ability to track down plays from any part of the field is a key strength, and his speed allows him to disrupt offenses both in coverage and against the run. Given his natural athleticism and work ethic, Aiden has the potential to develop into an elite linebacker with the ability to make a significant impact on both sides of the ball.</p>
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There were not many defensive players that appeared in Missouri past weekend, but coaches should be taking notes at the ones that did. LB MVP (Mason WrightMasonWright
6'3" | 210 lbs | LB/EDGE
St. Pius X (KC) | 2026 StateMO
, 2026) and DB MVP (Israel ConawayIsraelConaway
5'9"
Lee's Summit North | 2025 MO
, 2025) Stole the show with the plays that they made. When they both needed to come off the field for a quick break, the rest of the defense did not give the offense room to breathe. Below you will find 6 more athletes that were all at Missouri Western's facilites to prove they belong to play at the next level.