Intriguing 2028 Defenders Emerging Across Indiana

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 class is set to enter year 2 this fall, and today we're looking at 5 intriguing prospects who you should keep tabs on moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560916"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682e0456648cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Vaughn is an incredibly exciting recruit who already flashed as a freshman, has good size, and did well with the reps he got. Vaughn's frame is real, and he's been in the weight room for years, and it'll be worth the work down the road. I anticipate that by the time this class is done, Vaughn's name will be towards the top. He's got strong hands and can fight through contact. He's got a quick first step and, for a guy his size, moves very well. He rotated in as a freshman in 9 games and recorded 21 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and got his first sack. Vaughn is talented and someone schools will get to know soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1670119"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682e045664937"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mattox is a standout athlete with legit speed and a track background that shows up every time he hits the field. He plays on both sides of the ball and brings value wherever he's lined up. Offensively, he's got reliable hands and can take the top off a defense, while on the other side, he's capable of making tackles in space and closing ground in a hurry. He's fluid, explosive, and plays with control. With his athletic profile and versatility, Mattox is the type of player who can develop nicely throughout his high school career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1633540"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682e045664984"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hamlin is a high-motor edge rusher who plays with effort on every snap. He does a great job getting underneath the linemen's pads and winning leverage battles at the point of attack. He's tough to block when he gets his hands inside and keeps driving his feet through contact. He's not the flashiest guy on the field, but he's relentless, plays with good pad level, and finds ways to disrupt. Whether it's setting the edge or chasing down plays from the backside, Hamlin brings energy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1522126"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682e0456649cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fulce is a young defensive back who's starting to settle in on the outside and gaining confidence with each rep. He's got a good frame with the kind of length you want in a corner, and he's already showing comfort in man coverage. He stays patient at the line, uses his hands well, and doesn't panic when the ball's in the air. You can tell he's been in the weight room, too. He's got some strength to his game and isn't afraid to mix it up physically. The tools are there, and as he continues to grow, he's got a chance to develop into a reliable piece in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1631842"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682e045664a14"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith made headlines as she entered HS and made the effort to play football. However, she doesn't just play football at East Central. She also wrestled this year and made it to Regionals. She's serious about football and likely understands the hurdles that are against her because it's "a man's sport," but, at the very least, I'm proud of her. She strikes me as the kind of person who doesn't care what others think, is determined, and will work for it. I think she's serious and shouldn't be taken lightly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reminder: The <strong>Combine Series</strong> is set for <strong>May 31st in Carmel, Indiana</strong>. If you are debating on attending, you can use the promocode: <strong>ErmanCombine25</strong> for 10% registration.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->