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Defensive Enforcers: Four Physical Prospects Built for Disruption

Defensive Enforcers: Four Physical Prospects Built for Disruption
Eric Bergman
Eric Bergman July 25, 2025 @ 08:39 PM
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In this article:

Patrick Cheney
Patrick Cheney 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB | 2026
IL
Tyler Drake
Tyler Drake 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB | 2026
IL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1083593' first='Patrick' last='Cheney'] – ILB – Lyons Township – 6'2”, 205 lbs (2026)</strong><br>Cheney brings a true linebacker mentality to the field—downhill, physical, and relentless. At 6'2", 205 pounds, he's built to anchor the middle and thrives when navigating traffic inside. His instincts and frame make him a steady presence in the box, and he continues to grow into his role as a leader on the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shane Diericx – OLB – Wheaton Warrenville South – 6'3”, 210 lbs (2026)</strong><br>Diericx is a long, athletic edge defender who can cover ground quickly. His frame and movement skills make him a fit for multiple roles—rushing the passer, dropping into coverage, or chasing plays laterally. He brings a high ceiling and is just starting to tap into his full potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='802037' first='Tyler' last='Drake'] – LB – Geneva – 6'0”, 190 lbs (2026)</strong><br>Drake plays with consistent effort and good anticipation. He finds the football, breaks down in space, and delivers clean tackles. His range allows him to stay on the field all three downs, and his ability to read and react helps him play fast. He's the type of linebacker every good defense needs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caleb Morrow – DE – East St. Louis – 6'2”, 211 lbs (2027)</strong><br>Morrow plays with controlled aggression and toughness off the edge. He's already seeing meaningful reps for a powerhouse program, and his length and motor show up consistently on tape. He's still developing physically, but the flashes of dominance are hard to ignore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

Patrick Cheney Patrick Cheney Patrick Cheney 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Lyons Township | 2026 State IL – ILB – Lyons Township – 6'2”, 205 lbs (2026)
Cheney brings a true linebacker mentality to the field—downhill, physical, and relentless. At 6'2", 205 pounds, he's built to anchor the middle and thrives when navigating traffic inside. His instincts and frame make him a steady presence in the box, and he continues to grow into his role as a leader on the defense.

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