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Defenders on the Rise: Players I Want to See Breakout

Defenders on the Rise: Players I Want to See Breakout
Robert Davis
Robert Davis August 8, 2025 @ 04:55 PM
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In this article:

Grady Thomson
Grady Thomson 6'3" | 260 lbs | DL/OL | 2027
CO
Julius Olivo
Julius Olivo 6'0" | 230 lbs | EDGE/TE | 2026
CO
Daniel Cullin
Daniel Cullin 5'11" | 185 lbs | K/P | 2027
CO
Nico Mashkouri
Nico Mashkouri 6'1" | 225 lbs | EDGE/DL | 2026
CO
Michael Toth
Michael Toth 5'9" | 170 lbs | DB/WR | 2026
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be looking at some defensive players that are primed to have a breakout season. These are the players that you will need to add to the radar as they turn scouts heads. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1772484"],"_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-689601e69c02b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Toth is a true lockdown corner with the instincts and quickness to shut down top opposing receivers. His crisp footwork allows him to mirror routes, while his ability to drive on the ball makes him a constant threat to break up passes. Toth isn't just a cover specialist, he's physical at the point of attack and quick to support the run, bringing down ball carriers with authority. He excels at getting in and out of breaks, getting his hands on passes to disrupt timing. With his blend of coverage skill, physicality, and ability to take away his assignment, Toth is a defensive back capable of changing the momentum of a game. Expect him to be a name you hear often this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1772518"],"_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-689601e69c083"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mashkouri brings relentless energy off the edge, combining speed and effort to chase down plays from behind. He plays with a high motor, refusing to quit until the whistle blows and has the strength to set the edge, forcing runners back into traffic. His quick hands and lower body power allow him to shed block and make stops in the backfield before plays develop. Mashkouri's closing burst makes him a threat both against the run and in pressuring the quarterback. Coming into the year with a chip on his shoulder, he's ready to prove himself as one of the more disruptive edge rushers in the area. Expect him to be a consistent difference maker for this defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1776596"],"_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-689604b0b9faf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cullin is one of the most versatile players you'll find, impacting the game as a kicker, defender, and offensive contributor. Last season, he was remarkably consistent, converting 94% of his PATs while also pinning opponents deep with well placed kickoffs. His special teams ability sets the tone but he's also a proven playmaker on defense, coming away with two interceptions last year. Cullin's ability to contribute in multiple phases makes him an up and coming player. This season, with more opportunities on both sides of the ball, he has the chance to establish himself as a breakout name you must know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1776602"],"_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-689604b0ba046"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After battling through setbacks, [player_tooltip player_id='1776602' first='Julius' last='Olivo'] is ready for a bounce back senior season and to make his presence felt. He's a disruptive force who thrives at throwing off offensive rhythm, using quick hands and agility to shed blocks and attack the backfield. Olivo closes in on ball carriers quickly, often before plays have a chance to develop, creating chaos for opposing offenses. Healthy and motivated, he's eager to showcase his explosiveness across a full season. His combination of motor, strength and urgency gives him the tools to be a hidden gem on the defensive side. Expect him to be a sleeper pick to watch closely this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1776609"],"_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-689604b0ba0b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thomson is a dynamic edge rusher who excels at controlling the perimeter and dictating the flow of plays. He's quick to diagnose outside runs, forcing ball carriers to cut back into pursuing defenders. With an explosive first step off the snap, Thomson is a disruptive force and puts consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His ability to disengage from blocks quickly allows him to secure tackles for loss and limit big plays. Thomson's well rounded skill set, stout run defense combined with pass rush potential, makes him a problem for any offensive line. As the season unfolds, he's primed to make his mark as a dominant force on the edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Today we will be looking at some defensive players that are primed to have a breakout season. These are the players that you will need to add to the radar as they turn scouts heads. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.

Michael Toth

Michael Toth

HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 170
POS DB/WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Michael
Toth DB/WR
Class
2026
Height
5'9"
Weight
170
HS
Palmer Ridge
|
CO
Defenders on the Rise: Players I Want to See Breakout
Toth is a true lockdown corner with the instincts and quickness to shut down top opposing receivers. His...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Michael Toth

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Palmer Ridge
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Nico Mashkouri

Nico Mashkouri

HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 225
POS EDGE/DL
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Nico
Mashkouri EDGE/DL
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
225
HS
Frederick
|
CO
Defenders on the Rise: Players I Want to See Breakout
Mashkouri brings relentless energy off the edge, combining speed and effort to chase down plays from behind. He...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Nico Mashkouri

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Frederick
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Daniel Cullin

Daniel Cullin

HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 185
POS K/P
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Daniel
Cullin K/P
Class
2027
Height
5'11"
Weight
185
HS
Englewood
|
CO
Defenders on the Rise: Players I Want to See Breakout
Cullin is one of the most versatile players you’ll find, impacting the game as a kicker, defender, and...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Daniel Cullin

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Englewood
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Julius Olivo

Julius Olivo

HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 230
POS EDGE/TE
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Julius
Olivo EDGE/TE
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
230
HS
Wellington
|
CO
Defenders on the Rise: Players I Want to See Breakout
After battling through setbacks, Julius Olivo is ready for a bounce back senior season and to make his...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Julius Olivo

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Wellington
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Grady Thomson

Grady Thomson

HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 260
POS DL/OL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Grady
Thomson DL/OL
Class
2027
Height
6'3"
Weight
260
HS
Broomfield
|
CO
Defenders on the Rise: Players I Want to See Breakout
Thomson is a dynamic edge rusher who excels at controlling the perimeter and dictating the flow of plays....
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Grady Thomson

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Broomfield
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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