Junior Defenders Poised for a Big Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2027 has been extremely fun to rank. Trying to project this class has been time-consuming, but at the other end of all that work has come a treasure trove of potential breakout talent. There are a number of Class of 2027 defenders who I expect to perform exceptionally well this season. This article includes five of the more under-the-radar prospects. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1174119"],"_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-686e7dce759ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I have a high level of respect for what Ethan has been able to accomplish so far in his HSFB career. Most sub-5'10" linebackers struggle to see the field, let alone become a captian and pop off for a monster JV season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What I'm trying to say is that Ethan absolutely has what it takes to perform at the Varsity level. On JV, Ethan already proved that he's physical, already proved he can go sideline to sideline, and proved himself in a wide variety of scenarios. As long as Ethan brings that same play speed to Varsity, he won't just earn reps, he'll once again stand out. Take a look at Ethan's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19617795/66f71139f64b9a5dcd7ba0a3">JV tape</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1687607"],"_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-686e7dce75a2e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A dude who can play at a high level anywhere on the defensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marcus' highlight tape is on the shorter end of the spectrum, but it still checks several boxes. For one, Marcus flashes a great getoff. There are a few highlights where Marcus gets off the ball much quicker than the opposing offensive lineman, and the linemen he's facing are no slouches. I also like Marcus' effort when fighting through blocks. There are times where the offensive lineman wins initially, but Marcus always fights hard to shed the block.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> I'm expecting another jump in production this season! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1685026"],"_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-686e7dce75a8c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kingston is one of many examples of Saginaw Heritage's under-the-radar talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's got the tools. Great size profile for an interior defensive lineman- Kingston is strong and difficult to move. Plus, several highlights show a willingness to keep pushing, even after failing to immediately shed a block. With upgrades to getoff, pad level, and IQ, Kingston could quickly skyrocket up the rankings. Absolutely someone who could break out this coming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1682911"],"_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-686e7dce75ad6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I know little about [player_tooltip player_id='1682911' first='Parks' last='Vugteveen'], but I do know that he checks a few critical boxes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first and most obvious box is the on-field performance. Last season, Parks proved to be a great role player when needed on Varsity, which he earned by performing amazingly at the JV level. All-around, Parks is a versatile safety. He's able to stop the run or blitz while lining up inside the box, and he's also able to play solid zone coverage when playing deep. I especially like Parks in a Strong Safety role- his explosiveness when blitzing is impressive. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parks has also had a super productive offseason. He's a PSTS guy who works year-round on his physical performance. If Parks plays up to my expectations, he'll earn GLIAC attention next Spring. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1157447"],"_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-686e7dce75b1b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cullen is an electric two-way player for a State Championship contender. Something that very few prospects can claim. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Cullen plays loose and fast. Most teams he faces are going to run the ball 90% of the time, and Cullen is excellent at stopping the run. Whether it's a toss toward the sideline or inside zone, I love how Cullen navigates through traffic, fights through blocks, and earns tough tackles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, Cullen sports high-end vision and contact balance. The competition he's facing has no idea how to stop him most of the time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cullen straight-up doesn't qualify for a breakout season because last season WAS his breakout year. I fully expect Cullen to be one of the most electric two-way players in Michigan again this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To touch on his ranking, I view Cullen as a likely Elite D3 prospect. If he tests exceptionally well, D2 programs are not out of the picture. I could see schools like Northwood, Hillsdale, and Hope liking Cullen quite a bit. I fear that Cullen does not fit the size threshold for many schools- that's honestly the most significant roadblock for Cullen when it comes to college value. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->